Paris!

I made it in, even though the United representative at Washington Dulles didn't think they would let me in with a one way ticket. I guess, when you think about it, it does make sense that if I had no return ticket and no visa they might wonder as to my legal status in the country. However, after stressing about it for much of the flight, while watching sappy chick flicks, the immigration guy glanced at my passport, flipped through it to find my other stamps, and sent me on my way. I didn't even have to go through any kind of customs! So much for strict French security...

As I emerged from the sole arrival gate into a sea of expectant faces, I was hoping to see a familiar smile, but did not. Alright, not to worry, I thought, I have her number, I'll just wait a few more minutes and then call her. I neglected to realize that the line for the changing currency would be so long, nor would they give me coins for the telephone, only a very confusing card. I was attempting my fourth try at getting the thing to work when I had to ask a man next to me for France's country code. He saw my troubles and, realizing it was a local number I was trying to call, graciously let me use his phone. I left a message for Sara, letting her know where to find me, fully expecting to see her in 10 minutes. 20 minutes, 45 minutes.... starting to get desperate, I attempted my broken French again and asked the lady sitting next to me if she would let me use her phone to try Sara again. Although I inserted some English into my French, she was able to understand me, and kindly let me use her phone, and then sat with me for a bit trying to help me decide what to do. Then Sara called her back, and I was finally led to understand that Sara had thought I was arriving TOMORROW! She said she could be at the airport in an hour, or I could try to navigate my way to meet her. Since I'd already been there for a good 2 hours, I decided to chance it. The lady helping me even offered to drive me into Paris in her car, but it would have been very out of the way for Sara, so I thanked her profusely and said farewell. (I'm not sure if I have just been extremely lucky, but so far I have only encountered extremely helpful French people, who seem to appreciate my use of their language, not disdain it)

Fortunately, I have some travel experience under my belt, as well as a sketchy understanding of written French, so with these two skills, and my semi-reliable simple conversation skills, I was able to find the train, buy a ticket, and find the right entrance. After 45 minutes, I was in the heart of Paris, meeting Sara in front of the fountain Saint Michelle.

After the typical French greeting of the deux bissous, Sara led me to another train that dropped us off nearly at her doorstep in a very posh neighborhood. As she says, "your belongings are definitely safe here". I don't know how she manages this amazing luck, but her room is entirely Parisian, and entirely her...and it is essentially FREE! (She is babysitting 3-4 hours on school nights for a family who lives in a flat below her room). We ascended in a teeny tiny little elevator (I'll post pictures later), and through a bright blue door into a yellow room that is literally 9X9 including a twin bed, wall heater, small counter space with a minifridge, small shower, and closet. Imagine all that fitting into a room smaller than most walk-in closets! But it is entirely charming, and one wall is dominated by a large window with a small iron grating that is super picturesque, and gives the outside view a very European feel. She even has a pot of mint hanging there!

After the requisite catching up, and some time for my head to stop spinning from dehydration, we made our way to le tour eiffel, the quintessential Parisian landmark. We took advantage of having two people to take some fun pictures, and then meandered our way underneath it and to a cute little cafe where I enjoyed a real cafe au lait (which was truly one of the best I've ever had). There, we plotted and planned the rest of my days in Paris, with Sara continually getting a frustrated little look when she thought of yet another thing that I HAD to do while here with her. Hopefully we will be able to fit most of it in. Although I am excited to see the things that make Paris, Paris, I am even more interested in seeing the places Sara has fallen in love with during her stay. We will try to mix the two and get the best of both worlds.

After our coffee break we slowly made our way back to her apartment because she had to babysit this evening (and also because my shoes were rubbing *sad face*) Chatting a walking, we managed to find our way into a shoe store where Sara had seen a pair of sandals, so we even fit shopping into our afternoon! Our last stop was the boulangerie for some fresh baugettes that we will take to a picnic by the Seine this evening that her friends have organized.

Right now I am just resting on Sara's bed, listening to the bustling sounds of the city outside the window, nibbling on some fresh baugette and rocquefort, and seriously contemplating a nap until Sara is done working.

As you can see, my first day in Paris has already been a whirlwind, as those to follow will surely be as well. For now, I have probably made you sufficiently jealous that I can actually make that nap a reality. *wink*

More to come as I discover other bits and pieces of the French world...

A bientot,
Karissa