I'm here!! We're finally in Paris! And it's been an amazing first day! I don't think it's even hit me that this is my home now for the next month! But I couldn't be happier!
After a delicious last dinner at Angelo's in NYC with my mom, I woke up early to make it to JFK! Bumping into my good friend Jay in the hotel as I was bringing my luggage downstairs for the shuttle, I knew it was off to a great start! There's no better feeling than being reunited with your friends after a month apart; yay for having Kimm and Bren back! The three hour flight to Miami felt a lot longer compared to my usual 45 minute flight home! (Fun fact: this was my FOURTH flight in a week!! Turning into quite the jet-setter!) The layover went by fast, and before we knew it we were minutes away from landing in Paris! Bren and I sat next each other holding our breath (with Kimm just a couple rows behind us!) waiting for the landing... And now here I am!!
We took a bus from the airport to campus, about an hour away. The view was incredible, seeing the outskirts of Paris then into the city itself! I can't wait to get out and see everything up close! We unloaded our stuff, had lunch (sandwich avec jambon et fromage!) and moved into our new rooms! Kimm and I are still roommates (from Queens to Paris!!)! At least she's use to my messiness by now. After a quick shower, it was time for adventure!
Somehow out of all people I started leading the group towards the Eiffel Tower, but of course I have no sense of direction and went in the opposite direction (you'd think it's pretty hard to miss, but leave it to me!) but on the upside I led the pack to Musée de l'Armée, Napoleon's tomb! The building and grounds were absolutely beautiful! Definitely a place I'd like to go back and really take a look at; I really can't wait to learn more about all the places we're seeing.
And then we made our way to the Eiffel Tower where I had my big "Ah-ha!" moment where my dream like trance felt more of a reality. This is real. The Eiffel Tower is actually right there in front of me! My eyes welted up with tears; it took me by surprise! You always say that you want to travel the world and see all different places, but now that it's actually happening it's a lot to wrap my head around (the Eiffel Tower is HUGE!) There was a couple taking their wedding pictures, so naturally I followed to get a closer look at her dress, haha!As we walked away the Tower lit up, literally! I can't wait to go back at night!
We met up with a bunch of other students to find a place to eat, our first meal out in Paris! Naturally, twenty people was a bit too big to fit in a little side restaurant, so Bren, Kimm and I broke off where we had escargo (It's so yummy!) and tried a bunch of different wines!
With such a busy day tomorrow (Orientation, a walking tour of the surrounding neighborhoods, and a boat tour!!) we figured it'd be best to head back to try to beat the jet-lag! As we were walking back to campus a guy, probably around our age, asked us what I assumed was directions. I fumbled trying to respond off the top of my head "Je ne comprends pas le français", but he got the idea that we were clearly not from the area, let alone country! We haven't even been here for a whole day yet and people already think we know our way around!! And on top of that, the public safety officer at the front desk complimented me on my French (thank goodness for those five years in high school!) and my accent! Maybe I should just stay here after the rest of my trip; It seems like I'm fitting in just fine!! =)
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