Adeline C.: 12pm: Tickets booked, 12am: We're in Paris

Life isn't a bed of roses right now and everything just isn't falling into place. My mind is constantly in a whirl and thoughts just burst in and out every second. In fact, I have been stuck at the same spot for a long time now, not knowing what to write, and backspacing every few words because I'm not sounding very coherent - even I'm confused by the words that are appearing from my mindless banging on the keys of my keyboard. There came a point where you are facing a mid-life crisis because you are discouraged by your past, insecure about your present and fear for your future. This is what I am experiencing right now. So to seek that brief respite from the craziness, I'm restarting my journal to keep my mind off, and to stop and recount the days of pure bliss and adventure which I so badly miss.

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Recalling the first week of school back in Bordeaux, before we had the time to settle down and unpack our luggage that were packed to the brim, there was a spur of spontaneity and the 3 of us decided on making an impromptu trip to Paris just because we could. Paris was a mere 4-hour train ride away and our friends who were visiting us happened to be in the city for the weekend. This has got to be one of the most #yolo moment in my life, where I didn't care more because Paris was calling. I swiped my toiletries off the table, got into my boots and whisked off to catch my train.

Paris was colder than Bordeaux but it was an enthusiastic child. With the help of the TripAdvisor app, we were greeted with aromatic coffee served with some cream cheese and smoked salmon sandwich, and this was accompanied by friendly baristas that instantly brightened up a chilly morning. The rest of the day was spent whistling and singing down the streets of Paris to see the jardin (Garden in French), the Panthéon, Notre Dame and the of course the almighty Eiffel Tower.

That was the first time I saw the majestic giant sparkle for a good 10 minutes and there I was, dumbfounded with my gaze fixated on the sparkling beauty and oblivious to everything else that was happening around me. It was a mere 40 hours spent in Paris but it was enough to keep me satisfied. Little did I know that this city would become the one I frequented the most in the months to come...

Really friendly owner and baristas who made our morning

With good coffee, sandwiches...... and Internet ~

European gardens are such an eye candy from all angles. Not to mention the good vibes

Introducing the newest Boy Band

Or you'd prefer a mixed one?

Joel isn't that macho after all | Jason's signature pose

Are we doing a good job in impersonation?

Sucha happy photo

Meanwhile outside the Panthéon, the girls were taking photos. And meet our very friendly French tour guide, who was Jo's friend while she was exchanging at SMU the previous semester