# data[].attributes.body
During this day we did so many amazing things we saw the Notre Dame which again was breathtaking at least. We walked around the city and learned more of its history. But one of the best things that we did that day was going to see the Arc de Triomphe. The architecture Is absolutely stunning, the detail on this particular structure is incredible and being able to get up close to really see it was  so cool in my opinion. But the best part was that we were able to go on top of the arc and see the views of Paris, such as seeing the Eiffel Tower from a distance and the city we were just about to explore the next day.

# data[].attributes.body
After a hour delay, a seven hour plane ride, three hours waiting for our connection flight, a one  hour connection flight and a hour car ride we finally made it to the beautiful city of Lyon. As tried as I was for being up for over 24 hours I cannot be thankful enough for Darren making all of us walk for miles to see the sights of Lyon on our first night in France. We were able to see this amazing view of the city,  as well as so much in such a small amount of time. This time was a great bonding experience between all of us and getting to know the tour guides as well as our class members a little bit more. It was so cool being able to walk through the Roman ruins as well as travel on that little subway thing to get to the top of the hill where the church laid (the view of this is the picture below). where we saw the most beautiful view of Lyon. We got to walk around and see all the new shops and a beautiful foundation, where we got to see a little dog playing in the fountain. And to top it off we finished with a wonderful meal at a French restaurant. I couldn’t wait for this week to start and to see what else we had in store.

# data[].attributes.body
For our first full day in France we all climbed into two vans and traveled to La Balme-les-Grottes which is the birthplace of Laurent Clerc. I have to say that the start of the day was a little rough for me and I missed a little of the town tour however, once I joined the group which were walking around the town, the little town was beautiful. The historic feels of the buildings, the greenery and the history that out Deaf tour guides explained to us throughout the tour was very interesting and neat! One of my favorite stops was getting the opportunity to explore the church at which Clerc was baptized. Standing in such an old church was incredible. Growing up religious and going to church nearly every Sunday as a child and comparing my home church to this one had no comparison in beauty! This was a great start to our week in France!

# data[].attributes.body
After having a Jam pack day at the Louvre, Taylor and I decided to go to another art museum close by called Musee d'Oray during our free time. I personally really wanted to see the clock (pictured below) and to explore the other art pieces that France has to offer. I mean how could you not get a photo of this clock, it is so cool and why not. Since we were limited on free time we didn't stay to long at this museum however we saw many statues that were very interesting and creative. I'm glad Taylor was willing to come with me to see it, I really appreciated that she did and thankful that we had the opportunity to go!

# data[].attributes.body
After our walking tour of the La Balme-les-Grottes, we were given the opportunity to explore the nearby bat cave of this city. From first glance the bat cave seemed tall but not very deep. To my surprise, a group of us were brave enough to venture in and it was completely worth it. There were so many twist and turns that the cave became smaller and smaller. The whole cave had little crevices throughout the inside that you were able to walk and squeeze through. There was a very interesting aspect to the cave and that was that there is a river that runs through the cave and has seven exit points but no one could find a beginning to where the water comes from. This activity was a great bonding experience as well. The group that went into into the cave were able to get to know each other more by laughing, joking and helping each other out if one of us fell or ran into the cave. Again this day was such a great start to the week ahead.

# data[].attributes.body
While we were driving from Cluny Abbey to Beaune the views from the car were breathtaking. we were all in aw with how beautiful it was in southern France. Darren asked our van if we wanted to stop at multiple places along the side of the road in to take pictures of the views. As soon as he stopped the car many of us decided to take the opportunity to get a quick snap of the scenery that we were lucky enough to witness. The pictures that I took during these stops gives the scenery no justice to how absolutely beautiful it was. I will always cherish that we as a group decided to take the time to make a few quick stops to take in all that of Southern France.

# data[].attributes.body
To be honest, I had no idea what to expect going into the IVT. I knew we were going to be partaking in a workshop but I really didn't know what that meant. However, walking into the theartre and participating in this workshop was one of the favorite activities this entire week. I had so much fun learning some differences between American Sign Language and French Sign Language. But my favorite part of the workshop was passing the invisible stick around and seeing what everyone come up with the form the stick into a scene. I decided to make my stick into an umbrella. It was so much fun getting to act it out and again seeing others act theirs out. Sadly, they had a recent flood so we didn't get to see much of the theatre, but we made the best of it.

# data[].attributes.body
I still can’t believe I was able to walk through the Louvre. Everyone talks about how beautiful art pieces are and the history that its walls contain. Of course, like everyone else who visits the Louvre has to stop and see the infamous Mona Lisa. I was told before hand that the Mona Lisa was going to be a little disappointing in person because of its size. However because I was told this my expectations were small, I was actually surprised to see how big it really was. Not huge but not small like I thought. Now I can say I’ve witnessed the Mona Lisa in person! I hope someday I can go back to the Louvre and see the other art pieces that I missed during our tour

# data[].attributes.body
What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower. Well I have no idea but I was so excited to have the opportunity to go up close and go atop of the Eiffel Tower. The views were amazing, we went during sunset so that we could see the city lite up. which was absolutely incredible, then we got to see the Eiffel tower sparkle as it does every night. Me and Alex stayed at the top the Eiffel a little longer then everyone else and missed the light up show from a distance but lucky we got off in time is see it extremely up close! However it was totally worth it and I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower in person! And now I have officially been to Paris!

# data[].attributes.body
During all of my history classes in school, one of my favorite time periods to learn about was the French revolution. So when we were able to walk the halls of King Louis XIV's castle and seeing room after room after room was crazy. Then being able to venture off into theirs gardens and the place where Marie Antoinette built a town and hired actors to play out the peasant life so she could feel normal was amazing. The area at which these cottages were built were so beautiful and the greenery was amazing. Being able to see this history in person was so cool. This was definitely a great last day to our time in France!