L'Hotel de Ville

Language immersion classes began yesterday and I think my mind is still processing the drastic change from summer. Three hours five times a week + homework has been a quick adjustment. Fortunately, the program is also putting our money to good use by organizing outings in the city. As I posted earlier, we took a ride on the Seine over the weekend. And, today, we got a guided tour through the Hotel de Ville, which is essentially city hall in Paris. It is the location of the mayor's office and receptions for foreign leaders who come to Paris. It's a very old and beautiful building. In typical old, European fashion, everything is very ornate with gold embellishments and murals painted everywhere. We spent a portion of the tour in "La Grande Salle" (translation: the big room), where I would like to think French kings held lavish parties centuries ago. I'm not sure if this really happened, but it's a nice thought. What do you think?