good news I actually may enjoy writing this blog post cause it's about CULTURAL ACTIVITIES! as in the three times I said "hey I'm in France so now I'm going to participate in this distinctly French things" and it went real well, except for a few shambles situations but we would expect nothing less.

1: LES CATACOMBES

roughly 900 people told me I had to check this out so when the homies had time to kill in Paris after their meetings we said "lessgo", and then we did. considering the fact that it was me and a group of seven boys I probably enjoyed it the least out of everyone but STILL was a huuuuge fan. learned so much about the city. wanted nothing more than to know the stories of all the people whose bones rest there. and also, the idea that only a teeny portion of the catacombes are open, let alone explored? k seriously field trip or something???/ would die to see the rest of those. what a strange idea, we're wandering around on top of another reality. or at least, the reality of a few centuries ago.

2: MONET'S HOUSE @ GIVERNY

rain upon rain upon rain but WHO CARES WE ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF GENIUS! also the umbrellas were 30 euros so that was a downside but we good everyone. we good. spent an afternoon wandering monet's gardens, transfixed by the water lilies, both painted and literal. people cross oceans to see those works, it was incredible to be there.


3: FRENCH OPEN @ ROLAND-GARROS

okay people here is where my dreams come true. here is where the fourteen-year-old reagan on a tennis court somewhere in montana, playing a tournament amidst heat stroke wanted to be. I was on the same court as serena williams people. the bryan brother walked past me. we accidentally bought premium tickets and they fed us salmon and steak and green-tea ice cream for freeeeeeee (which resulted in a not-so-brief infirmary visit for anneka LITERALLY SADDEST THING EVER micah and i were very nearly having sympathy allergic reactions). but it's okay, it's okay everyone. i actually can't talk about this anymore because the remaining events of the day were beyond tragic BUT still worth it. still just so beyond thrilled to have seen those clay courts. magic, again.