Reflections

It has been a week since I have arrived in Paris.  Looking back, it seems that time has flown by.  My memories of home and the restaurant are now distant.  The void created in my heart after leaving the restaurant has now been filled.  I guess it is true that time heals all wounds.  I still think about the old crew from time to time.  It helps me get through the days with a smile.

Adjusting to life in France has been a little difficult for me.  I have a weak grasp of the language and as soon as a shop keeper knows I am American, they will start speaking in English.  This hinders any possibility of learning the language.  I usually respond in French to see if they will attempt to revert back from English, but nope!  English 100% of the way.  How frustrating.

I went to visit my school last week and I ended up getting lost.  The metro system for the most part is fairly simple to navigate, unless you are me (I've been sheltered).  I lost myself in the tunnels trying to figure out where my line switch was.  I also got trapped in a train because I didn't know how to get out of it.  There are some trains that have doors which do not open automatically.  You must either press a button or lift a lever to open the door.  Needless to say, once I figured everything out and emerged up into the city, I found myself lost again.  I was walking around for about 40 minutes trying to find my apartment which is 3 minutes away from the metro station. . .it was such a tortuous experience.  I stayed in my room for a few days after that.

I spoke with Chef about my experiences and he told me to "Get of your ass" and "Go get lost."  I took his advice this past weekend.  I was walking home after a party, by myself! at night! and I felt a little hungry so I took a turn down a street I had never been to.  I found a kebab place, ordered dinner, and found my way back home.  It made me feel a little more confident about the unknown, but I will not be going back down that street again.  The kebab sucked and the frites were soggy!

All in all, Paris is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.  The architecture is bewitching.  It makes NYC and Chicago look a little pedestrian in my opinion.  Even the million dollar mansions back at home, can not compare to Paris.  Unfortunately, I am not a fan of city life.  Paris is too crowded and noisy for my taste.  Had I found a school in say, Bretagne or Provence, I think I would have a much better time.  I have not visited any of the famous landmarks since I arrived, but I did go to Versailles with my roommates.  I saw the tip of the Eiffel Tower and I passed by Notre Dame from a distance.  Actually I take that back, I Did see the Centre Pompidou.

Notre Dame

Château de Versailles

School commences next Monday.  I can't wait to begin.