Addendum to the previous entry

I have a feeling I may have worried some of you with that last post. I just wanted to add a brief note to tell everyone that, after some chocolate tartelettes and a good night's sleep, I am in much better spirits today. Of course I am worried about my friend, but she's safe now, and my worrying from 4,000 miles away isn't going to do either of us any good. All I can do is remind myself that I knew studying abroad would have its difficult, home-sick moments -- in the same way that going to school halfway across the country occasionally brings those same moments -- but now it is time to press forward and take advantage of my time here. After sending up a prayer of thanks for the safety of my friends and family at home, that is exactly what I intend to do.

Today is an absolutely beautiful, practically spring-like day in Paris. I'm meeting up with one of my friends from orientation this afternoon, and we're going to take a self-guided walking tour of the 9th arrondissement. I have no idea what is in the 9th, but I will let you all know once I find out!