O Philos Off

January 15 2010

Whew! What an exciting past few days it’s been! I just have to start this post by saying that as I sit here writing at a café in the neighborhood of my new home, my gay waiter Damien keeps giving me free wine. I think he’s trying to get me drunk.

I love Paris.

So much has happened since I last wrote. Today, I moved into my new apartment in the 12th arrondissement. Yesterday I spent the evening drinking wine while the Eiffel Tower twinkled in the window. It’s so exciting how different the Parisian lifestyle has been in just the past week. The pace, the rhythm, the interaction, the scenery, the food, the standard of living, the values, the expectations. This is exactly what I wanted and I couldn’t be happier. When I first met my landlord and saw my new apartment, I was a little hesitant and unsure of what I was getting myself into. I think it was because everything was so different and new to me. But now that I’ve finally moved in and explored my neighborhood, I know I will be getting an authentic experience. I’m in a locals only neighborhood. Not near the monuments. Not near the tourists.

But more about my place. It’s a two room apartment; one bedroom and one living room. There’s a kitchen and a bathroom as well. We separated the beds and I’ll be living in the living room on a futon. Part couch, part bed. Versatile, like me. Check out the photos (and my roommate, Troy)! It’s also fully stocked with pots, pans, silverware and glassware. And it has a washing machine! I think that’s how I’ll make most of my friends.

And here comes another carafe of wine. Thank you, Damien.

Anyways, to catch up, I’ve been taking the metro a lot and attending a ton of orientation meetings. I’ve learned all the ways not to offend French people. Don’t eat on the subway, say bonjour to everyone (even on the elevators), and give exact change. We also went on a scavenger hunt today to explore our neighborhood. We took some totally inappropriate photos in front of the Eiffel Tower. You can fill in the blanks.

It definitely feels like I’ve been here for longer than a week, and I hope that time keeps going by slow. Reminder to self: “Never forget where you are. Soak it up.” Sorry, Doogie Howger moment. I was just thinking about last night when I couldn’t wait until it was the top of every hour so I could watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle for five minutes.

Damien just brought me a mixed drink with a glow stick in it! I can’t focus anymore. Until next time!