Today is my first full day in Paris. Yesterday I landed at the airport, and of course my luggage wasn't there. Apparently, the plane left before they unloaded all of the baggage. Figures. Supposedly they will be delivering my bag today, but who knows. Luckily I packed extra clothes in my carry-on bag (or, hand baggage, as they call it).
It's sooooo cold here! I had dressed pretty warmly on the flight, figuring that it would be chilly here. But I definitely did not have enough layers, because I pretty much froze when we were outside! My host mother, Lise, is very nice. I felt kind of stupid at first because my French is so terrible, but she's been correcting me and helping me to speak better. My room is very nice too - I have lots of space! I realized that this is the first time I've had a room to myself since I was 10.
So today I had orientation at the IES Center (that's the program that I'm in). I had to be there by 9:30, which meant getting on the métro by 8:45. I was late, and had to run down the street to the station. People gave me funny looks. Also, when another girl and I were speaking in English on the train, people gave us funny looks again. I'm starting to get used to that though.. haha!
The neighborhood of my program is pretty nice - it's cute, with little alleyways and shops and cafes everywhere. It's a short walk from a mall and some other big stores, too. There is an accordian repair shop right across the street from the center! Today I went to a cafe for lunch with some other IES students, and ordered an omellette au fromage. mmm sooo good! I think the eggs taste better here. The salad dressing was kind of gross though, it tasted like straight mustard. Also, I went into a little department store looking for a hair dryer. Everything is much more expensive here! I'm glad I brought shampoo from home, because I would have paid twice as much at a French store.
Well, I'm still tired - I think it's gonna take a while for the time-difference to settle in. Tomorrow I'm going on a bus tour that's paid for by IES. Maybe I'll have some pictures to post by then!
Chloe
Why do you think the eggs taste better? Happier chickens? I told you to bring your hairdryer
ReplyDeleteMum
Do they have a Trader Joe's in Paris?
ReplyDeleteNice pictures! And I have to admit that the food DOES look (and sound) delicious! I need to get learning some French so I can come and visit you!
ReplyDeleteCHLOE THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!! miss you-- i'll keep reading!
ReplyDeleteThey must put something special in the eggs because they are so much more tasty and fluffy! I haven't seen any TJ's yet.. doubt that I will. But there are fruit stands on the sidewalk everywhere, and even in the metro stations! The food is great, albeit expensive but certainly worth it!
ReplyDeletestill looking for a cheap hairdryer..