Day 17: The sun is attacking me!

I knew it was a cute summer dress kind of day. Specifically, it was the day to wear my mama's beautiful floral pink and white layered dress. You know how sometimes you just associate the most mundane things with people so strongly. When I see this dress, I see her. She gave me the dress before I left, a dress that reminds me of the years that have passed. But now the dress fits me perfectly and suddenly Time hits me. Such a funny thing.

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I walked alone towards the Jardin des Plantes around noon. If I put too much effort into my walking, sweat would start coming out of all my pores. The heat wave is settling in and, man, did I feel it. Sitting down on a bench looking out towards the array of flowers before me, I worshipped the small breezes and gentle shade. The freshness helped to lower my rising body temperature.

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I was meeting friends from the program for lunch at the Grand Mosquée. Let me tell you, I was looking forward to it, and in retrospect, I had all the right to be doing exactly that. Starting with a chachouka to share, using bread to soak up the juices from peppers topped with a bit of egg, it was heavenly. Even on the hot day, I wanted more of this warmth. Then the "plat" for this meal: tajine of chicken with prunes, almonds, and onions over couscous...be jealous, please. The flavors worked a medley in my mouth. Far from done, we moved our little experience outside to the tea room where the delicate sun passed through the protection of leaves as we sipped on honey'd tea and the most delicious baklava.

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Then, right as the serenity of the honey, crunchy, flaky pieces was settling in, I realized I forgot my computer in the apartment. It took a second to hit. I had less than an hour to go back, get the computer, and get myself over to class. I made my last sip a shot of tea and asked my friends to save my baklava for me so I could enjoy it and not scarf it down.

To preface, I wore the wrong shoes for what I had to do and the speed I needed to be going at. My feet are pretty angry at me. Walking to the metro, navigating the metro, speed walking into apartment, grabbing computer, speed walking towards metro, phone no longer giving me directions (stopped functioning in my time of need), forgetting the metro, started walking the familiar walk to Reid Hall, knew the walk would take long, frustrated, and pouring buckets of sweat. Did I already say how hot it was? I felt a sheen present on all areas of my body. I also felt blisters develop slowly on my feet. Eugh!

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Finally got to class, late...which did not end up mattering AT ALL in the first place.

After official class, I stopped in a bookstore, looking at the works of Foucault to try and ground my summer project in.

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Carrefour was next to grab a few snacks for the movie (i.e. the rest of class). Just know that a stick of butter was a part of that purchase.

If you have not seen the Camille Claudel film, a genius sculptor who gave Rodin a run for his money, you really should.

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Getting late but still light outside, Anna and I decided to walk home. Oh, poor feet.

The only thing that was necessary this evening was a shower to rinse off the filth. Oh, and the redaction that needed to be turned in. But really, the filth was most important.