First impressions don't mean everything..

Okay, so I have made it. I was sad the first day but I am getting better.  The flight was gross, and of course I packed too much.  American Airline made me pay $50 for a second bag, $150 for a third bag, and $50 because it was overweight.  Safe to say never making that mistake again.  While I was waiting for my flight to Chicago the gate was changed, and there wasn’t even an announcement so good thing I noticed the message on the screen. Also, as I was getting ready to leave the plane I noticed my passport was missing from my bag and we hadn’t even landed in France. At first I was sitting next to the only fat guy from France I swear haha (just kidding that was mean) and then after I got back from the bathroom the first time he had switched seats with this little kid. I have heard about how adults use children to pickpocket from you, so initially my mind went to this little kid. I couldn’t tell if he had it or not, but I really did check my bags multiple times to double check. Finally when people were starting to get off the plane I asked the other guy sitting next to the kid if he had seen anyone around my bags, he said no. He asked what I lost, I told him my passport and he gave me a look like “haha bummer... good luck with that one lady”. Then he said have you looked under your seat, so I did and voila there it was. I felt bad for immediately suspecting them but I couldn’t help myself. All I know is that was not a good feeling, and I never want to have it again. Then First impressions: the streets are a little dirty, they like to take their time eating, there is lots of smoke, and people drive way too fast and close to each other.  I’m pretty sure I got the shaft with the apartment situation. I mean that is just what it feels like. I know that many apartments in Paris are smaller and much older. It is very small and up in the boonies away from everyone.

I have met a few people so far, hopefully they turn into good friendships. Despite all that, it is such a beautiful city! I went on a bus tour of Paris so I didn’t really get to take quality pictures yet but I still did some through the window. Below is a picture of me in front of the Eiffel Tower, we did get to stop there for 5 minutes. Unfortunately the weather wasn't top notch.  The weather has been kind of weird.  It says 70 degrees when I check online, and the first day it was a cold 70 and today it was a hot 70.  I have mastered the Metro though! It really isn’t that hard to use, you just have to pay attention. Now I need to buy a monthly pass.  The orientation is going pretty well too. It is a little boring listening to the bucket loads of information they have, but it is quite handy especially the stuff they have said about safety. Basically, you just have to blend in and walk with purpose. There are two totally different Paris’, day and night. I sure do wish I brushed up on my French a little more, because guess what… they speak French. I went to 2 cafes so far and was able to at least order in French. Luckily my roommate is fairly good at making conversation. I ordered un croque monsieur and un lemonade (like sprite), and this quiche ham thing and sugar crêpes. Très bien! I also went to this restaurant and had pizza, salad, and chocolate mousse for only 10 euros. My roommates and I made dinner together tonight, lemon chicken with an onion sauce and butter noodles. Not too bad for being amateur chefs.

Well I think this is long enough for today… à demain! (until tomorrow)