1 year later...

Well, unfortunately not only did I create a large gap in between entries but I never concluded this blog. In my final two weeks or so of Paris things got pretty busy with: moving out, traveling, final exams, canceling contracts, and finishing up work. But I've decided to tie this little adventure up with one final post.

On a nice sunny and warm day a couple of friends and I decided to go try out the row-boats on a lake in a town called Vincennes which is connected to Paris via Metro. The weather was perfect that day and it was a lot of fun rowing across the water and even idling to people watch.

In my last two or three days I attempted to re-visit some of the places that I thought I would miss the most including Musee d'Orsay.

(the walking bridge to the d'Orsay via Jardin des Tuileries)

Unfortunately my last days also coincided with the beginning of summer which means tourist season! The line was too long for the museum so I decided having been there multiple times before I could spend my time doing other things.

And so I met up with my friend Linda for lunch! We both ordered a Nicose Salad. Yum! Sardines, tuna, hard boiled eggs, and green beans.

I went to a couple of my favorite parks. Place des Vosges mainly because it was so close to my house and in my neighborhood so therefore, "my" park.

Had a farewell dinner at my friend Colette's where I stayed a few nights. We also celebrated my birthday at the Pont des Arts bridge which was amazing. It was crowded with people, the sun was setting and the Eiffel Tower was in clear view. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend my 21st Birthday :)

I took the train out of Paris on June 5th to England where I spent the day with my family. And then flew out of England the next day to San Francisco on June 6th. Jet lag got me for a few days (wanting to go to sleep at 7pm and wake up at 5am) but I pulled through.

Now it's September and I'm back in school at San Francisco State University. It's strange to think that this time last year we were all moving out of the hostel and adjusting to Paris. In my final weeks there my friends and I still find ourselves exploring the city even having been there for a year. I honestly thought I would experience "reverse culture shock" or be downright depressed at being back in the states but a part of me firmly believes that I will go back to Paris one day and so I know it's not over yet :)

Thanks to those who followed this blog through this past year, it was an amazing experience and I'm glad I was able to share what I could with you. Whoever you are.

Bisous et Au revoir!
Michael Suyeda

(My first entry for this blog was on August 22nd, 2010 the day we all arrived in Paris.)