Ant bites and thunderstorms: Week 1 in Paris

So much has happened, and at the same time, I feel like so little has happened.

I arrived in Paris on Tuesday. My bag was lost, so it took me an entire extra hour to even leave the airport. Then it took an hour to drive into Paris. It was crazy, I just sat and stared out the windows, taking in everything. It worked out well, because I don't think my driver spoke any English. I met the family that night. They were wonderful. They fed me an AMAZING meal, and told me to take my time getting settled the next morning, and that they didn't expect me downstairs until 10-11 am. Which was fine with me. 

My apartment also happens to be up 8 flights of stairs. Which kinda stinks, but, I'll have really nice legs at the end of this. So, there's a silver lining. ;)

It rained my entire first day.

Due to jetlag, I didn't sleep very well the next two nights, but I was constantly napping. That probably wasn't the best thing for my jetlag, but I figured it was better than getting NO sleep. And then over the weekend, I ended up just feeling exhausted ALL the time, and I napped and slept way more than I probably should have. 

I had to get creative, due to my lack of toiletries.

The first full day was full of seeing new things, learning where things were, and trying to figure out how to brush my teeth without a toothbrush. There was some toothpaste under the sink(left from their last Au Pair) so I used that on my teeth for the first day. Gross? I know.

Also, trying to go grocery shopping(especially gluten free?) when you can't read any labels or understand anything? And for some reason, I have a reeeaaaallly hard time asking people for help. I'm a tad bit paranoid that I'll get kidnapped(right in a supermarket. I know, I think things through...)

I didn't do a lot of sight seeing the first few days. I really didn't want to get lost(I do a lot of that wherever I go...) and so when I wasn't with the family, I usually stuck to a two block radius around where I was living.

Luckily, that includes the Eiffel Tower.

I cannot even describe how breath taking this is in person. I just...cannot describe.

The Louvre is so much bigger than I anticipated.

I finally got around to sight seeing on Saturday. The Louvre, and the Garden outside it, were magical. After 2 hours in the museum, I couldn't take anything else in, and I wandered around until I found the exit. However, I plan on going back a few times within the next few weeks so I can make sure that I get to see everything.

I really got to see her. Nbd, guys. ;)

This is my view as I walk home from basically anywhere.

Living so close to the tower definitely has its perks. ;) One being that it's amazingly beautiful. The other being that I always know which direction home is. Haha.

So grateful for the technology to get to see my grandpa of a dad. ;)

I've gotten to skype and face time with my family a few times since arriving and I am so grateful for that. When I'm feeling really lonely, or upset at the language barrier, it's nice to know that my mom will face time me, even when it's 6 AM her time and she's just barely waking up.

The stairs are crazy narrow.

I mentioned that I have to walk up 8 flights of incredibly narrow and somewhat steep stairs everytime I want to go to my apartment, right? :P

This week has definitely had it's ups and downs. My apartment is overrun with ants. The weather is incredibly humid, so after about 30 minutes of being outside, I look like a lion. Super great. And even the lightest t shirt and shorts feel incredibly heavy and sticky. I'm definitely not used to this...haha.

But the people here are so nice, and most people I've run into speak at least a little bit of English. And the family I'm with is wonderful, and I adore the kids. A few of them remind me of my siblings, and although it makes me slightly homesick, it's comforting. Until they start screaming in French and then I change my mind. ;)

All in all, it's been a good week. I'm enjoying it a lot, and I'm really excited for the experiences I'll get to have over the next few months. :)