Orientation has proved to be much less painful than everyone has expected it to be. In retrospect, a lot of the things I thought were going to be "painful" (a new metro system, cuisine, square pillows...) have been quite enjoyable. SIDENOTE: No, I have not had Ortolan, if the occasion ever pops up, I will swim down the Seine to the nearest McDo. The thing about orientation is that it usually creates more confusion than knowledge or ease. This time however the confusion has resulted in all of us using our [often times] poor sense of direction to discover Paris, all while not practicing our French!
Paris is beautiful, and I have begun to appreciate all the cobblestones, the narrow streets and the architecture. I never really understood why people continually told me "Oh Paris! Paris is absolutely beautiful!" Walking down these tiny streets though, it all makes sense. There is a certain feel in Paris, I haven't found the perfect word for it (note to self: find one), but I guess it is true there is a joie de vivre here, there is no "rush." As much as I love and miss NYC, Paris is growing on me...
So are my new friends and host family. In particular my host family and Emily, whom I share the host family with. I hope to create a strong and close friendship with her through these six months. While our host family is sweet, we still feel like outsiders, not to mention Americanoutsiders.
Tomorrow it's back to Reid Hall and then L'assemble nationale to meet some politicos.
Artwork on the ceiling of La Grande Salle, Hotel de Ville
Notre Dame
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