Ah Paris

Alright, so I am very behind on my blog and the main reason is that after our trip to Paris in early December, I was too exhausted to write anything about it. So I think I'll just do a little fly by with pictures and a few choice highlights so we can whiz into the current term!

In the only two nights and 3 days we spent in Paris, we were essentially running from one medieval destination to the next with few chances to eat or rest. John couldn't come with us due to really tragic circumstances, to the wonderful Alixe Bovey acted as our professor with the additions of the professors of the Gothic Encounters folks. They are essentially the other half of the medieval programme at the Courtauld--the architectural historians to our art historians. One of the real benefits of this trip was getting to know them better--they are all charming and intelligent people and I wish we had class with them sometimes.

I FINALLY made it to St Denis, by the way. For longtime blog readers, there was a bit of drama on my first Abroad experience when Stevens (yes Stevens I am calling you out) wouldn't let me go visit St Denis while I was in Paris. Well I'll have you know i got to go this time and it was amazing, particularly the necropolis underneath. Ha!

 My MA at Saint Denis 

St Denis

The other main highlight of Paris this time (besides the food which always manages to be amazing even in a rush) was climbing the towers of Notre Dame. Firstly, because it allowed me to show off my amazing (lol) physique post camino (I wish this were true--400 steps up still posed a challenge), but also because it gives a remarkable view of the city and the church. What a thrill!

 Above: A nice little collage made by my friend Rachel of us on Notre Dame

Very cool (I thought) Russian Nativity scene inside the church 

Downsides: Tiny living space for five people. Pouring rain and wet feet. Getting lost.

Also, our Eurostar hit a DEER on the way back to London. Yes. A DEER. Didn't get back til 3.

Cue self-congratulatory food pics: