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Published: September 6th 2010
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Top red dot is my house, bottom red dot is my uni... First of all I must say that this city is just fantastic! I have been completely taken by it. And I just can't wait to become a real Parisian (guess I'm still kind of a tourist).
Ok... I know that I've been really crappy with keeping in contact with everyone and reporting on my adventures. Hence I have decided to join the cyber-literate and create a blog. I know it's a little impersonal but I will write regularly on my goings on, post pics etc. So please read it!!!
The First Two Weeks.
So I arrived, extremely exhausted after something crazy like 26 hours travelling, to Charles de Gaulle airport and felt like I was in that U2 video clip... very cool! And straight away I met a lovely French girl named Agnes, we swapped numbers and she's going to take me out in Paris with her friends. (Who said French people were rude?!? Haven't come across one yet!!)
Followed the instructions to get to my appartment and was met by Stephanie. My landlord/next door neighbour/new friend. She gave me all the info on my new home and neighbourhood. (I even have my name on my mailbox and
Sacre Coeur
5 mins walk... the architecture is pretty damn impressive wouldn't you say?! door!!! So of course need mail.... hehe). My neighbourhood is really interesting. It's just at the bottom of Monmartre which is a very artistic place. Think Salvador Dali, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh... they all had studios here. And the vibe is still very artsy. My actual street though has a very big african community so there's lots of street markets with fruit and vegetables, street vendors, african bazaars etc. Very vibrant and different to what you would expect in Paris. It's great. My apartment is jsut perfect, I couldn't have asked for anything better... it's big for Parisian standards and is completely fitted out with everything I need. Yes, a spare double bed so still expecting you all to come and visit me!!
I spent the first few days exploring my area and visiting the big attractions... Notre Dame, Arc de Triumph, Sacre Coeur, Eiffle Tower etc.... Am going to wait a bit longer to go to the museums though as it's still tourist season and they are all PACKED!!! And... as I am a local can afford this luxury. 😊
Uni life... is great as well! I've met a group of about 20 people who are all
Un artiste
In Monmartre really nice and from everywhere in the world. We meet up quite regularly to explore the different night time districts around Paris. There's so many places to go! So far my favourite is Le Marais. It's the Jewish quater so has a very authentic vibe with amazing old buildings but is also the gay area which gives it a very trendy, alternative feel as well. Last week was the exchange students welcome program at uni. Kind of like orientation week but a little more formal. We had 10 hours of french classes as well as methodology classes to learn the way they do things at SciencesPo. IT's quite different to what I'm used to. And there is going to be SOOOOO much work... They have 20 min oral presentations, 6000 word essays and 4 hour exams! I'm going to have to get my study hat on! There were some really cool social activities organised in the welcome program as well. Tours of different areas in Paris, a "boat party" for all the students (the boat didn't actually move but there was many many drinks and lots of dancing so was very fun) and best of all a cruise of the
Le tour eiffle.
Simply breathtaking... from every angle, at every time of the day. Seine at sunset followed by a picnic in the park under the eiffle tower. So amazing!!!
So that's a quick overview of my first two weeks here. As you can tell I'm very happy and to be honest... it still feels rather surreal. My classes don't actually start until next week so on Wednesday I am taking the train to MArseille in the south of France to enjoy the last bit of summer. Bit of relaxing on the beach etc. to prepare for the semester. hehe.
I just want to finish off with a quote from Ernest Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast" which he wrote while in Paris which I think is quite fitting... "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your like, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."
Love to you all... J.
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Louise
non-member comment
Hey from Glasshouse Mtns
Sounds like your fitting in really well. Yes it is an amazing city, I have family there and go as often as I can. It's like New York, there is a surprise around every corner!! Keep up the blog great to read..love u "Aunty" Louie xx