November Favorites

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Hello beauties!

Like the picture says, I hope November has been good to you. For me November has been a roller coaster ride that I'm ready to get off. So much happened this month, in regards to the election, college life, and my personal life. But that's not going to stop me from starting this "favorites" post!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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"Perfect Strangers" by Jonas Blue feat. JP Copper

This song came up on my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify and I enjoyed it so much. I knew of JP Cooper from his lovable song "Colour Me In Gold". This song has a nice beat to it and Cooper's mellow voice works so well with it. It sounds like something that you would hear at a conference as music in the background. It also works a perfect summer dance party song. I definitely suggest this song if you want to listen to something different.

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Unfinished Business by Nathan Sykes

I've been anticipating Nathan Sykes' first debut album since I first fell in love with him over a year ago! This album did not disappoint. His has a style that is unique to his own, with his semi-raspy voice. My favorite song off the album is called "Good Things Come To Those Who Wait". He has a mixture of fast-paced and slow ballads. Sykes is an artist who I feel is making his way into the hearts and ears of many people day by day. Listen to his album and fall in love like I did.

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A Pentatonix Christmas by Pentatonix

Guys, this album, it give me life. I've been a big fan of Pentatonix since their PTX,Vol. 2 album. My favorite song off the album is obviously "Hallelujah". Their voices can make angels cry and that's exactly what I did when I heard it. Some notable favorites are "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "White Christmas" featuring The Manhattan Transfer. I'm so happy to see Pentatonix making a second Christmas album. I didn't think that they could top their first, That's Christmas to Me. If you love a capella music or just haven't heard their new album yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE!!!! Listen to it!!

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24K Magic Album by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, out did himself with this one! I've been waiting for him to release an album since forever! Every song reminds me of summer BBQ party. Where your dad is grilling, he has his music blasting from his car radio and it's old school music. This album comes close to giving you a modern feel for music that sounds like it was made in the 80s. I've been a fan of Bruno Mars since "Billionaire" with Travie McCoy. I'm so impressed and happy with the amount of success that he has generated. Please check out this album!

• Events

Connections Conference

On Nov. 4-5th I attended a conference through CMU's Leadership Institute called Connections. We stayed in the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, MI. This event had students from different RSOs, organizations/services on campus, residential colleges, and hall councils. I went on behalf of my hall council, Saxe/Herrig/Celani (SHC) and the Cultural and Global Residential College (CGRC). During this conference I learned about my leadership style, how to literally make time for myself, and how to find my "why" when it comes to organizations. This conference is perfect for any beginner who holds a leadership position, who want to make their organization better, and someone who just wants to be an effective leader on and off campus.

Solidarity and Love Rally

After the election of Donald Trump, the very next day a rally was held in front of Charles V. Park Library. This rally was open to anyone who wanted to join, at some point we had about 50 people standing together. During this rally, people had or created signs saying "We stand with...". Some of signs said, "We stand with People of Color, We stand with Immigrants, We stand with LGBTQ+," and my favorite one, "We stand with International Students". I live on the international floor, and I 

(LGBTQ+ flag holder and Free Hugs)

• Life

Friendsgiving Potluck

After coming home for the first time since August, one of the first things I did was catch up with my friends from high school. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, those of us who could, got together for our first Friendsgiving potluck. It felt amazing to see these people, we haven't changed from silly ways. We still annoy each other and make fun, but all on good terms. I brought Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and my mom's mac and cheese. Being around them made me miss high school days, but still anticipate every get together.

(The Squad)

That was my November favorites! My first semester of college is about to be over and I can't wait! Let me know of some things I need to be on the look for in December!

Until next time,

Raven

October Favorites

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October is over, and now we're in November! This past month has been filled with so many new and exciting experiences, I couldn't write all of them down. I wish I could, but then this would have been a very long post. So I was able to narrow it down to just a few things from each category. Side note, I know that there wasn't a "favorites" for September. Like I said in "So What's Up?", college has literally taken up all of my time. Even to the point where I'm up at two in the morning still taking notes. I apologize for that. I'm still getting back into the swing of things. With all that said and done, let's get started!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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"24K Magic" by Bruno Mars

I listen to this song the day after it was released. At first I had mixed feelings about it, but then next thing I know, I had it on repeat for two days. I love Bruno Mars and every song that he puts out. This one doesn't disappoint either. I love the old school feel that he brings to the musical world and it's something that's needed. Now let's see if I can get my dad to like it. (He's the oldest, old school person who I know. Don't tell him I said that!)

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One Place Live (Deluxe) by Tasha Cobbs

I listen to gospel music, whenever I just need a break from life. Those moments where Bruno Mars, Chainsmokers, or even Ne-Yo, can't calm me down. Gospel music has lyrics that emphasize the stress level of where I'm at. During October, I felt really overwhelmed with everything. It felt that everything was going on at once, new changes were being made, and mentally I wasn't there. I played "Put A Praise On It" by Cobbs, and just went from there. I listened to her whole album on repeat for a week! Yes, I said it, a full week. She has songs on it that just can't be put on shuffle mode, in other words, they flow together to create a feeling. My favorite song(s) on the album are "Fill Me Up", "Overflow", and "Jesus Saves". Why, because they all work together to create a spirit filled moment. I hope that you can experience the glory of God that shines through her voice.

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"Pretty Wings" by Maxwell

I loved this song in the past, but recently the song has a deeper meaning to me. So I was going through a difficult time with someone and I ended the whole thing. I thought that I was completely over it, but my mind was like "Nah, you still care, and you still hurt,". I called my sister about this and why I was listening to this particular song on repeat for the past three days. She gave me the best answer to all my questions, I then looked up the meaning of "Pretty Wings". The song is about loving the right person at the wrong time. This is exactly what I going through. At that moment, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could finally breathe. So if you're going through a tough relationship, listen to this song, not only because it's freaking Maxwell, but the lyrics can give you the worst feels in world.

• Makeup

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ColourPop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadow- Beverly 

I bought this color originally to have a plum colored eyeshadow for the fall season. Once I got it in the mail, I realized that this color goes with everything that I have CMU related. For those who don't know, CMU's colors are maroon and gold. I love how with this color, you can build on it and it blends easily. Although this product is no longer available on the ColourPop website, I'll let you guys know when it comes back out. 

• Events

(SHC Mock Rock Crew)

Mock Rock Rally

For Homecoming Week, I decided to take part in almost everything that was going on. My favorite event and arguably most memorable, was the Mock Rock Rally. The Mock Rock Rally (Mock Rock), is the last event leading up to the homecoming game. It's a competition between all the halls for the best dance. But here's the kick, each dance revolves around the theme of homecoming (this year it was superheroes), and a underlining message. For my hall, we had the Incredible Hulk and the underlining message was mental health. Even though we didn't win, I had the time of my life with the rehearsals, lack of sleep, and the final performance. I'm definitely participating in this next year!

(Meeting President Ross)

Pizza with the President

Something that I love about CMU is the family feel and the openness between the faculty and the students. Pizza with the President is one event that represents that relationship. CMU's President George Ross, came to East Campus and we literally ate pizza with him. Once everyone was about finished, he opened the floor for questions about literally anything. I had the great honor of asking him two questions, "What is the day in the life of President Ross?" and "What is your favorite vacation spot?". I'm not really big on very strict questions, and he just seemed like a very laid back person. I look up to President Ross as influential figure among the minority community. He's a African American, male who is president of an amazing university. What more can you say?

(SHC PowderPuff Team)

PowderPuff Game

Now, you may be thinking, I'm involved in every little thing on campus. Well, that's true, and I love it. I decided to participate in the PowderPuff game, mainly because we didn't have one at my high school. (Also because I really love football). PowderPuff was such an amazing experience, even though we placed fourth, I loved every minute of it. Except the times where I was freezing on the sidelines. Our team was made up of high spirited women, who just wanted to play for fun. Even though we did let a rivalry get in our heads. We had really great coaches and I'm so happy I got to do this!

That wraps up October! October was mixture of emotions, relationships, building friendships, and meeting really cool people. Guys we have eight weeks until the end of the year! The year is going by so fast! Let me know of some things that I should be on the lookout in November in the comments!

Until next time,

Raven

So What's Up?

Hello beauties!

So as many of you know, I started college in August. Since then, I've absolutely enjoyed it here! I love the college life, and I'm learning more about myself each day.

But with that comes so much sacrifice. I've learned to make my own decisions, become independent, and just become an overall better person. I know that prior to starting college, I was trying my best to create posts, but I haven't been inspired. Now, since my time is ultra limited, I'll be having a harder time to create posts.

With all that said, I'll still be continuing the "Monthly Favorites", but anything out of that, will still be in the works. I knew that my time would be limited before college, but not to this extent. I apologize, for any inconvenience, but this is for me. I'm still learning to manage so much, that I've had to skip out on some of organizations I was interested in, for next year. (Hopefully my life would be at least halfway organized).

Here's where I need your help. I NEED ideas, topics, subtopics, anything. If you have a question and want me to answer it? Put it in the comments! Have an idea, and want my view/take on it? Put it in the comments! I want this blog to be an inclusive one and would love to have a connection with my readers. 

Thank you for your understanding, as I walk on this college journey. Please keep the support coming!

If you have ANYTHING, put it in the comments!

Until next time,

Raven

August Favorites

Hello beauties!

August has been jam packed! For me, August meant opening a new chapter, I left my job, moved to Mount Pleasant, and started college. I'm attending Central Michigan University, hopefully to get a double major in Psychology and either Sociology, Social Work, or History. (All depends on what I feel when I declare my major).

I'm really excited to be starting this new chapter in my life! With all that said, let's get started!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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"Closer" by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey

I don't what it is about these two! They both are past favorites, but I never thought they would work together! This is the best mashup of the summer. Now, if only we can get Sam Smith and Adele to collab, my life would be made. This song is simply beautiful, and the voices of Andrew Taggart and Halsey are really fantastic. I got addicted to this song through my Leadership Safari guide. Every morning, he would play this song for us to find him in the masses to college freshman. Surprisingly it worked. I really like this song and I'm really happy that is collaboration exists!

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"CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" by Justin Timberlake

I heard this song during Leadership Safari and fell in love with it immediately! Justin Timberlake is another past favorite. I think I really love the beat and how it can work with many types of dance styles. I'm a huge dancer and I love music that does that. Timberlake has been really popular this summer and I'm just soaking in all his music. I feel that any song that he releases, I will be a big fan of it.

• Movies

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Suicide Squad

I saw this movie with a bunch of my friends as a "last gathering" meet up. I don't care what you say, but this movie was AMAZING! I loved the characters, the plot, everything! My favorite character was honestly Deadshot. But Harley Quinn and Joker have a spot of my heart. I'm really upset with some of the reviews, but after talking to my theatre friends, I can see why now. But it's still a good movie and if you haven't seen it, go see it.

• Events

(Team Frugal)

IMPACT
IMPACT is a program that primarily focuses on minorities of incoming freshman and first generation students. I loved this program because it focused on connecting and showing students that they're not alone on campus. Since Central Michigan is a predominately white college, it can sometimes feel lonely on campus. To know that there are people on campus like you is very comforting. Within the program, you are paired with a two mentors who helps you adjust to your first year of college. Also you are placed in a group of other students and they become your family. I was paired with two phenomenal people and an amazing group. We ask each other questions about campus and just general issues or struggles of campus. If you are a student going to CMU, I highly suggest you become part of this program!

(Team Termite)

Leadership Safari

Leadership Safari is a event that is unique to Central Michigan University. It focuses primarily on connecting students to each other, and creating the foundation of leaders. The program is a five-day event filled with team building, volunteer work, networking with student organizations, and much more. Events range from poetry slam night, leadership sessions, comedy night, etc. Some of my favorites were The Asia Project, Ebony Stewart, Eric O'Shea, Paul Wesselmann, and a host of others. Leadership Safari comes so much dancing, laughing, and interactions with groups. My group was Team Termite, and these are some pretty cool people!

(The Asia Project)

(Ebony Stewart)

(Ben Nemtin of The Buried Life)

• Life

College

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On August 18, I packed up both of my parent's cars, drove 2 hours to Mount Pleasant, and started the next chapter of my life. College has been a huge change for me. Primarily because I grew up in a small school of 400 people with a graduating class of 108. So being surrounded by 2,000+ people within the first week, was pretty overwhelming. But as time flew by and the returning students came, I could handle the large crowds. College is also a place where I could really become independent. Not saying that I wasn't before, but to truly be on my own, had been an eye opener. Within my first week of being moved in, I had a sense of what type of person I am. But I know that who I am now, is a very fluid concept. In other words, I'm bound to change who I am for whatever reason. But I know that college won't completely change who I am, but expound and grow on what I already have. I hope that CMU can help me find my passion, my leadership skills, and my true happiness.

August has been the beginning of a new chapter. Now we're in September! Only one more month until Halloween! Three more months until the end of the year! Let me know in the comments of what I should be on the lookout for!

Until next time,

Raven

July Favorites

Hello beauties!

Woo, July has been a hot month for me. I've travelled internationally for the first time! I'm slowly, but surly buying stuff for my college dorm. I start college on August 29th! I'm getting excited as each day pass by. 

If you want to read my June favorites, click here. During July, I found so many favorites, many of them are European bound, but some are local too. So let's get started!

• Music

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X Ambassadors

I discovered X Ambassadors via the "Discover Weekly" playlist on my Spotify account. The song listed was "Gorgeous". This is song was different for me. I love the pulsing beat that comes with it and the voice that carries along with it. It wasn't until that I started listening to "Renegades" that I like a few songs from the band. This is a good party band, and I recommend them.

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"Don't Let Me Down" by the Chainsmokers feat. Daya

I heard this song in a store in France and loved it ever since. The Chainsmokers have recently started to become popular and I'm joining their ever growing fan base. I love the beat that comes with this song and the drop that follows. If you're looking for a song to chill to, this is it!

• Travel

Europe

I recently travelled across the ocean for the first time and had the time of my life! I visited the United Kingdom, France and Italy. Visiting these three countries has made me a more humble person. Seeing the beauties of the world in person has truly affected me. Hopefully I can visit these countries and many more in the future!

(Tower Bridge view from London Bridge)

(The Eiffel Tower)

(Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy)

• Life

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Street Art Festival or the "A2 Art Fest" is a festival that sprawls downtown Ann Arbor. I've been coming here for the past three years and each year, it seems to be getting smaller. But this year, it grew and took over seven streets! I like coming here because it's a place where people come and showcase their works. This year my attention was caught by two people.

Alec LaCasse

The first person was Alec LaCasse. LaCasse is a Michigan-based sculptor of wood and stone. What caught my attention was the intricate detail of every piece of his work. In his booth he had a flower-themed piece of wood, and I absolutely fell in love with it! (I didn't get a picture). I was so impressed by his work, that I told him he deserved to be in my blog. I promise to buy something! Check him out if you love really good wood work!

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Michael

Second person was Michael. I noticed him through friends who was just standing around him, admiring his work. He specializes in handmade wire jewelry. I bought a copper ring and a black and violet charm from him, and I'm in love with them. Unfortunately he doesn't have a website, but the day that he creates one, you guys will be the first to know!

• Food

 

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Milka

OMG! This chocolate was a beautiful curse that was placed on me. I bought this in France and let's just say, I had to make this bar last three days. It's really creamy and you could really taste the chocolate, and there are literally no other words to describe it, unless you try it. I will make another trip to France in order to have this wonderful chocolate goodness in my life again.

Traditional Italian Salad Dressing

Coming from the Midwest, I'm a ranch dressing girl. I put ranch on everything. But in Italy, my Midwest, ranch loving spirit was replaced with a more simple food palette. The salad dressing we had (almost every day) was made with salt, vinegar, and olive oil. Who knew that these three ingredients would change the way I view salads.

European Food (in general)
The food over there in general is so much tastier. It's not overly salty, processed, and over done. Even the Starbucks in France was better! My favorite places food-wise was Grandcamp-Maisy in France, Florence, and Rome. I'm a big fan of pasta, and Italy delivered! The only thing I wished was to have more time to savor every last bit of it.

Chicken pie with mashed potatoes and peas (UK)

Pork steak with roasted potatoes and tomato (France)

Chocolate strawberry gelato (Italy)

So that's it for July! August is here and I'm looking for new and exciting things! Let me know in the comments of something I should check out!

Until next time,

Raven

My Trip to Europe (Part 2)

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Hello beauties!

This is the second leg of the trip, if you want to read about the first leg, click here. This part of the trip was by far the funniest, challenging, and eye opening. The night that we left, the attack in Nice happened. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and the families affected. Even though we weren't in the general area, the thought that it could happen anywhere hit me. But let's move on and talk about my favorite part of the trip, Italy!

ITALY

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We arrived to Italy, via night train. We stopped in Milan to transfer for a train to Florence. When we reached Florence, not even 20 minutes of being in the city, me and my friend were flirted. After that, I knew I was going to love it here. Italy has an atmosphere where, you feel included even if you're a tourist. I could see myself, maybe 5 years after college, living in Florence or Rome (definitely Rome).

• Day 9: Train from Milan to Florence, visited the Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David), tour of Il Duomo (Florence Cathedral), tour of Florence, visited Leonardo Leather and Gold.
• Day 10: Left Florence, three-hour bus drive to Rome, visited the Pantheon, tour of the Colosseum, visited the Trevi Fountain.

Il Duomo

Trevi Fountain

• Day 11: Explored the Domitilla Catacombs, St. Paul's Basilica, drive to Vatican City, tour of the Sistine Chapel, walk around St. Peter's Basilica, stopped at Della Palma (gelato), pizza party!
• Day 12: Left Rome, two-hour bus drive to Pompeii, tour of Pompeii, hour bus drive to Sorrento, shopping time in Sorrento, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Trevi Fountain was so gorgeous. Fun fact, when you visit the Trevi Fountain, there are two rituals, one must partake. If you're married you throw one coin over the opposite shoulder, one for "returning to Rome, and one for luck with your marriage". For single people, you do the same thing, but with three meanings. One for "returning to Rome, finding love, and luck with your marriage. The catacombs were really cool. To think that all of the holes in the wall were filled by men, women, and children blew me away.

• Day 13: (Last full day in Italy) Boat ride from Sorrento to Capri, boat tour of Capri, walking tour inside Capri, walked through the Gardens of Augustus, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (again), boat ride from Capri to Naples, three-hour bus drive back to Rome.
• Day 14: Travel Day (Back home)

Flowers in the Gardens of Augustus

Mediterranean Sea near Capri

This trip has been the absolute dream of a lifetime! I'm so blessed and honored that I got to share this trip with some of the most amazing people ever! They have made my summer so much better. I'm also thankful for the amazing tour guide who was ever so patient with us and was an overall cool person.

This trip could not have been possible for me without the never-ending support from my parents and my family. I thank you all and God bless!

If you want to know more about my trip, please leave a question in the comments, or if you want to know more information, please visit eftours.com.

Until next time,

Raven

My Trip to Europe (Part 1)

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Hello beauties!

Almost two weeks ago I was embarking on my first plane ride, my first time out of the country, longest time being away from my family. I was on my way to the cities of my dreams. I was about to start the best two weeks of my life.

But let me rewind and give you the back story. One of my classes in my senior year, was AP European History, APEH. I took this class to be with friends, but also to have my favorite teacher, Ms. Wood again for a final time. Upon taking this class, one of my friends found out that there is a company, EF Tours, who has a trip that follows the curriculum of APEH. Fast forward eight months later and here I am.

I had the absolute time of my life! As said earlier, this was my first time on a plane, first time out of the country, and the longest I've been away from my family. Everyone asks me "Weren't you scared on the plane?", I respond with "No, because I'm covered with prayers." Another question that I seemed to get was "Did you have any expectations or which place did you want to see the most?" I'd say, "I tend to not have expectations for anything, because if those expectations aren't met to my standards, I'm the one who feels let down or disappointed. The place I was excited about the most was Italy and it definitely delivered!" But enough of the Q & A, let's start with London!


UNITED KINGDOM

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London was a pleasure to stay in. It reminded me of a much, much busier Ann Arbor, which was something I could handle. Although we were in London for two days we saw, and learned so much about the city. I could definitely see myself living here after college.

• Day 1: Travel Day
• Day 2: Arrived in London, went to the hotel, commuted by the London Underground or "The Tube" to Piccadilly Circus, visited The National Gallery of London, walking tour of London, dinner at the O2.
• Day 3: Guided bus tour of London, London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Buckingham Palace

The National Gallery of London 

 FRANCE

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When we first arrived in France, we arrived in Paris, but then took a three-hour bus drive NW to a little town called Grandcamp-Maisy. This little town is absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to just thrive in it. It's a fisherman town, right on the coast of the English Channel.

• Day 4: Travel Day, Eurostar from London to Paris, three-hour drive to Grandcamp-Maisy, free-time to explore the town.
• Day 5: Le Memorial de Caen, Pointe du Hoc Beach, Omaha Beach, Normandy American Cemetery.

Grandcamp-Maisy

The time at all the D-Day memorials, really struck a cord with me. I think it's one situation where you just learn about an event versus actually visiting the location of the event itself. The stories of brothers and families that sacrificed so much, whether it was their decision or not, really put me in a mindset of gratefulness and thankfulness.

• Day 6: Left Grandcamp-Maisy, four-hour drive to Paris, Notre Dame, shopping on Avenue des Champs Elysées, train to the Eiffel Tower, boat ride on the Siene, photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower.
• Day 7: Guided bus tour of Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, dinner at Le Boeuf Gros Sel, free-time in Montmarte.

Eiffel Tower

• Day 8: The Louvre (Mona Lisa!), shopping at Avenue des Champs Elysées again, board the night train to Florence.

The time in Paris was so much fun! Growing up I've always wanted to visit this beautiful city. When we visited the Eiffel Tower, it was around the time it was just starting to light up, and I truly understood why it'c called the "City of Lights". At night the entire area just brightens and becomes a beautiful sea of colors.

Well this is just the first half of this trip! I hope you've enjoyed reading thus far! Leave a comment or a question about the trip, and I'll be happy to answer!

Until next time,

Raven