but i still haven't found what i'm looking for

It can't be a good thing when you walk outside in 30 degree weather, thinking it's actually not that bad out.

Of course, considering that when I left my house this morning at 9, it was 10 degrees, 30 seems practically balmy in comparison, which I suppose is the point. I've been told countless times today that this weather is incredibly rare for Paris. In fact, it supposedly hardly ever snows here, which it did on Monday as I was on my way to school. I have photos, even. Because snow in Paris? It's like a fantasy. I'll pass the metro bridge and the little pastry shops on my way to the metro, making sure not to slip on the icey side-walk, and little white flurries getting caught in my hair and settling in the trees, and all along the balconies and the roofs of Paris. Then I get to the Latin Quarter for school, across the street from Cluny, and it's this old, medieval abbey with a park next to it, covered in snow. Like a nice, historical dream, only one in which my eyeballs are freezing.

I've spent much of the past few days asleep thanks to jetlag and hormones, both of which suck and can be a serious distraction from getting back into the swing of school. Today was actually the first day back that I've felt like a real human being, and not a monster out to eat anyone who disturbs my slumber.

This morning was one of my last French Society classes, in which we discussed French politics, which are, not always obviously, very different from ours. We as Americans know, for the most part, that they're a more left-wing country than we, having an actual established, semi-popular Socialist party (that was in power for a few years in the 80s). For instance, up until 1877, the French executive branch (the "government", not the president) had the ability to dissolve at will the Parlement, which had the same power to dissolve, at will, the "government". Very effective, yes? You can imagine what happened when you had a royalist president and government against a republican Parlement.

It's weird being here without a roommate; I got used to having someone in the room with me. Not to mention, there are only about 4 or 5 other AIFS students left here until February, so my classes are empty and it's just—weird. Very different from when I left, even though it doesn't really feel like I actually did leave.

Ah, well.

My mom comes in two weeks. This is the major sale time of year for Paris, with 50% to 70% off in many major stores. Understandably, considering it's not tourist season and there's definitely a reason for that.

Brrrr.

Pictures of the snow to come tomorrow.