Packing for the trip .

I've been thinking alot about what I should bring along on my trip .

I'm definitely going to buy a really nice small laptop. One that I can carry around the city and use when I stop at cafes. I want to be able to post on my blogs, check email and facebook on a daily basis. I also want to get a really great camera ! That is probably the most important item I could bring. To be able to document the 6 months with some awesome quality photos !

We will be taking french classes before we go , but I think bring a pocket language translator, will help us alot if we need it. I want to be as prepared as I can be. I hope to be as fluent in the language as possible , or at least be able to maneuver around Paris with ease.

I'm happy we will be going in August and staying through the fall. I plan to pack lightly for the 6 months. Bring warm clothes and layering alot. The weather in the fall is cool 70 degrees. The winters are cold, snow is rare and when it does come it usually melts on hitting the ground,often turning into a sludgy slush. The temps are usually around low 30 's . For me that's nothing , since I've lived in central New York most of my life. If I can make it through a central NY winter, I can deal with a little slush.

I want to get in as many outdoor sites as I can as soon as we arrive. The Monet's Garden, Eiffel tower, Arc de Triumph etc... Mainly because I want to see most of Paris with my sister. But also before the weather becomes to bad. We will have plenty of time to wander around indoors when the weather is icky.

Claude Monet

Claude Monet in his garden at Giverny

Monet's garden

Monet's garden isn't in Paris, but it is definitely on my list of sites to see. There are two parts in Monet's garden, a flower garden called Clos Normand in front of the house and a Japanese inspired water garden on the other side of the road. Since we will be there late summer and fall I'm sure the gardens will be just beautiful. In all their Autumn glory.

I'm sure I will have no trouble at all convincing my sister to visit the gardens , since she is an artist and studied Monet. I'm looking forward to spending quite a few hours exploring the beauty of the gardens .

Paris here I come !

I've decided it's about time I leave home and the familiarity of my life and venture out on my own. And when I say on my own I mean far , far away from home ..... to Paris, France.

Paris has never been on my radar before but lately I have become quite interested in Paris and life as a Parisian. I have traveled , but only as a small child. Basically I have no idea what traveling abroad is going to be like. But, I'm super excited for the adventure .

My plan is to go in August of 2012 ( my sister will travel with me and stay one month ) and live there until January 2013.

I'm going to take the next 2 years to learn french and save money !

Let the planning begin .......