INTERNET

Living and studying in Paris is more than just another tourist trip – it’s the second time I’m trying to integrate myself into a different culture, and it’s a big step in embracing responsibilities. This lodging in Paris is my first independent apartment. I negotiated with the landlord, and I’m dealing with the paperwork. I’m working on my legal status here in France. I’m getting myself registered at the appropriate university. I’m calling the internet companies and making the room hospitable. I’m making a list, checking it twice, and buying all the daily essentials from shampoo to fitted sheets to a microwave to groceries. I’m living alone and learning to take care of myself. I’m balancing school, a part-time job, and life in a foreign country where – if I don’t try really hard – I have no idea what anyone is trying to say to me.

Surprise: I GOT INTERNET SET UP in my room!! (Finally) It's day 22 of my Paris adventures - which means I've gone 3 weeks without internet in this day and age.

Ok ok, I know what's in high demand: pictures of my room. Here they are:

The door-side of my room: with its little kitchenette, mirror, and coat-hangers

What I call the "shower-side" of my room: equipped with a (duh) shower, foldable desk, chair, a bad, and an ever-looming slanted ceiling. They call this sort of lodgement a "chambre de bonne" - what used to be a maid's chamber. I share a bathroom with a lady downstairs in the hallway. 

Now, this is a definite upgrade from my hostel lodging - which, despite being a room shared with three other girls, had its share of benefits. For instance, I could take a shower there (albeit having to press the water button to have a stream) without a time limit. Here, my hot shower time runs 3 minutes on full water pressure and 7-8 minutes on wimpy. 

Hostel room sink: decent

hostel room: 4 girls, 8 suitcases, 10 days, and a heck lot of stress = not so good

This the St. Germain church literally half a block away from where I live - one example of the fine historical architecture found all over Paris.

I live on this street: diagonally above a Dior and across the street from a Louis Vuitton  

My first Metro (subway) ticket!!

I walked past a chocolatier right by Odéon

... and of course had to go in!

But most excitingly, Bryan! Arriving in 5 hours. I'll be taking the RER to the airport to pick him up before he has the chance to get himself lost in scary Paris. We all know he'd rather drop out than speak a word of French... We'll be having delicious crêpes and crème brulée and enjoying the scenery.