Eiffel for Paris: La Nuit Blanche...

I love to sleep.

Staying up all night is not usually my idea of a good time; however, Susy and I decided to "give it a go" last night.

The city of Paris has thrown an all-night party at the beginning of October for the past 10 years, and last night was Nuit Blanche 2011! Almost 100 different artists were taking part with art installations and musical experiences set up all over the city. Some were located indoors (churches), some were outdoors (in touristy spots) and many had incredibly long lines. The entire event was scheduled to last from 7pm-7am. Susy and I knew we wouldn't make it all night, but we gave it our best! We started up at Montmartre, walked to Pigalle, metro-ed to St. Lazare, arrived at Hôtel du Ville and Le Marais with throngs of other nuit blanche-rs and finally finished at the Eiffel Tower!! I so enjoyed walking around with a friend and seeing everything together. The most exciting part of the night was just trying to walk in front of the installation "Purple Rain," for which there was at least a 1-hour wait (probably longer!) which we by-passed. There were so many people passing in front of the opening of the building, just trying to catch a glimpse of the rain falling indoors and people walking around with umbrellas. At one point, I probably could have lifted my feet and still have managed to have been carried along - I haven't been that packed in since...well, since the departure from La Défense for the Petit Prince presentation (just one week ago!) Parisians/Parisian tourists are not at all afraid to get up close and personal!! We returned (early) at 1am, but we deemed the evening entirely a success...

My last week of "vacation" was spent very nicely - I was able to relax, but I also checked off a number of things on my to-do list (feels good to be productive)! I went to a different school with Espérance on Thursday and Friday, where she was working with the smallest students (petite section). French children start school at 3-years old. They work hard all day...singing, counting, playing, napping...in actual, tiny beds! I don't think I've seen anything cuter! I met a few other maîtresses who can't wait to hang out so they can practice their English with me - and I can't wait to practice my French with them! It's kind of fun to be a novelty over here :) All in all, another great week!

Tomorrow morning is the orientation for the language assistants in Paris, and therefore, the beginning of the next chapter of my adventures in teaching. I'm very excited! I finally received my school placements a few days ago and I will be working at two schools very close to each other in the southern part of the city. I couldn't be more pleased!

Check out my photos from the week after the jump...