The Arrival

I'm in Paris! Yay! I am finally in France after a long, overnight flight from Atlanta. So where do I start? How about with a some pictures.

Here I am with my friend Humaira at the Atlanta airport getting ready to board our planes. The anxiety builds as the unknown awaits. The excitement, and some fear, grip us as we prepare to embark on our journey. Unfortunately, we were not even gonna be on the same plane. However, I met Dahlia a little while later, who coincidentally was flying on the same plane as me. Phew! I had a friend to travel with. We were not sitting together, but that was no problem. I was able to journal a little bit.

I wasn't quite sure how long the flight would be, but I decided to watch a movie in the meantime. I watched 2012, which was a little boring. They gave us a lot of food, which was really nice. I was tempted to get some wine since the drinking age is lower in France, but I wasn't sure if they'd let me since we weren't technically in France yet. I played it safe and stuck with water. I probably want to be clear headed in the airport anyway. I tried to sleep because I knew it was really late in Georgia, but it was difficult. I probably got a couple hours of sleep before deciding to watch Sherlock Holmes which I had seen before. I didn't get very far before the plane landed. Wow! I was in France! I got out after a long period of waiting since I was on such a big plane. Oh, I didn't mention that? I was on the second deck! That's how big it was. So after getting off, I ran into another member of my party: Pat! How wonderful! I'm finding my friends every step of the way! We meet up again with Dahlia and wait for Debra. We were forming most of our group.

Finally we got out of the baggage area and Voila! There was JayPee waiting. (I hope he didn't have to wait too long.) Yay! More help for me! Long time no see. Now it was time to wait for Dr. Francis. She was a little held up because, poor Erika and Julia's flights were cancelled! I guess just because the volcanic ash didn't affect my flight doesn't mean it didn't affect others in our group. So we stuck around the airport a little longer to make sure we got who we could.

Time to take the RER. Hmm. Interesting. I haven't had much experience with public transportation. It was pretty straightforward, though. The worst part was carrying all of our luggage. (You're right Debbie: you never wish you brought more stuff!) Man, carrying bags up and down the metro steps. What a hassle! The metro was interesting the look at, though. There are artistic things all over.

Going to the school, and we're dropping off our bags, thank goodness! Then a little stroll in St. Michel. It's so cool! Wow, I love the architecture. Oh, so this is a real crepe? Yum! Jambon et fromage, delicieux. Exchange a little money, then go back to school to pick up our bags. Soon, we will me our host families. And this is where we would be on our own.

I leave the metro...Now what? I know the street, I look around. Where do I go from here? Ok Kelly, don't look like a tourist. Uh.... ring ring. Time to call my host. "Je suis perdue." She was nice enough to come find me! Merci beaucoup, Madame Cholet! I continue to be fortunate. I am never alone! After a quick dinner and a little trouble with the internet, it was time for a much needed rest. Eight hours later, I would be starting my first day in Paris. I will save that for another post!

A bientot!