Je suis ici!

Okaaaay, I'll make another entry...

The long commute across the Atlantic was not too horrible, despite some stressful minutes of major turbulence. Luckily I wasn't stuck next to any wailing babies or extremely large arms oozing over my armrest, and managed a few hours of sleep. Charles de Gaulle airport didn't throw me too many curves, either. Not sure how I feel about the fact that my first purchase was un thé at the McDonalds at Gate 2A, but I needed change for the phone...


By some miracle, I got in touch with my mère d'accueil to let her know I'd arrived AND found the proper shuttle. After an hour + of traffic that alternated between insane swerving and utter stand-still, the friendly driver dumped me on the doorstep of the apartment that will house me for the next three months. 


My host mom is a divorced mother of four kids who have grown up and moved out. She's been very sweet so far, and although she doesn't seem to know a word of English, we've been able to communicate fairly well. Pretty much whenever she's home, she's watching the French TV show, "N'oubliez pas les paroles," their equivalent of "Don't Forget the Lyrics." Another IES student is living in the room beside mine. Nicole is from Georgia/New York/DC, and speaks French very well. She's awesome, and it's been great having someone who shares my enthusiasm for this experience! 


I still haven't gotten over how lucky I am to have gotten this living situation: a three bedroom apartment in the 11th arrondissement, between Bastille and Voltaire metro stops. My street is fairly quiet, but just a couple blocks away, boulangeries, cafés, and bars line the lively streets. Several latin dance clubs nearby, which I can't wait to try. A little park up the street. All with the feel of "real Paris." It is better than I hoped for.  


As for the school part, so far we have had two days of orientation which provided 80 jet-lagged students with the exciting challenge of saying no to nodding off. Hopefully after that I'll know not to leave my purse/passport/priceless heirlooms on the public bench while I rush about trying to catch that perfect shot of la Tour Eiffel. But don't get me wrong, there was some useful information, and it seems as if the people in charge are very nice and helpful, if a tad long-winded. We start intensive language classes this Monday, then regular courses on the 22nd. I'm actually pretty excited to be a real student in Paris...


I am officially in love with this place. Today was absolutely beautiful. ~75 degrees, sunny, Saturday.  Nicole and I strolled along rue de Rivoli to the Ile Saint-Louis area, admiring the gorgeous people, clothes, and architecture. Dined outside at an Italian restaurant at St. Michel, then grabbed some gelato in the Latin Quarter. Don't even get me started on the food here... that will require its own post one of these days.


Bed time. Bonne nuit. Bisous!

MC