Hi everyone!
I just went to read some of the blogs and I realized my last entry from Paris never went through! I miss Paris a lot more than I thought I was going to, I miss my roommates and Emmanuel. I do not miss waking up do early though, I still haven't caught up on my sleep. I have to say looking back my favorite part of the trip was the last day when Nikki, Kayla and I explored Paris on our own. We were able to do what we wanted and had no restraints. I felt like a true Parisian not like a tourist. My least favorite part was the flying, my neck was destroyed after sleeping the way I did on the plane. Rushing Hermes was so worth it, my boyfriend loves his tie and my bracelet fits perfect with my collection. I do not think I would do another tour in Paris because I like to explore places how I like but it was an amazing tour and Emanuel did an excellent job showing up around and helping us. I really with the devil women from ASU wasn't so mean to her it made me want to cry.
XOXO,
Rosalie Zoro Kardashian

Paris, Je T'aime

...and a plethora of memories. Over the last few days, I have been looking through my France photos, and recalling all of our activities and adventures. The pictures are like memory joggers that get the story going.

When people ask me what I did in Paris, I say "everything." I'm amazed at how much we were able to do and see (and eat!). Of course, our busy days meant we sometimes didn't get as much free time to wander about, because we were always on the move, but on the other hand, we saw so much of the city. Catie commented that the EF Tours would be a great crash course for people who have just moved to the city, and she's right. We got to cross a bunch of major landmarks and attractions off the typical tourist's to-do list, and we became pretty familiar with our surroundings and the Metro system and the way things work.

The last few days of our trip were particularly memorable and filled with fabulous activities. We saw some beautiful couture fashions when we met with new designer Claudine Ivari, and I loved the Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton exhibit. Another favorite excursion was the boat cruise on the Seine. We saw all the major sites in the heart of the city, and taking the tour at night proved particularly picturesque: we truly got to see the City of Lights, including the Eiffel Tower alight and twinkling.

It's still unreal that I just got back from Paris. There were so many memorable moments, from the great (touring the gardens of Versailles), to the small (trying my first macaroon). As Catie put it, "We Franced."

From Boston,
Stephanie Ebeling

Back in the states

We are back from our amazing trip to Paris and it's crazy to me that a 8 days has already passed. I feel like it was yesterday I was packing and trying to remember everything I needed to bring, now it's all over.
It was an amazing trip and a definitely great start to my travel outside of the United States, I cannot wait to visit many more countries. When I finally got home last night and gave everyone souvenir presents and got to bed I fell asleep with all my clothes on because of how exhausted I was. Today will be a day of doing very american things like eating a huge breakfast and laying around the house and recooperating.

I could never say one thing would be my favorite part of the trip because I have such amazing memories that I will never forget.

And absolutely beautiful pictures. I am just really thankful to have the chance to be able to visit such a gorgeous place and I hope to return again.

From Boston,
Nikole Watson

Bon Voyage!

This week over all went pretty well. Today is sadly the last day and I only wish that I had more time to spend here in this amazing city.

I very much so enjoyed myself here with the EF tour groups. I've made friends with people on the other side of the United States and have gotten to know some of the girls on the tour with Fisher. I am definitely going to come back here with my family in a few years. I'm just so priveledged to have been given the oppuritunity to visit Paris for the first time with a tour company because now I have been able to see some of the most beautiful, and important places in France. Thank you Fisher, the Fashion Club, and EF Tours for making this trip unforgettable. Maeg

Our Francing is coming to an end...

It's a shame to think that all this fun in Paris is actually coming to an end. With all the things we've done on this trip it was well worth it. Everything was fantastic and the people are usually nicer than expected. From our fashion visits to our fun shopping time and going through all of the tourist locations we possibly could, I think, we got a lot done. Which was fantastic in my opinion because of all of the potential this trip has had. We even got to conquer the catacombs!! There were so many amaizingly interesting ways that people being moved from one place to the other can be sucha a big attraction. After running and photographing through the catacombs we enjoyed the gift shop and the sidewalk. There have been plenty of crepe and glaces stops along the way that we definitely had our fill if not more. We have gotten to meet and converse with French designers and even pick their brains. This whole trip has been a fantastic experience. Today we head off to the Eiffel tower one last time before we go, take it all in then we are on a plane back to the states. See you later Paris, until we meet again! J'tam Jessica Ferraro

L'empire de la mort

Today we experienced something I have always wanted to do; Today we visited Paris' catacombes. I have always thought the catacombes seemed facinating, and have been interested in their history. The walls of underground tunnels are lined with thousands of bones, moved from a cemetary to stop the polution they caused to Paris's water. While I understand that things like the catacombes may not be everyones's cup of tea, I think they were facinating. It was amazing to see the enourmous amount of bones in the tunnels, and how packed in they are. I love ghost stories, and macabre themes, and so finally getting to see the catacombes up close, after wanting to see them for so long, was amazing. I felt very Anne Rice-esqe, and I was loving every second of it. Later we visited the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton exibit. I loved seeing the origional Louis Vuitton trunks that they had on display. Marc Jacobs is one of my favorite designers, so I really loved having the opertunity to see some of his work. We were not supposed to take photographs, but I tried to anyway. Every time I did the same guard would come out of the shadows and scold me for it, in French. My favorite part of the exibit was Marc Jacobs' indpiration boards, which covered several walls with pictures and videos of things that inspire his designs. As a fan of his work it is facinating to me to see where his ideas stem from. Catie Meehan

last day in paris

Today was our last full day in Paris so sad! It was very eventful we got to see the Marc Jacobs Louis Vuitton exhibit which was so amazing! There were Louis Vuitton bags everywhere. To be seen. We then got to go to a private showroom and see a young couture designer her work was truly beautiful we all loved it. I enjoyed my last crepe today and ad a great lunch with the best soup I ever had. Its bittersweet to leave tomorrow I miss my friends and family but am finding it hard to leave this beautiful city! However I have tons of great memories and pictures. Au revoir -abbie

It's Been real

Bonjour,

Unfortunately our Paris trip is coming to an end. As sad as I am, I am excited to return back to the U.S. Paris is amazing and I have had a fabulous time but you can't beat home! I have never seen so many beautiful and magical places.

Today we saw the Moulin Rouge Rouge and yesterday we went to the Champs Eleysees! One of the most exciting parts of my day was witnessing the Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs Fashion exhibit. It was truly amazing witnessing the designs and artistic creations! Because of the weather yesterday we were unable to climb the Eiffel Tower but luckily we are going to do it first thing tomorrow morning which I am super excited for once that is done my trip will be complete.

The food in Paris is very different they eat tons of bread and cheese and they do not have many toppings such as butter. One thing I tried which wasn't that bad was the escargot. It was a little garlicy and tasted like chicken. Once you get past the whole snail part its not so bad! I can not wait to get an ice coffee when I return home they are hard to find here. Well buhbye for now see you in the USA :] From Paris, Alexis Charland

Oh la la

Last day/night in Paris..Already ?!

I am so sad to leave this beautiful city tomorrow. I had an amazing day today, getting to see the breathtaking exhibit on Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton. That is one exhibit that I'll probably never see back home, but to see it here, was worth it.

I walked amongst dead people today..that was not so much fun. Although it was wicked cool, I was not a fan of the tight rooms and caves. Today was a good day. I enjoyed it! Tomorrow will be a good yet sad day as well. Going back to the states but leaving behind such an amazing city. Til we meet again Paris ! From Paris , France\ Kayla Bishop

Palais Garnier

Today was a more relaxed day than the past few we have had, and we took the opportunity to go shopping in the Marais. We shopped for a while, and then had the chance to meet an up and coming designer, and to hear about his designs and his business. The highlight of the day for me, however, came after the shopping. A group of us traveled from the Marais to the Opera district to see the famous Palais Garnier opera house. The Palais Garnier is the inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera. Being a huge fan of both the book and the musical,I was so excited to have the chance to see the opera house. It is so beautiful and extravagant looking, decorated with so many chandeliers and statues. I was so excited to see the grand foyer and walk up the grand staircase that inspired the story I love so much. This by far has been one of my favorite parts of the trip. Day after day I am reminded of how great of an experience this is, and how fortunate I am to have been able to be part of this trip to this amazing country. Catie Meehan

Birthday!

Hello it is the second to last day we have to be up at 8:30 an I'm so tired but it's my birthday! This has been one of the best weeks of my life! I get to live my childhood dream to go to Paris, and its my 21st birthday as well! Today we went to the most amazing mall of my life and got my boyfriend thee most beautiful shirt ever I cannot wait to see his adorable face when he sees it. I had a delicious diner tonight, I had microwave pasta with my best friend forever (Queen Rosalie Kardashian). That's it for now! XOXO, Miss Nikki Watson

May 21st

Today we went to Sam's showroom today. He talked to use about his collections as well as his spring 2013 collection. He talked about how he gets inspired and his dedication to being a fashion designer. I really enjoyed listening to him talk.

Today was raining all day, so it was a little tough to fully enjoy Paris. We made the best out of it. Hopefully tomorrow will be a beautiful day so we can enjoy all of the activities that we have planned, as well as shop. My goal for tomorrow is to find a street crepe with nutella. Have not gotten one yet, and I cannot leave without trying one.

- Julianne M.

arriving in paris

Bonjour from Paris!

This week has been a lot of fun I have tried every different french dessert there is. My favorite has to be the banana nutella crepes..to die for. Yesterday was our trip to Versailles it was unbelievable I have never seen anything like it. I cant imagine that was someone's home, I would definitely get lost!

Among the other amazing sights my favorite included the Eiffel tower, Latin Quarter, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. I am so glad I am able to have this experience and see all the amazing architecture, it's unlike anything I ever imagined it would be. Tomorrow will include more shopping and a trip to the Marc Jacobs Louis Vuitton exhibit which is extremely exciting, it will be cool to be present in a french showroom.

The food and sites are amazing, I have fallen in love with Paris!-Abbie

Today we were invited to speak with a french designer who gave us some insight on his experience and struggles as an up and coming designer. His collection that was housed in the studio we visited were absolutely beautiful. I would love to have each and every piece to put in my closet! Because I'm not a designer, I really enjoyed hearing his point of view on fashion and the importance of telling a story through your collection. While at Fisher College, I majored in fashion merchandising, because although I have a love for fashion I am not very artistic. This designer is extremely accomplished for his age and was determined to have his own brand. Now, at the young age of 25, he is well on his way to becoming a successful and well known designer in Paris! To hear his story and accomplishments was very inspiring and has motivated me to continue to chase after my dreams.

Paris is beautiful! We have seen so many amazing things since arriving.

So far, our visit to Notre Dome and the Garden of Versailles has served to be my favorite. The garden is absolutely gorgeous and runs for miles and miles, I still can't get over how big it was! While walking and taking in all of it's beauty, they play classic musical throughout the garden, which I thought was the perfect touch to the overall experience. Notre Dome was absolutely amazing and cant even be described in words. No picture or description of this church will do it any justice. The fine detail and thought that was put in to building this church still boggles my mind! I can't believe they were capable of constructing something so enormous and beautiful. Aside from it's size, it's shocking how old this church really is! (I can't remember the exact date) Although I'm not very religious, Paris really makes you appreciate their history and beliefs through visiting these amazing places.

If you ever visit Paris, which I recommend you do, these two places must be on your list!

When it rains, it pours!

The weather today was awful! Our prayers to the Sun King went unanswered as, rain and wind spoiled our plans to climb the Eiffel Tower and see the city from the Seine. However, the group remained in great spirits. These ladies are adventures!

We spent the morning avoiding puddles and ducking for cover in cafe's of the Marais. We enjoyed our first authentic French breakfast. Eating buttery croissants and sipping cafe au lait we wished for the rain to let up as we waited for the shops to open. It didn't, so we indulged in some much needed retail therapy.

We had our first (of hopefully two) fashion visits and met with a Labanese-French designer who was born in Senegal. He certainly has an international perspective and it was fun to visit his pop-up store, hear his story, and see his work.

We hope for better weather tomorrow as we venture to the catacombs, the Champs-Élysées, and the Marc Jacobs exhibit.

From Paris...Prof. Banis Stoehrer

Amazing

Hi everyone, So far Paris has been amazing. We've been running around this city exploring all these is to see. Notre Dame, Versailles, The Louvre, and of course today, the Eiffel Tower. Everything is unreal and beautiful. We've been eating delicious breads and crepes and the gelato is to die for. It is gorgeous here, the architecture alone has been mind blowing. I can't believe we've been here for six days! Time flies when you're having fun. Ali

So far....

This trip so far has been pretty good! I'm just still in awe that I'm actually here in France.

Today we are going to visit and tour the Eiffel Tower. I saw it last night with another group in the pm, it was so beautiful all light up. Every hour the tower lights up and "sparkles". That was a pretty amazing sight. WE are also going on a fashion visit today to speak with a designer about the fashion industry. That should be interesting!

Yesterday we traveled about 5 hours out of the city to the Loire Valley and I really enjoyed myself. Even though the weather has been pretty bad, it's been enjoyable as long as you have an umbrella! Tonight we are going on the Seine River for a pm cruise! that should be really nice too, hopefully not too cold. Tomorrow we are going to the Catacombs! I's SUPER excited for that since it is something right up my alley! I just hope nothing too creepy happens. We'll we're off to the Tower now! Buh-bye! From Paris, Maeg

The Most Beautiful City!

Bonjour all!

So far my stay in Paris has been c'est magnifique! Everything here is so beautiful it's unreal. Paris has so much history it's crazy. Just the other day I was walking the same path as Marie Antoinette once did! We went for a visit to Verailles which was one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. The architecture was incredible not to mention the golden gates made with real gold.
I'm super excited for today because we are starting off with some Paris shopping (oh la la) and then we are going to walk up the beautiful Eiffel tower (this is what I have been waiting for). This trip was definitely worth taking. Other than our adventures I have also tried many foods that I would never even think about trying such as escargot and duck. I even liked both of them, who would think. Well I have a full day ahead of me so bonvoyage for now :] From Paris, Alexis Charland

A Three-Hour Tour?!

We should have known better when we heard the words "a three hour tour." They didn't bode well for Gilligan and crew, and they didn't bode well for us.

Traffic from returning French vacationers hit heavy, and our return trip from the Loire Valley took us a whopping six hours. To make matters more complicated, our bus driver was required to stop the bus after driving for four and a half hours, so we had to stop at a very seedy gas station for 30 minutes. On the bright side, we saw some nice sights in the French countryside when we toured the Loire Valley. We started with Notre Dame de Chartres, a beautiful Gothic cathedral with unique blue-tinted stained glass. On this rainy, grey day, the spires of the bell towers disappeared into the misty clouds, and just as we approached the church, the bells began to ring. Inside, mass had just started, and we got to witness a Catholic mass conducted in the traditional Latin. Of courses Chartres reminded me of Notre Dame de Paris in many ways, but it is different. Smaller, and much less crowded. Talking with my roommates later, we agreed that we appreciated the smaller crowds we encountered on today's excursions--something that stood in sharp contrast with the swarms of people at Versailles, for example.

The Chateau Chenenceau was a modest Gothic castle. Again, I enjoyed the exterior more than the interior of the castle. Seeing the structure from the outside, complete with gargoyles and moats and turrets, it is so obvious that you are viewing a castle. Once inside, the lavish rooms sometimes feel more like museum installations than rooms within a castle setting.

A most memorable moment of the day occurred, as they tend to, during dinner. I tried my first escargots, along with Lexi, Jess, and Catie. The verdict? Not too bad. In fact, they were pretty good, they were even seasoned with a kind of pesto sauce. Mrs. McGovern, who sometimes seems to have more energy than I do, surprised us all and treated the six of us to dinner.

For dessert, we took to the street in search of a creperie and ice cream stand. We're know that the best crepes come, not from a restaurant, but from the street. I finally got to satisfy my craving for a chocolate crepe, although it wasn't quite as delicious as I remembered. Perhaps it was that particular crepe, or perhaps I built up my memory in the time since my last visit to Paris, so now I will have to try again. I'm up for the challenge. :) From Paris/Loire Valley, Stephanie Ebeling