October 10

Oh. My. So, today I went to France. I've always thought France was overrated, and Paris wasn't my favoritest city it in the world. But, today I went to France with my cousin and her boyfriend who I ate yummy ummy home-made Tai food with on wed. I thought it would be like everything I've seen before. And, I was right. The drive there was like Switzerland's corn fields, but way less beautiful. So, it was about a two hour drive to the capital of Alsace (Just France is 10min away. Same with Germany), which is Strasbourg. It reminded me loads of Amsterdam. There's a canal, or a few running through the city and brick wall around them with steps down to another sidewalk. The buildings were stereotypically European/French. Long, beautiful, directly bordering others. But, for some reason, even before the sun came out, I was in love. Strasbourg is the most beautiful city I have ever been to. Not place-that goes to a random Swiss countryside (I could never explain their beauty. It would do them no justice but holy crap. . . everyone should see what I've seen). It's not crowded-meaning loads of people-and it's not touristy. Most everyone speaks German there, because it's so close to Germany and Alsace was sometimes German territory. The shops....basically gourmet chocolate, special crepes, super amazing tea, antique stores, used music stores . . . they're all so perfect. Once we sat down on large steps that dove into the canal. It was so beautiful. each way you turn, you could see the amazing brick bridges that cover the city. I wasn't sad about leaving this place, actually relieved, because I know I am going back there. And, I want to go back with someone that I love and can share this place with, as cheesy as that sounds. On the ride back, we passes through French vineyards. There was the smallest, scrunchiest town placed between two hills. In it, there was a small vineyard and . . . ah. It was like a French .... bay area? Not at all. Just, inside it reminded me of some places from California. That's why I loved this town so much. The hill we went up to a dead end where there was some open space and a playground, reminded me of one of the only places I love in Marin. The vineyards remind me of the ones on our way to the Russian River, naturally; the river flowing through reminded me of this forest my mom, dad and I sometimes went to, but never do anymore and the town itself....well...it is so far from anything in the bay area, but I love it's European look. I wouldn't mind living there. 

Marco, Sarah's boyfriend (who I went with today) is hilarious. He'd speak random Spanish to the French people and funny English. Ha. There was this French guy in a wheel chair who was commenting on the fact that he didn't like Marco's gaged ears, and then just started vaguely hitting on us. We couldn't help but laugh a lot. Then he said how he wanted to get to know all of us and oh man....it was a you-should-have-been-there moment for sure. Too funny.