Did I mention that when I started planning this trip to Paris just 4 short weeks ago, I didn’t even have a passport? Oops.
Of course, I marched my little hiney right down to the Passport office and sent in my application that week, heavy on the expedite please! Luckily the little booger came in just a week later, even though they said 2-3 weeks would be more likely.
I had to hurry up and get my passport so I could begin the process of applying for a long stay student visa. They have changed the rules as of this Summer and you now have to present yourself to the French consulate so they can scan your hand and retinas. Cahhh-razy.
First, you have to register through CampusFrance. You just send them some mulah (duh…) and they send you an email a couple weeks later permitting you to apply for a visa. I FINALLY got my email today which is great news since departure day is quickly approaching.
Dad and I are taking a trip down next week to submit my visa application. I was so relieved when I got it today! Just one step closer 
It’s a bit surreal that all of this is happening. Honestly, I’m not really sure if it has set in. I haven’t quite wrapped my mind around the fact that I will be living in Paris for nearly 5 months. Wow. It’s going to be quite the adventure!
Oh, and of course the first thought that came to mind when all of this started was “How will I pack my yoga mat!?” You know it’s coming with me
Speaking of yoga, I’m actually off to one of my favorite classes now! I’ll leave you with some pictures I took today with Dad’s fancy shmancy camera. Just playing around a bit until I decide if I want to fork over some majahhh cash for one of my own…
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
why do i love that you called your passport a booger?
five months! incredible. most people dream of vacationing there for a week. you get to stay five months! yes, lucky!!!
Phew! Glad the passport arrived in good time.
Aww cute dog; and gorgeous flower!
I’m so so excited for you!! You will have the time of your life in Paris… its so inspirational to see someone follow their (corny alert) dreams. Everyone who skipped studdy abroad has hugely regretted it!
Paris?!??! That’s incredible!!!! I am so happy for you!
That reminds me, I need to get my passport updated for our Italy Trip this Spring. When you change your last name, I guess they won’t let you out of the country with an outdated passport.
Have an amazing time!!!!
Bonjour Paris!!! How fabulous that is. :D
I’m so glad everything is going smoothly for you! I can’t wait to hear all about Paris when you get there, that is a place I’d like to visit some day :)
What kind of camera does your dad have? Amazing pictures!
So excited for you my friend. I spent my junior abroad. One of the most amazing times of my life. Changed me forever.
Aaaaah!! I just had the time to catch up with your blog (after a week in France!!) and have to say I’m so excited for and with you!!!!
And you know what?! I’m acutally NEAR Paris over New Year’s (we have a house in France about two hours south of Paris!!) but I leave at the third because I need to be back for work at the fourth!! Bugger…
Anyways… I of course wish you all the luck and especially FUN and I can’t wait to see you writing about your journey!!
Have a wonderful day! Hug n.
I’d say get the camera! It’ll be sooo worth it once you’re in Paris. I’m so happy that you are going on this adventure and I can’t wait to hear more about it! :)
Wow!!! Those are some gorgeous photos!
One step closer! And adorable puppy pics :)
I am so excited for you!! I bet it will all set in soon enough. :)