Extraordinaire!

As usual life has been a bit hectic over here in Nice. We finally got internet service in our apartment, which had to have been one of the most rewarding accomplishments yet. We didn't end up going to Monaco because the weather was a bit too cold to fully enjoy the experience. Instead, we went to three different museums. The Matisse Museum was incredible. Some of our group members didn't enjoy his later works, but to be in the presence of artwork that made such a difference in art history was a great experience. We also went to an archaeology museum where we saw Roman ruins and the following day Carley and I went to the modern art museum, where we saw pieces by Andy Warhol and other amazing artists.  This past weekend was much more eventful. Carnaval (Mardi Gras) started and the festivities don't end until March 6th. None of us had any idea what to expect, but the opening ceremony made it very clear that it would be one giant party. During the ceremony this past Friday, there were acrobats, an opera singer, massive floats, fireworks and a sky full of confetti. Essentially it was a joyful representation of how rich the culture is in the south of France. Following the spectacle we went to meet up with some of our friends in the Old City. We were about to walk down the stairs on the edge of the neighborhood, when a large group of security started walking towards us. Naturally we were a bit nervous, though we had done nothing wrong. When they came a bit closer we realized that they were protecting the mayor of Nice who had been at the event. He shook our hands and said "Bonsoir." I find it pretty awesome that we've been in Nice for a couple weeks and have already personally met the mayor. I mean how many people can say that? Saturday there was a parade and Sunday we participated in Zumba on the beach followed by the Nice version of the "Polar Plunge." It was crazy cold, but I can say that I've been in the Mediterranean! This week I have been busy with classes and homework which seems quite normal for a college student; however, there are many differences that make college here quite different then back home. For instance, all notebooks have grided paper instead of just horizontal lines, the schedule changes every week and you get very little assigned work during the semester. Last night I went to Salsa and a bar in the Old City. There was a large group of students from IPAG and we had a blast! They had lessons earlier in the night, but I got there too late for the beginner class so I went to the intermediate one. It was quite the challenge and the fact that the women had to change partners every few minutes made it even more difficult. All the men were patient with me and although some laughed at me they all did their best to help me out. This weekend my lovely ex-roomie Jeanne and my ex-roomie in-law Jake are visiting! They are both studying in London this semester and are planning on spending the weekend with me. I can't wait!