Since the last time that I wrote, I've been getting more acclimated to the time zone, more in sync with Paris and Parisians, and more sure of my own ability to navigate French culture. I've moved into my studio on Avenue Daumesnil, which even better than I expected. I am on the third floor and out my window I can see a stretch of window-boxes, each overflowing with bright flowers, and I am slightly protected from the roaring bustle of the street by the Viaduc des Arts and the Promenade Plantée, which is basically an old railroad viaduct that has been converted into businesses--complete with a garden and walking path on top. To get to my apartment, I have to go from the street through a locked gate beneath one of the Viaduct's arches, and then up to another door with a security code, and then once inside the foyer I have to hold my key up to a reader, which opens the next door, and theeeen I can get to my apartment. Needless to say, and to the delight of my parents I'm sure, it is very secure.
It's taken me three days to finally unpack, because I have been so excited about being in Paris that I haven't wanted to be in my room for more than five minutes! Now that I have cleaned everything, put away all of my belongings, shopped for groceries, and done my best to make the place more homey, I am actually very comfortable here! It's nice to have my own place to unwind and relax, because being out in a foreign world all day is EX-hausting!
I'm happy with the Accent center in Paris, which has a very friendly staff and nice facilities. I was a little bit worried about what the quality of the school would be like, but I definitely got a good vibe—I think this is going to be a great semester!
Yesterday I explored the Luxembourg Gardens, The University of Paris, and the Cathedral of Saint Suplice on the left bank. I wore my feet out to the point of blisters, but all in all I had a nice day. I intended to come back to Daumesnil in the afternoon to explore the city by bike with some other UC students, but I ended up being so tired that I slept away the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Yesterday I explored the Luxembourg Gardens, The University of Paris, and the Cathedral of Saint Suplice on the left bank. I wore my feet out to the point of blisters, but all in all I had a nice day. I intended to come back to Daumesnil in the afternoon to explore the city by bike with some other UC students, but I ended up being so tired that I slept away the rest of the afternoon and evening.
One of my favorite memories of the last couple days is my taxi ride from Montmartre to my school. Walking is perhaps the best way to see the city, and an essentially Parisian thing to do, but sitting back in an air conditioned car and putting the sight seeing on fast forward was a nice change.
After my first day at Daumesnil, I realized that I'm here with a collection of awesome people! One guy helped my lug my suitcase up the stairs because the elevator was broken, another let me have the French press in his room when I saw him in the grocery store and complained about having no way to make coffee, and everyone else I have met has been friendly and just as excited as I am to be studying abroad here in the City of Light. After a picnic on the Viaduct at sunset with a new friend, I walked down the banks of the Seine and through Ile St. Louis with my new neighbors. All in all, a successful day.
Now I realize that this all might seem sickeningly optimistic… but that's because I'm in PARIS for goodness sake. It's every bit as fantastic as I have been making it sound. It's like I'm seeing "la vie en rose."
Obviously it's not ALL picnics at sunset and sparkling nighttime strolls on the seine, there have been a few mishaps. For example, walking out of Monoprix, (which is a store kind of like a Target in the U.S.) I set off the security sensors at the door. No one working spoke English, and I had a really hard time explaining that I was not shoplifting! Just before they looked over my receipt and told me I could go, I had a scary and somewhat comical vision of myself locked up in a French prison somewhere. It all worked out though, of course!
Obviously it's not ALL picnics at sunset and sparkling nighttime strolls on the seine, there have been a few mishaps. For example, walking out of Monoprix, (which is a store kind of like a Target in the U.S.) I set off the security sensors at the door. No one working spoke English, and I had a really hard time explaining that I was not shoplifting! Just before they looked over my receipt and told me I could go, I had a scary and somewhat comical vision of myself locked up in a French prison somewhere. It all worked out though, of course!
It's about 11 am here and I'm getting ready to go to my academic orientation. I wrote a few letters early this morning while sitting at a sidewalk cafe on Rue du Faubourg with un cafe creme et un croissant. The waiter there spoke a little English, and I told him that I will try to speak more French the next time I came to the cafe, since I have come to Paris to learn about the language and culture of France. He definitely approved of this!
I have to go now! It's a bit of a walk to the Accent center. Much love from Paris to my family and friends that read my blog! <3 font="" nbsp="">
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