Cimb Ev'ry Mountain

My life has completely changed here in France. I thought that I was active before in the US of A. Haha. I have the need to say that again. Haha. Boy was I wrong. Really. Here in France, my lifestyle has changed completely. So, firstly, I walk everywhere. Well I walk to the tram or the bus stop to get anywhere. It's absoluetly amazing. Also, I can take a bicycle anytime that I want. I feel like I have so much lore energie here in Europe. maybe it's the air. I guess that we'll never know.

This past weekend, my newfound athleticism/europeanism showed itself very prominently. I climbed a mountain. Let me say it again.

I CLIMBED A MOUNTAIN!!!!!!!

It was my first (and maybe last mountain). There was a meeting with all of the exchange students in St. Dié. St. Dié is a really cool city. It is actually the place that gave the America's their name. The first map with the name "America" is hanging in the office of the mayor. We explored the city together and then headed to our hostel to party the night away. I've made some good friends here. Kate (from Jersey), Heather (from Jersey), Jacqui (from Missouri° and Cecilia (from Taiwan). They are all really cool.

In the morning, we woke up (with like 5 hours of sleep lol and we slept a lot more than the others lol) and ate breakfast. Then we headed out to climb the mountain! I still can't believe that I climbed a mountain. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my entire life, but also one of the most satisfying. It felt like it just kept going on and on forever. We kept getting closer to the top but it just felt like it would never end. When finally at the top, it was so amazing to look out and see the world below. I saw the cliche that the whole world is on my hands in the form of beautiful, God created nature.

This blog wouldn't be complete without a bêtise (joke/funny anecdote). At the start of the climb, I brushed up against a branch that I was allergic to and had a funny allergic reaction. Haha. Then, when coming back down, in almost the same spot, I tripped and landed in a mud puddle. Haha. I swear that it was like, 15 feet to the end of the hike too! While annoying, it was hilariously funny. Attached are some photos of the experience.

Enjoy!

mud puddle.

Heather, Moi, Jacqui being superwomen!!!