This experience has really been a dream come true for me. Although it has had many downfalls, I have experienced many high points that has made this study abroad experience worthwhile. Our first week was spent in the beautiful city of Paris. Although they try to prepare you for all the different emotions during orientation, my lowest point happened on the fourth day when I was overcome with homesickness. I went to a clothing store for children to purchase my five-year-old daughter some items—bad idea. As I was browsing through the store, I suddenly began to cry because it hit me that for the first time in her life, my daughter was not with me. I left the store and returned to the hotel and cried. Ironically, during my crying spell, my daughter called me to tell me how much she missed me and that she was ready for me to come home. That made it so much worse! But, I got through all the emotions to prepare for a wonderful evening at the Moulin Rouge which was amazing. Although I did not expect to see all the women topless, after a while I didn’t even notice it which really helped me enjoy the experience.

Moulin Rouge