Arrival in Cluny-June 16th

After a long and uncomfortable flight on American Airlines I've arrived at Charles de Gualle Airport in Paris. Finding my way to Gare de Lyon was surprisingly easy. Everyone was very helpful with directions. I slowly started remembering my French from early college and high school. I met my study abroad group under the Gare de Lyon tower and from there we took the TGV to Macon Loche. I learned that TGV stads for " tres grande vitesse" which means very fast in English. I was truly the fastest and smoothest train ride I have ever been on ( much more comfortable and laidback than NJ Tranist :P). After wards we arrived in Cluny by bus. We are staying at a hostel that used to be a medieval candle making factory for monks. The whole town is surrounded by what used to be the medieval abbey walls. in the center of the town there are a few ruins left from the main church of the time. The houses are very close to each other and the center of town consists of many small shops ( no Walmart or Shoprite in sight). My jet lag finally won me over and I fell asleep around 10pm. I look forward to an exciting day tomorrow.

- Alexandra Friedman