Birthday Weekend

21 centimes!

I had a great birthday. I got up and went to buy a french pastry with Hilary and Miquel. It was an apricot and croissant thing and it was delicious. Yum! After that I went shopping and had amazing birthday luck. I managed to find so many things in the French January sales. I bought a pair of pinky purple pants, two pairs of flats (I have never bought two pairs of shoes in one day!), a shirt, a skirt, and a jacket!!! Everything was so cheap. I felt a little guilty, but Hilary, Ali, and Miquel convinced me that I shouldn't feel guilty on my birthday.

Oh I forgot! Before going to get the pastry I opened my presents. My family gave me wonderful gifts including a re-sized ring. It was given to my mum for her 18th birthday from her sister. It has a garnet, which is very appropriate for my birthday since it is my gem stone. I really love it. I also got a really nice photo frame from my grandparents. It looks very nice in my apartment.

After the shopping I got a little reading in at a cafe, which was something I was hoping to do on my birthday. I finished the Twilight series last night actually. There is a cafe near my apartment called Happy Days. They do the best Chocolat Viennois (hot chocolate with whipped cream). After that Ali, Hilary and I made a scrumptious meal at the apartment and then friends came over with a bottle of champagne. We went out for drinks, I was serenaded by a spanish band in a Tapas Cafe, and we ended up dancing at a club. Overall a very fun and exciting evening.

Friday evening, Eleanor arrived. We had a great weekend. It included shopping, eating, walking, and going to a museum here in Aix. We also took pictures of the fountains here, which she should be emailing me shortly. It is great to know that a friend is so close. I find it a little mind boggling that we have ended up in France at the same time. I am looking forward to visiting Ellie in Montpellier.

Classes finally start tomorrow and then at the end of the week I am going to England to celebrate some more! What a great birthday!

Hilary and me in my apartment. I'm wearing my new shirt and new trousers.

All of us with the Spanish band.