Je suis ici...

Hello. Or rather, I should say bonjour. This is my first real entry for this blog, a document of my experiences living abroad. I am now situated in the 19ème arrondissement à Paris. The weather has been agreeable thus far, but a chill has just entered the air and people are now whipping out their scarves and jackets.  Interestingly enough, I have noticed people were actually attempting to wear them before (avant!) it was actually necessary, often causing a curious smell on the metro. People also do this in the U.S., as if the mere mention of October sends a shiver up the spine rather than cooling the Indian summer air. Despite this similarity though, there are many cultural differences as one might imagine. However, after all, we are all human and I have already had many exchanges with people of different varieties. It's eye-opening to be a foreigner after so many pacifying years in the United States, as a U.S. citizen.  

I have a little Alessi stovetop (actually a possession of the girl I am subletting from). I have tile à l'ancienne, or should I say old-fashioned (The French would say "kitsch." :)))) I have a red toilet seat! I know all of these things seem trivial but it is just the sheer attention to detail that the French (and Europeans) seem to possess that intrigues and delights me. There is something so fanciful about making light switches square plastic buttons that glow on all sides rather than tiny little knobs that must be found in the dark. Paris has truly been a magical experience thus far, and despite the many bumps one experiences in getting acclimated, I feel I am learning a lot, meeting interesting people, and more importantly, experiencing the je-ne-sais-quoi of French culture. Walks on the Seine, seeing the Eiffel Tower light up on the hour, buying groceries at the Monoprix, having the cashier yell at me because I did not know you had to weigh and price your vegetables, having a stranger hold the doors of the metro when I almost got smashed after attempting a late entry...all of these things I have experienced and taken in stride. And don't even get me started on the daily frustrations of not being able to adequately communicate! However, somehow, I have managed, I am here, and through will power alone, I have somehow been able to become as self-sufficient as I was back home. I plan to examine these things more in detail in other entries, but for now, I need to get out and enjoy the sunshine. First, I will enjoy it on my favorite place in the apartment...my balcony.... 

A bientôt, e r i n