The Journey to Paris

Despite being asked if one of my eyes had always been larger than the other one... the pre-trip time was less stress free than I thought... oh wait I forgot about the mess that Health Care providers cause... Yes. They tried to screw things up for me... but failed. It was redeemed by the cafe barista having my order ready before I even got up to the counter. Yes, I know I have a coffee problem... but I'm pretty headstrong and I don't think I'm gonna change now.

The night before my departure I watched 400 Blows... it truly got me pumped for my trip. It's kindof a mix between The Cather and the Rye and Stand by Me. To films that scream to the inner 12 year old that is trapped inside my heart.
SO...ANYWHO

So, My day started off extremely well with my morning run, then finishing packing. I made it to the Airport 2 hours early....and what do you know my luggage is exactly 50 lbs... I was shocked because... I always have to pay those stupid extra charges.. or stuff some more of my stuff in my carry on... but no.. today the odds were in my favor (until a cup of coffee landed in my lap).

HOUSTON TO PARIS: longest flight of my life.
Favorite Moments:
1. Bathroom lines the entire trip
2. toddler throwing up
3. The french woman who tried to talk to me. I think she was trying to tell me about her daughter, but after waiting in line for the bathroom, it just seemed to be a little too awkward for my tastes
4. Accidently kicking my seat buddy numerous times while trying to sleep. She still managed to enjoy my company though.
5. A woman in a floral dress, who walked around as if she had never seen a plane.. or people... or a bathroom... or AIR in her entire life.

PARIS: (raining cats and dogs)
I met the only other student on the program I am on. We had a chance to chat on the looonnng ride to our base office. It was really nice to have a great deal of things in common with her. I was worried that I would be stuck here alone. When we arrived to the office, we met up with our program director. She has to be the sweetest woman ever. She gave us maps and our first assignment. After we went to our homestays, we were to find each other again (without cellphones), get bus tickets, then take the bus to the bastile and meet the director once more.

#1 I think I am really going to enjoy my homestay. I've only met two of the residents Madame and the dog, but by them I can tell I will love the rest of the household, which includes another foreign exchange student. Moment I knew I was were I should be... when her face lit up when I told her of my love for coffee.
#2 Bus tickets and finding the bus no problem.
#3 Finding the director...problem.. (apparently there is more than one news stand in Paris) who would have thought.


The three of us + a baby were able to wonder around a little bit of the wonderful city. When it started to rain we ran for cover in a nearby Cafe. There my fellow student and I were left once more to bumble around then find our ways back to our homestays. No trouble there.

It was an interesting first day. I think it is a great start to a lovely trip. Well, I haven't slept since Baton Rouge.

Salut