Palais Garnier and a very hot day

Today began with classes at 9:30am.  We had french civilization (where I took an obscene amount of notes about the structure of the french government, and french literature, where I took one quick (but pointless) translation test then left.


We had about two hours of free time then so I made myself and ham and brie sandwich on a baguette I stole from breakfast, some grapes, Walker's shortbread, and orangina and sat down to watch The Phantom of the Opera on my laptop.


At 1:30pm, we got on the metro and headed over to the Opera house, otherwise known as Palais Garnier, for a guided tour.

I was thrilled to go back because the last time I was there I didn't get a chance to take many pictures, the ballet was much more interesting then.  This time we were given a tour of the public areas of the Palais Garnier.  Our guide showed us the entrance for season ticket holders, the chandelier, the auditorium, the hallways, the rotunda, and the foyer.

She even pointed out which box was specifically labelled as the Phantom's (aka box five).  On the subject of the Phantom, she dispelled the rumor that began with the play/musical/movie that the chandelier had ever crashed.  However she did say that there is a large aquifer just beneath the stage, which in the Phantom of the Opera is where he lurks, kidnaps innocent women to, attempts to murder hapless men, etc. 

After leaving our tour, we took a long (and boiling hot) bus ride back to the Foyer.  Today it was 90 degrees or so in Paris, which would be fine if we had air conditioning.  Unfortunately AC is rather rare in Paris so we're forced to suffer when it gets hot like this.  In an attempt to combat the heat we bought gelato on way home.  Addiction, addiction....


I spent the rest of the evening hanging out in a sports bra and shorts because it was so hot.  I made pasta for dinner and ate it in the TV room with the rest of my study abroad group while we watched Midnight in Paris.  We got excited when you could see some of the bars we go to frequently in the back of the screenshots.


After the movie ended I came back to my room and started watching Marie Antoinette.  I took a shower and am now about to finish my movie then go to bed.  5am will come very early tomorrow.