sights, sounds, smells

I think quite a few people were surprised that I have not been taking any pictures during this trip, since it seems like everyone has taken hundreds of photos and hours of videos day, night, and all the time in between. This is mostly due to the fact I dont own a camera (or an iPod and I dont have a TV in my dorm) and to the fact that I believe that if I cant remember a sight or event without a picture, it might not have actually been all that amazing. Experiencing Troyes and Paris in this manner so far has actually made memories of past trips to Europe (Austria, Hungary, Germany many times when I was younger) even stronger, as some of the sights, sounds, and even smells have stirred up my sense memory and makes this trip even more special.
Specifically going to art museums or climbing up to Sacre Coeur today reminded me so much of being in Austria when I was younger, but instead of having to rely on my parents for language, money, and guidance I have been able to choose my own paths in Troyes and Paris, doing what I want, when I want, alone trying to blend in with the French, or with the my classmates and French friends who feel like family now.
Being in France though does mean I miss certain things about home though (Hi Mommy, cant wait to see you a week from today) but I feel like every where I turn I see, smell, or taste something that reminds me of home. I agree with Cori, being in such a beautiful city makes it feel like home, since the city slicker in me misses the pure grandeur of city life. I absolutely love exploring Paris though, since its a completely new city for me to take in, and I feel like I could stay here forever and never actually be bored. I might get homesick then, but I know there will always be something reminding me of home and the people I love in Paris, or any city I suppose, whether its looking at the city line from Sacre Coeur and remembering being at the castles in Salzburg with my mom, seeing a city park in Paris and remembering afternoons in the park with my dad in Vienna, eating chocolate mousse in a cafe and remembering a time my best friend and I failed horribly trying to make the same dessert, or finding that lots of French women wear Chanel No. 5, my grandmothers favorite perfume. All of those sights, smells, and sounds bring my heart home, though my mind is wondering somewhere in the streets of Paris.

Sorry that was so long though...

Lara