Pictures from the First Few Weeks

I added more pictures! I don’t really have stories to go along with them, but I’m sure you can still enjoy them.

And I found a couple of companies where I can do interviews! It’s pretty exciting because I was starting to get a little stressed out that I’m supposed to be doing research and haven’t done that much yet. They’re at organizations which advocate the importance of integration of seniors into society (through education, employment, social events, etc.)…so somewhat biased given what I’m studying, but it’s a start. I’m meeting with one next week, so I have a bit of reading to catch up on. I also have my program orientation this weekend / next week, so it’s good that I’ll have some places to mention. : )

On another note, I bought a small bureau the other week from someone off Craigslist.  No one really uses Craigslist here, but it was an American going back to the US who was selling her stuff, so it was a good deal! I also got some champagne glasses because she was selling them and I like champagne.  So I took the bus out to the 5^th arrondissement and bought the bureau and started walking back with it to the bus. It’s pretty small (maybe 1ft x2ft x3ft), so it wasn’t super hard to carry.  I just looked awkward, and people stared at me on the bus. Anyway, as I was walking, this man (probably 40ish) smiled at me and I smiled back because I realized how ridiculous I must look. Then we both were waiting for the bus, and he kept smiling at me, so I just looked away and people watched. And when the bus came, he offered to help me, which was nice, but I said I was fine. Throughout the bus ride, he kept smiling at me (I was not smiling at this point) and moving his hand down on the pole I was holding onto to touch my hand…and I kept moving mine away. (But one time he trapped me with two hands – one above and one below! Sneaky.) Eventually it was my stop, and I was relieved to get off the bus. But it was his stop too! He offered to help again, but I said no again, and he kept following me down the street. Another girl was pretty sweet and started talking with me because she realized what was happening, but then she had to leave to go to the metro.  Finally I yelled at him, “Stop it! What are you doing?” And he then he left.  This all happened during the middle of a Saturday, so there were a ton of people around, but it was just annoying and creepy.  French men. : )

And another stupid story comes from class this week.   One class of mine splits up the sections, so there was a new professor for this class. And she was going over the schedule and mentioned the exam on the last class and asked whether anyone was not going to take the exam. I didn’t hear her, but the girl next to me said (in French) ‘you’re not going to take the test, right?’ since we’re in some of the same classes and she knew I had mentioned that to other teachers. And I said ‘yeah, I’m not going to take it, is that what she said?’ And she said yes and then told the teacher I wasn’t going to take it. And the teacher asked why I didn’t say anything, and I said I didn’t hear her. So she asked me something and I responded “ouais” (which is like “yeah”) and she said we’re in France, we say “oui.” Okay.  And then she asked me some other question, and I said I don’t understand, and she said if you don’t understand then this is going to be a very hard class. And then the girl next to me said she speaks English. And the professor said “We’re in a French university, so we speak French.” So obviously I turned bright red.  Later I went up to her to double check whether it was ok if I just audit the course, and she was nicer and said yes, it’s fine, but I don’t know if you’ll understand it, and I told her that I understand most of it.  So, I’m going to practice saying “oui” more.  Johan told me I should say “oui madame,” but I’m pretty sure he was joking.

Lastly, I’m having a lot of trouble figuring out which bakery is best. I like to think I have a distinguished palate, but there are so many good things.  I decided to buy two croissants this morning to compare them at the same time, but one bakery was closed. Probably for the best.  But I’m planning a bakery crawl for when Anna comes to visit and we can discuss the pros and cons!

And I don't know how to reorganize the photos...

Hotel de Ville at night (1 block from where I was living for a few weeks)

I happened to be by the Seine on August 15th, where there was a parade on the river for the Assumption of Mary and lots of boats with people singing...and firefighters spraying water. You can see Notre Dame in the background of this picture. I didn't know what was going on at the time and looked it up later...

I really like pictures at night...but I never have my nice camera with me. The iphone ones aren't bad though.

Paris Plage! For a few weeks during the summer, there's a lot of sand and chairs and sprinklers so you can pretend you're at a beach. I was told not to go though because only "beaufs" go there.

Another picture of hotel de ville

The picture I already posted, but with an awesome instagram filter. 

French Senate in the Jardin du Luxembourg

My university!

Awwww

I don't remember where I saw this.

Baby ducks! Just like in Boston!

Palais Royal

Louvre

Inside the Louvre

Sweet exhibition

Okay, this is in Maine, but the clouds are pretty awesome. I don't know how to move these pictures to the end...

More from the Jardin du Luxembourg. And the Montparnasse tower in the background.

I thought she was cute...and that it was strange she was riding a pony through the gardens. I know, I'm a little creepy.

I actually craved a salad last week. I know I've been depriving myself of nutrients if I really want a salad. And yes, that's a croissant and baguette on the side. 

Dinner the night before. Look at all the cheeses!!

I'm wondering whether I should start a picassa site so I don't overload the blog with pictures..? Thoughts?