After a fun New Year's Eve with my sister and my friend, it was time to head to France! I got off to Dallas just fine, but my flight to Paris was delayed (still unsure why). After attempting to meet up with my friend Kristen downtown, I decided I should just stay in the airport. I attended a prayer service which was interesting but nice, and ate at Cereality- a cereal bar that I've wanted to go to for my whole life. It was SO good. I got a s'more combination- coc...

We arrived in a small airport outside of Brussels, yet the security was still really intense. I was definitely starting to get annoyed with all the security after taking six planes in the past week and a half. But I appreciate the safety. We had some trouble finding our carpooling driver, but eventually we made it through all the hurdles and got to the car. They were super nice and we're excited to speak English which was good so we could all understand. They wer...

I flew out early from Lourdes (literally had just enough money to pay the cab driver, scary!) then was on the first flight out of the airport. I got into Paris no problem, and finally found my parents at the edge of the Louvre. It was so great to see them, and so funny to see them in Europe! Apparently my mom had some trouble with some gypsies while waiting for me, but other than that they did alright! We made our way to the apartment which was very nice and big ...

My stay in Lourdes was incredible. It was also my first trip completely by myself, which I think added to the reflective experience. My friend described Lourdes as the Disneyland for Catholics, and that it was. I got in midday, and quickly found out how cheap buses are. After visiting the tourist office, I checked into my hotel. It was right in between the tourist office and the grotto, and was exactly what I needed (and was even clean!). I took a shower both nig...