The Eagle Has Landed

HUZZAH!  I have survived my voyage across the Atlantic and the English Channel.  This was my first experience flying at night, and I must say, I much prefer it over day time flying.  The lights of civilization below me reminded me of a galaxy.  Little yellow dots coalescing into one giant system.  It was quite the sight to behold.

I am living with 2 other students (a Brazilian and a Brit) as well as my host mother.  I think I have the smallest room because I am the last to arrive, but it is spacious enough for me.  My view isn't as great because I am in the back of the apartment.  I will patiently wait until my roommates move out, so that I may move into their rooms and have a street view!

My Brazilian roommate gave me a brief tour of our surrounding neighborhood this morning.  The buildings resemble the ones in the movie Inception.  

Based on my observations, Paris is somewhat dirty.  The streets are littered with cigarette butts, random plastic bottles and paper cups.  Just don't look down and admire the beautiful architecture around you!  The Parisians dress fashionably well and the women are pretty, seriously I can't stop staring haha.  Unfortunately everyone here tends to keep to themselves.  There is no eye contact so it is difficult to initiate a conversation with someone on the street.  Believe me I have tried, or perhaps I am really ugly and no one wants to look at me :(  so much for macking on French girls eh?
The taxi drivers drive like maniacs, but having ridden in one I understand why.  The faster these guys drive, the faster the pay counter rolls.  I don't know the exact rules, but it seems that drivers have the right of way in Paris.  If your crosswalk is flashing stop, you better run across as fast as you can, or you wait.  As soon as the stoplight turns green, the drivers will floor it.

I have a boulangerie (bakery) about 2 to 3 doors down from me.  They sell fresh baguettes, big macarons, an assortment of quiches, pain au chocolate (chocolate croissants), and a few other things.  I can't wait to try a pain au chocolate tomorrow morning!  I have a grocery store about a block and a half away.  I bought some boudin noir (blood sausage) and I can't wait to try it for the first time.  There are multiple bistros around me as well as a 'farmers market' that sets up across the street from me.

I will attempt to ride the metro tomorrow and visit my school.  I know I am going to get lost, I just hope I can find my way back home with my limited French speaking skills.