It’s been a month since I left the states. I decided after my last blog post, to not post anything or blog until I had been here for longer. For various reasons- seeding out the boring stuff that no one really cares to read about, to get over my ranting about homesickness, and to really have a starting point that I was comfortable with. So, that being said- expect to see a few blog posts a month- that’s all I can promise. Here, I rarely find the time to sit for long periods of time in front of a screen. It’s too beautiful outside, the food is too good, and the people are too amazing to ignore. For pictures, you can look on my facebook- or follow me on instagram-kreenatree for both.  Prepare to read a long post! 

For starters- I’ll begin with explaining how I’ve been getting settled.

Once you arrive in a foreign country (that you’ve moved to)- you have several things to take care of and organize. I had to send in my papers to the OFII (immigration), get to be comfortable with a manual car and horrendous Parisian traffic and driving habits, get a french phone, take my entrance exam for school, and get used to the Metro and fill out stuff for a navigo pass(I have yet to do this- oops).

The OfII stuff was a piece of cake, kind of. I sent everything in by certified mail, and now all I’m doing is awaiting my call for my physical exam to make sure I’m disease free and capable to work here.  The driving thing is still being worked on, but I can tell you- I have gotten the hang of it, and even pissed off a Parisian driver, which means I must be doing something right! I had some gratification when they applauded me out of sarcasm and even thought “dang, I must actually be getting the hang of this.. nice… you keep up your clapping french man”… disclaimer: I am a really safe driver. really.  The driving here is insane, by the way, Aggressive, no one stays in their lane, and mopeds do not follow any laws and practically asked to get killed.  People are always honking, the traffic is so heavy.  It’s fun though, especially with loud electronic music helping you out.  Getting a phone was the most frustrating thing, in fact it even left me thinking “what the fuck am I even doing here?” and extremely discouraged.   I had always heard from everyone in the states that french people are extremely rude and unhelpful to people who can’t speak their language(a.k.a- me, but that’s why I’m here, and you have to start somewhere). For the majority, I’ve been treated with the utmost hospitality and kindness, but this one occasion I was not. It’s most likely due because this cell phone company (ORANGE) is known for their awful customer service. (just like in America, customer service needs improvement). Anyway, I received my iphone via mail, the sim card didn’t work, and after two phone calls, a visit with a printed out translation of exactly what the issue was and a lady who refused to help me, and a phone call threatening to cancel everything- my iphone magically was fixed! Thanks to Florian- Pierre’s sister(marie-caroline)’s boyfriend, who was so helpful and still is- giving me suggestions about everything. The metro was a little confusing at first, but now that I’ve taken a few trips, I definitely think it’s user friendly.  I love riding on the metro so much. I know, it’s weird to love riding on something where there are so many germs, sweaty people- who will not look at you in the eye- most of the time, and random homeless people jump on and go through their spiels in french about how they’re hungry and need money-some are really entertaining, funny, and have great personality. But, it’s extremely fast, it’s thrilling, and I love watching people and how they interact with one another- so for me, it’s one of my happy places. I know, it’s strange, but it beats the hell out of idiot SC drivers, views of cow pastures, and un-maintained roads. (which, by the way, the roads here are great- and old… what gives SC?!? WHAT GIVES?!?)

I spend my days being a nanny. My routine, is wake up, be at the school by 11:30, pick up Maud-Marjorie, take her to the house, make her lunch- usually a meat, vegetables(always with dijon mustard for me), yogurt, baguette, water, and sometimes cheese or fruit. Then, Jocelyne (the mother of the house) will take her back to school and I mess around for the rest of the afternoon- play piano, clean my apartment, eat, lay outside in the sun, hang out with P.A if he’s here, and then I pick Maud up again and help her with homework, give Marc- Eduoard a voice lesson- sometimes make them dinner, and then after everyone is home, settled, we all eat dinner- I’ll take a shower; depending on the night, I may go out with Pierre- usually to see friends and drink, or stay in and watch illegally downloaded movies. It’s seriously the happiest I’ve ever been.  Hanging out with Pierre’s friends is always so entertaining and fun. Granted- I understand a fourth of what’s being said- they’re not easy on me and speak french- which I’m grateful for, because it really helps me connect words and learn.  French people know how to throw parties- and by that- I don’t mean “french people know how to get you wasted” French parties are a great time because everyone sits around and talks, which usually- animated stories about vacations are told, bets are made, drinking card games are played, and everyone paces themselves to thoroughly be able to enjoy their night. We still get really drunk, but honestly it’s much more enjoyable than any American gathering I’ve ever been to. I’ve met many people who have already interned and studied in other countries, and know atleast two to three languages. It blows my mind. 

Some stuff that i’ve done includes- the l’arc de triomphe, champs elysees, eiffel tower, sacre coeur (briefly at night), Louvre, montmarte(briefly), moulin rouge and the redlight district—-oooofffff(very very briefly) (there’s an erotica museum), nightclubbing, and of course many bakeries have been visited.   

In mid october I plan to go to Salon Du Chocolat- a festival devoted to chocolate, and there’s even a chocolate fashion show (gasp ooooommmmgggggg)!!!! and it’s only 12 euro! Plus, I’m going with Pierre and Marie-Caroline, and I cannot wait for it!

So far, France is everything I have always dreamed of and so much more. Sometimes I literally can’t believe that I’m here. It blows my mind that I am so lucky.