Today was absolutely awesome! In the afternoon we went on a boat ride on the Canal St.-Martin and the Seine River. Sinking down to the water level to pass through the gates along the Canal was interesting, but got boring after the 4th one. We had to go through 7 in order for us to get to the Seine River. Once we got to the Seine we went by Notre Dame and the Louvre. Standing outside on the boat was quite chilly, but it was well worth the sacrifice. The scenery along the Seine is breathtaking.
After the boat ride, a group of us went to see the Eiffel Tower and take pictures. Every time I see the tower I am amazed by its structure and how awesome it is! Me and Casey almost fell flat on our faces because we were watching the Tower instead of the steps in front of us! As we were coming home I was asked by a Parisian for directions and I had thought I stuck out as an American but I guess I look like just another person who lives here!
For dinner tonight we had pizza…pour moi…trois fromage pizza et c'était très bon !
So far I feel very relaxed to be here. There are only a few things that I am nervous about and that is making sure I lock our apartment door because my key is horrible and it sticks in the lock. And I hate getting lost and because our classrooms will be in different buildings almost every week I’m sure I will be late one day and get locked out.
Being on the metro late at night has shown me a different world or a different side of Paris. There are accordionists, guitarists, beggars, homeless, police, etc. People will tell their stories on the metro and ask for money to help support their family and surprisingly people will give them money. I find this culture fascinating but I don’t really like riding the metro late at night alone. I’m sure I will get used to it and the fact of riding it late at night will not even occur to me.
Living in Paris for almost a week has made me realize how ignorant Americans can be. I am foreign in Paris and because of my status I need to respect Paris as other Americans need to as well. When we go out to restaurants or shops we need to atleast try to speak French and be polite and act towards others who are serving us with respect. I become embarrassed when I see a person from the US trying to order a meal and not even requesting it politely. No wonder why we are disliked here in Europe.
Overall I have made many friends and I love them! They are so much fun to be around and I love their outgoing spirit! I’m excited for this semester to start and to meet so many more people!
Hi Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your enjoying yourself.
What a great experience.
Warm month of January here but were still skating outdoors a lot and ice fishing.
Just a couple note here.
1. Put some lubricant on the house key and work it into the lock a few times. Vaseline sparingly or even body oil will help out - if that is the issue. If not - get it fixed - you never know when you'll need to enter in a hurry.
2. Keep your guard up at all times on the metro. Never ever become use to it. I speak from experience there.
3. As for being a rude American - don't sweat it. They are as rude if not more rude than Americans. I know - I've worked with a few state side and have studied some of their history. Never forget, there are thousands upon thousands of dead American GI's buried on their soil. They often forget that - and if it weren't for those GI's, you'd be learning to speak German right now - not French.
4. Dont' mess with Texas!
Take Care,
UG
Hey UG! Thanks for the advice and I especially like #4. Today was absolutely beautiful..it was finally sunny ALL day. I dont know if I will be able to put vaseline on the key..is that sanitary??
ReplyDeleteI sent dad a video of a guy playing soccer at the Sacre-Couer but it is taking FOREVER to send so hopefully if he sends it to you it won't take long! Definitely check it out because it is worth watching!
Nice. Enjoy the weather - and food - history - and laid back aptmosphere. Soak it up while planning where you want to go next. Getting exposed to various cultures will help you tremendously in whatever life's work you pursue. How about Asia?? China/Japan/S.Korea. Think big.
ReplyDeleteJust a tiny amount (microscopic layer) of V on the key. Just enough to lube the tumblers in the lock is all. It may not help but sometimes a little lube goes a long way.
Your Dad sent me photo's of your freshly polished headlights on your car. They look great. I'll ask him about the soccer video. I bet you're doing a lot more walking over there??
Any mini trips planned to areas around Paris or is there no time for that?
If I remember correctly, they have long lunches and late dinners there. How do you like that? Not much eating on the go.
Stay safe.
UG
KIRSTEN!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog so much! It's making me miss PARIS and makes me a little sad that I'm not there livin it up with you, but it's alright! [: I'm so happy you're having a good time. Isn't it amazing?
I understand what you mean about being embarrassed when Americans are rude. And sure, like "Mr Falcon" said, the French can be rude when they come stateside. But that isn't the point - and I think our military history is irrelevant when you're just talking about simple day to day courtesy. Sure the Americans came in at D-Day and we saved France and Europe...we know that story. What you're talking about is just common courtesy...saving the French during WWII doesn't give us the right to be rude when we go to France. Nobody has a right to be rude or disrespectful to anyone. I agree with you, when you go to a different country you need to be respectful and honor their way of life and culture.
That being said, Franco-American relations throughout history are really interesting. I would HIGHLY recommend visiting the American WWII memorial and grave site at Omaha Beach in Normandy, as well as the Memorial to Peace. It's a really moving experience, and I think it's important for all of us to pay homage to the people who sacrificed for us.
Love you lots! Have a good weekend!