Jour 52- Weekend in Provence- Day 1

The wake up in the morning was not that bad. I was so excited to go to Provence, that I was ready to go in the morning when Libby and I woke up. We got all of our things together, and a bunch of us API-ers who live in the FEU made our way on the RER to the Gare de Lyon.

We got on the train and I literally passed out. I love taking trains to places. It's such a smooth ride and I usually fall asleep like I do on airplanes. One minute I'm in one place, and the next I'm awake in another!

The train ride was three hours long. When we arrived in Provence, all 50 of us API-ers got on 2 buses and drove to Aix-en-Provence. Aix is the capital of Provence. It is considered the heart of Provence and is known for its rich spas, its almond industry and calissons, and small squares with fountains. I have been to Aix before, but it was a very brief stop. I had never actually gotten to stay in the city and explore it.

We arrived at our hotel called Hotel du Globe which was pretty nice! Two stars goes a long way in France! Of course, Kelly B, Jor and I roomed together and poor Libby was on her own. We unpacked our stuff and Ellen, Annie, Marissa, Kelly, Libby, and I went and got lunch. Jordan took a nap.. go figure.

We walked around until we found this little square with a cafe. Situated in the square was the Cathederal Saint Saveur and one of the buildings that comprises the Universite d'Aix. Many students from all over study abroad here; I saw many Americans but I don't think I'd ever study in the country... too boring.

After lunch, we went back home until we all had to meet up at 4 for a tour of the city and the Cathederal I mentioned before. There were two guides- one French and two English. Of course, I chose the English guide. We ended up walked over to right where I had eaten lunch earlier, in front of the Cathederal Saint Saveur. The guide explained that the church is important because of its architecture which is a mixture of the 5th- 17th centuries.

We toured the city and saw a bunch of sweet buildings like the Hotel de Ville. After the tour was over, we were set loose to wander the city by ourselves. Jor, Kel, Lib and I got some gelato. Oh boy was it good. I got pistachio and bacio. De-licious! After, I walked around with some girls that go to La Sorbonne and went in and out of mini shops. The best shops were the sweet shops! I went into a chocolatier and bought a bag of chocolates. My sweet tooth didn't stop there! We went into this store called La Cure Gourmand where they made biscuits and lollipops and you name it! It was the cutest store! I bought strawberry and almond biscuits to add on to my sweet tooth!

After, we returned home and relaxed. We were planning on going out to dinner, but instead, the four of us hit up this fast-food joint called "Le Must" where the guy working there let us play some sweet jams on his ipod while he cooked us all pitas and fries.

We returned home and didn't do much of anything. We watched the Olympics, but didn't go out because we were exhausted from a long day. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful city and there is more to do tomorrow! I can't wait!