I'm in LOVE

11th Janvier
Today I got lost in Paris and it was amazing.
Words cannot describe what emotions I went through as I wondered (somewhat) aimlessly around St. Germaine, Jardin du Tro, Le Court de la Louvre, Pont Neuf, and so many other places. My friend (Franck) had to get work done today and he insisted I brave the city on my own. It wasn’t really much of a fight, I wanted to get lost!
So, we woke up around 12:30, went to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and then to a café for brunch. I had a bowl of coffee, some eggs served on bread, cheese and baguette. It was so amazingly good and I really wanted to photograph it, but only remembered after I had completed my meal.
Franck walked me to the train station and we said good-bye (around 3pm). I took the Abesse train to the Concorde stop which brought me right to the Jardin du Trou… I almost had a heart attack it is SOO beautiful. I immediately went for my camera only to discover the “new” batteries I had put in were in fact, old. So my first mission was to find batteries. I walked through the amazing Jardin and it was exactly as you would think it to be; breathtaking sculptures, kissing lovers, people walking dogs, tourists, and an air of magic. I walked and walked until I reached Le Louvre. By the way, I think I either got hit on and/or goggled at about a hundred times. The men here are not afraid to let you know they think you’re a hottie. What a refreshing concept. In Paris you see so many interracial couples; it is SO NOT a big deal, unlike back home. It’s very refreshing.
So anyway, I finally found some batteries (9, 50 Euro for two!) and also some beautiful scarves 3 for 12 Euro. Right now in France there is a huge sale and it’s seriously amazing. You can go anywhere and afford very beautiful items of clothing. I found some amazing boots for only 39 Euro (but I was good and did not purchase them)
So after my 4 hour walk, I decided to head back to Montmartre. I’m learning the Metro and it’s actually a very good system, you just have to be able to remember where you’re going! I think I went back and forth a few times on a few different trains before I figured out where I needed to go.
I think one of the most valuable phrases I’ve been taught is Où se trouve (Where do I find?). So if you’re coming for a visit, take note!
It’s funny that a lot of the stereotypes in France, or at least in Paris, are true. Everyone has a dog (I am so envious, I want Choko!), you will always see people carrying baguette and/or eating it at the same time, dog crap all over the place, people making out, fashionable men and women, and of course, hardly anyone here is overweight.
I feel so at home here, even though I don’t always understand the language (I’m getting better). Coming to Paris and setting up residency in France has been a goal of mine for at least 14 years. I feel as if I were born to be here and wonder why I wasn’t born Parisian! It may sound extreme, but I’m seriously going to figure out a way to go to a University here for my Master’s degree and I’m bringing my dog with me!
Imagine falling in love for the first time or realizing that the person you are dating is “the one,” this is how I feel about Paris.