I walked home from the Metro just now, alone, and it is probably one of the most nervous moments I've ever had traveling. I've never had to walk home in a completely foreign environment. In Taiwan, I had taxi's. In Shanghai, I had taxis, gates and guards. Here in Paris, I walked home with 4 Euros in my wallet, $3000 worth of travelers' checks strategically tucked under my shirt, and my keys in between my knuckles, hidden in my pocket. I walked with my heart pounding, checking for potential stalkers and robbers every two minutes.
I just moved into this apartment 6 hours ago, and it's amazing that I didn't get lost, especially in the dark.
Now I'm sitting in my Parisian apartment in the 16th arondissement, West of the Seine River. It's an 19th century building with noticeably aged features and a manual-door elevator, which at night time reminds of the creepy Grudge elevator/kid scenes.
Prior to my arrival, my friends thought, "Hey, it'd be great to get Chieh fucking drunk before she has to finish packing and go to LAX at 4:00 a.m. for her flight."
And I thought, "Hey, drinking 3+ drinks won't affect my ability to see, walk, or pack, much less function at the airport."
What the fuck was I thinking? I packed as if I was blind, stumbled to the airport with my heavy ass bags, and made it onto the plane just in time with a RAGING headache, which are the shittiest for a domestic flight.
Before I move onto Paris, I must pay homage to my wonderful friends who came out to support me until the very last second.
Thanks guys.
Paris... is everything I thought Paris would be.
I'm a little surprised at how comfortable I feel here, considering I know no French and have never stepped foot in Europe. I think maybe it's because there are still a lot of similarities between here and the U.S., and the culture "shock" (more like difference) is nothing compared to going to Asia. I'm still waiting to be really blown away by something, someone. It's only been two days though, and I've mainly been dealing with flights, school registration, and figuring how to survive here.
The students I've met so far are.. well.. what I expected. All the AUP freshmen are so damn beautiful and European, with their wavy hair and long legs donned in skinny black jeans, boots and gorgeous YSL, Chanel and Prada purses. I suddenly feel very Asian, not being 5'7"+, not being of model stature, and not wearing the latest couture pieces.
So far, the Eiffel Tower has been the best part of the trip. Despite the fact that we were awake for nearly 2 entire days with only a few hours of sleep, waited at the airport for 3 hours, waited at the FIAP for 4+ hours, I convinced everyone to push their energy to the limits and at least venture out to the Tower.
WOW. That thing is amazing.
Unlike the Statue of Liberty, unlike the Taipei 101, unlike the Pearl Tower, the Eiffel Tower is really fucking something.
I think I've done enough talking. I'm going to let my pictures do the rest.
Let's end with some thoughts:
1) European women are beautiful
2) French women are beautiful
3) French men are beautiful
4) With the amount of walking I'm doing now, I'm going to lose weight
5) I am psyched to cook in Paris. Have you SEEN the produce?
European inefficiency - 2 passport checkpoints for 3 incoming international flights
= waiting for 1 hour+ to go through immigration.
French Graffiti. EVERYWHERE.
To the FIAP
First meal in Paris at the FIAP. Not so bien.
Safe sex in the Metro.
To the Tower!
Montparnesse
@St. Michel
This is terrible, but it's impossible to not smoke in Paris. Thank God cigarettes are nearly $7/pack. I will not buy any.
Thank you Paris.
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