It was so sad to leave my friends and family back in Ohio, but I know that they will always be apart of my life no matter what, because no matter where I am, I know they are right there! Despite my apprehensions, I jumped on the plane at 9:05 AM and my adventures began...
My first week in Paris was a riot.
As soon as I arrived (at 6:50 AM which is 12:50 AM in Ohio) i dropped off my bags to visit my first prospective apartment. The first one I visited was on the seventh floor with no elevator, that's seven floors plus the ground level, for all of you Americans! So.... I did not get that one, my only disappointment that it had a view of the Eiffel Tower. Its ok, try to imagine me carrying my 105 lb luggage up those stairs..not happening. I immediately knew that the next place was not for me when I entered the house and saw a stuffed fox on display in the foyer. To add to the unfortunate circumstance, there was a faded Harry Potter comforter on the bed that I was to rent.. sorry wizards I don't want to sleep with you on top of me tonight. After seeing two more places without any luck, I found a nice little room near the metro line 7, close to my work. It is in a suburb outside of Paris called Villejuif, which literally means Jew-town in English (you're welcome, Anna). I arrived, saw the kitty, and knew I was home!
While the apartment hunt was underway, I stayed at a very very nice hostel called St. Christopher's Inn, if you ever go to Paris on a budget, stay there. Everyone speaks English, I met so many Aussies and Kiwis and even some Ohioans! I drank with some cool Aussies and we bonded over Summer Heights High. After spending four nights in a hostel and paying for six, I was done playing nice with all of my english speaking comrades. I ventured from the microcosm of my native language on Friday to get drunk with some really nice french bloaks. Although I probably embarrassed myself because they fed me too many drinks, they were great, and even helped me find my wallet the next day. Well who really helped me was some girl that found it in a cab and contacted me via facebook... I have faith in humanity! I know, I know, bad start on being a responsible adult, but hey, I learned my lesson!
So I wanted to be speaking french as much as possible after arriving, but that is easier said than done. I was soon to realize that the french that I was speaking was at the level of a six year old. I spent many conversations just smiling and nodding while people ramble on in french at me while I understood about half of their dialogue. But as it turns out, you really don't need to know the other half, you just need to act like you do. I am getting better though, the more I hear spoken french the more I adjust to the abbreviated vernacular. Now I know when I am getting hollered at and exactly what they are saying.. Apparently only old french dudes want to be my friend (don't worry mom, I know the expression for leave me alone).
until next time... much love from Paris!
-Sara
