Surviving my First Week

Bonjour!

So today marks the one week anniversary of my arrival in Paris! I know, it’s only been a week, but a milestone is a milestone! And I plan to mark my successes as often as possible. What’s wrong with some positive reminders every now and then?!

I must say that so far my stay has been really wonderful. The missteps I’ve made have been minor (saying “Bonsoir” — which means “hello” during nighttime hours as I was LEAVING a store — instead of “bonnuit” which is more approriate for a goodbye, and accidentally using the wrong entrance or exit to a metro station), and not embarrassing enough to scar me. Give it time, though. I’m sure some colossal mistakes are on the horizon 😉

Truthfully, though, I’ve really been met with a lot of kindness and friendliness here. Despite many warnings about “French people hating Americans” and “no one willing to speak English,” my experience has been quite the contrary. As soon as anyone finds out I’m American, they’re asking me all sorts of questions about places I’ve been in the US, and am I liking it here, and do I smoke cigarettes, since apparently America is seen as a non-smoking country. And as long as I say “Pardon madame/monsieur, parlez-vous Anglais?” I have no problem conversing in English. Of course the plan is to begin French lessons soon so I don’t even have to use that phrase anymore, but I find as long as I’m polite, the effort is reciprocated.

Of course being in fabulous Paris doesn’t quite make up for the things I’m missing from home. I’m not having any extreme homesickness (yet), but I do wish I could I could share this amazing experience with the people I love. For your viewing pleasure, here are some photos of what I miss most: