Living life

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Ok so I have received MANY requests from my loyal readers that I continue posting (alright so probably only like 3 people read this, but my mom wants me to write more).

I feel more and more settled with every day that passes. I am now a client of BNP Paribas so now I don’t have to sign a receipt and hold up the line when I go grocery shopping (the French put their pin number when paying for things). Opening the bank account was fairly simple, although my friend and I could barely control our laughter throughout the entire process. It took almost 2 hours to open the accounts, which required us to sign and approve approximately (and this is not an exaggeration) 30 papers which the bank employee also had to sign and stamp with his official seal. It was more amusing than annoying and he was very helpful.
The one thing that keeps stressing me out is the fact that I don’t have internet at my house yet. It has been 4 weeks already since the day I filled out the paperwork and up to this day I have received (in separate mailings): 1 welcome letter from France Telecom, 1 cancelation letter from France Telecom, 1 bill for three days with France Telecom, 1 welcome letter from Neuf Telecom and 1 brand new Neuf Box, yet still no internet connection. Why so many letters?, you may ask. Well, I signed up for a package which would include internet, phone and cable TV for 30€ a month with Neuf (not bad, right). However, since no one had lived here over the summer, I had to activate the phone line, which is something only France Telecom can do. So I had to call France Telecom, open the phone line, lie about my desire to get Neuf (France Telecom has a similar box that is much more expensive, and they are not pleased with customers going with the competition), and then deal with Neuf. Supposedly I still have to wait for a last confirmation letter from Neuf and then I’ll have internet. We’ll see…

In more pleasant news, I signed up for my classes already, and I’m happy with what I chose. Although I have to say, I’m very excited for my schedule. My first class of the week is Monday at 3pm and my weekend starts Wednesday at 9pm! Obviously, I picked this on purpose. While it is true that I am here to study (which I will, considering the intense reputation of Sciences Po students), how much can you really learn from inside a library or preparing for a test? My classes this year will certainly be a challenge. However, for me learning is all about experiencing new things, meeting new people, communicating in foreign languages and visiting other places. I am here to learn about France, French, and the French (and maybe a visit to Prague or Madrid won’t be too bad for my education).

I’m hungry so I will probably make a home-made croque monsieur, which the stores in Saint Germain des Prés (my barrio) manage to sell for more than 5€.

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Photos

Jardin de Luxembourg
So close to my house

Russian Church
Found it while looking for my friend's house.

What you learn in French driving school
This lady kept insisting that her Smart Car would fit

Watching a rugby match in Hotel de Ville
France won by the way.

Baguettes in trash
With so many hungry people in the streets of Paris.

Comments

[RFF]

PR No está tan mal
Creo que en PR tienes una gran fanaticada y semanalmente todos están deseosos por leer sobre tus nuevas hazañas en Paris y las otras ciudades que has visitado.

[Anjali Joe]

Neat Trip!
Sounds like an incredible time. Do you travel alot? Where do you recommed, I can get great rates on all my travel accomodations. Let me know of the most beautiful places you've been to. Thanks. Anjali

[Ana]

Hi :-)
I read it too! Tu me manques! Je serai en France bientot! (My French sucks, they told me I should practice speaking it to someone before i leave...) I can't wait to see you! I hope you're having an amazing time! Gros gros bisous!