À Paris

I think enough time has elapsed since my arrival. It's time to fill you in.

I guess I should start from the beginning. I arrived in Paris after a 16+ hour journey from San Francisco to Seattle to Reykjavik to Paris. The flight itself wasn't too bad, but they did not provide any meals during the flight. You get what you pay for, I guess. Once in Paris, I had to make my way over to the 13th arrondissement (that is where my couchsurfing host lives). In an effort to save some money, I decided to take the RER into the city and then use the metro system to reach my destination. I would soon find out that this plan would not be easy with two large suitcases and a heavy backpack. I will spare you the details of my harrowing journey, but just know that it was very difficult trekking up many flights of stairs, then down more flights of stairs, and then up again. The silver lining of my dumb decision: I got a great workout and I think I made an impression on the Parisians in the metro (probably not a positive impression, but an impression nonetheless).

I approached the high-rise where I would eventually stay for about 10 days (thank you, Freddy!) just as my host was arriving from work. Good timing! I feel fortunate to have had a good first couchsurfing experience. My host was generous, helpful, and we got along well. These 10 days passed quickly. I began my housing search immediately, but I was getting nowhere. People had warned me that it was very difficult to find housing, and they were right. I went to a few appointments, and most of them had well over 20 people vying for the same studio. Most of the people there were also French, with French guaranties. I stood no chance.

Although the stress of being "homeless" was following me wherever I went, I still managed to have some fun: a run along the Seine under a clear blue sky, wine with friends near pont des arts, wine near the eiffel tower, real champagne at Trocadero with a glowing tower hiding behind the trees, fire works at Sacre Coeur (you get the picture). It's been so much fun meeting new people and forming new connections. I haven't been this excited in a long time!

So back to my search for housing. Through what seems like sheer luck, I met an older gentleman that knew of someone with a free apartment. He was able to set up a meeting for me and soon after, I was no longer homeless! I love the place and the area around it. It's not the best neighborhood, but it is a vibrant and colorful place.

As for work, I have visited the school several times and have met with the English teachers. I haven't started work yet, but I'm eager for it to get underway. It'll be an interesting experience, at the very least. Luckily, the commute is not bad. From Gare St. Lazare in Paris, it takes me less than 15 minutes to get to Val d'Argenteuil. I spend a longer time getting from my place to the train station.

There is probably more to say, but I grow lazy. And I actually just returned from an incredible run: along the Seine then up to Sacre Coeur. I'm tired! But I guess I'll end it by saying thank you to everyone that has helped me get to where I am today. Even now, I feel so fortunate to be here and to be this happy. It's almost unreal. Although things are far from perfect, I can't remember the last time I felt this type of exhilaration. I'm excited for the time ahead of me, and for what I'll do with that time.