At school our school coordinators had told us about a club across town that was free for "foreigners" between 11-12. We invited some other girls from our program to our apartment so we could all walk together. We got a little lost but eventually found ourselves there. When we first arrived there were only like 10 people in the club. My roommates and I were disappointed to say the least. We decided we wanted to go check out another club instead but didn't know where to go since we were in a new part of town. There were three guys standing together and we went up to ask if they knew where to go. It turns out that they were from Switzerland and have been backpacking through Europe for about 3 months. Needless to say, they didn't really know where else to go but were really cool guys to talk to.
There was Christoph, Christoph, and Daniel. I know, confusing! Haha. We talked to them for a while, until we realized that the club was actually really full and everyone was dancing and having a good time. We all went out to the dance floor and enjoyed the music, some from the states, and some from here.
We decided to leave the club at 2:30 am. The metro stops working at 12:45 so that wasn't an option, and we are too cheap/poor to take a cab, so we decided to walk. Unfortunately we realized it was super far, and we were slightly turned around so we ended up going to a bus stop to experiment with the night bus. We almost got onto the wrong bus but then these guys: Mario and Alvaro, led us in the right direction. So nice! Turns out they are from Venezuela and are studying music in Paris. They spoke little English, but knew French and Spanish, so we were speaking three languages all meshed together. It was quite the experience! We finally made it home at 4am and crashed and slept in.
Us self sufficient girls making our way around Paris, making new friends, and above all making new memories.
On Friday we didn't have school or orientation so my roommates and I had made plans to have this wonderful picnic at Luxembourg gardens; however, when we woke up we noticed that it was cloudy and the weather predicted rain. So we decided that we would just go to Shakespeare and company, and get a crepe at what Gabby (my roommate) says is the best crepe place in Paris. We began to walk, because yes we do walk everywhere instead of taking the metro, and explored a new part of the city. We walked along the seine river and up to Notre Dame.
It was over cast and cold, a bit rainy, but so quiet. We could not believe the extreme serenity and calmness which was the city. So far we have seen the hustle and bustle side of the city, the tourist parts, but never any part that looks like this. It was just so beautiful and we just relished in the ambiance. We finally made it to the Love Lock bridge.
It is a bridge right behind Notre Dame and you and your love one go and buy a lock. You attach it to the fence and throw the key into the river. It symbolizes your love for one another and it can never be unattached. It's an awesome site to see.
After this we finally made it to Shakespeare and company, which was AWESOME. I seriously am going to spend so much time in there.
It's a fairly tiny store just stacked from floor to ceiling with books. Upstairs there are hundreds of old books where people can go and read for free. You aren't allowed to buy the books, but you can sit around others who enjoy just being in the environment. There is even a little office with a type writer where people sit and can write down their bursts of inspiration and then either take it with them or leave it for others to enjoy. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but next time I go I will sneak some shots on my cell phone to show you.
Once we left we walked down the streets to the crepe place and ordered some lunch. I got a ham and cheese crepe and it was delicious. Then we explored some back alleyways and just lost ourselves in the city. We came across a small snack shop, ordered coffee and cookies, and just sat and enjoyed one anothers company. We took the metro home and just hung out in the apartment for a bit.
Later that night we were chatting with the Swiss gentlemen who we had met at the club the night before. They wanted us to go to a club over by the Louvre but it's a 20 euro cover charge, and hey let's face it, we are poor American college students. We had already found this bar where locals go, it's a super hole-in-the-wall place and we wanted to check it out. Mainly because we want to integrate ourselves into the Parisian life-style and culture. We want to make Parisian friends, and live like they do. We want to become Parisian instead of being an American in Paris.
We hung out there for a bit and then it got SUPER crowded. Our Swiss friends came to visit us and we decided to leave to find another place. Unfortunately it had started raining so we were running through the Paris streets in the rain with friends-- quite enjoyable. Of course being the sweet Swiss gentlemen that they are they let us borrow their jackets to help us stay warm and dry.
We came across what looked to be a pretty hip and popular place. We ran inside and hung out and talked with our new friends for a long time.
Today has been rainy and cold, and all of us are exhausted from our first week of exploration and adventures. We decided to get into our sweats and comfy clothes, get Chinese food, and curl up in our beds with books and laptops. Tomorrow we are hoping the weather is nicer so we can go out and do something fun, and then we start school on Monday.
I can't believe I've been in Paris for a week already (well, almost). I can't believe that in 16 more weeks I will be on a plane coming home. It seems like it's flying past at light speed and I'm already having the greatest time of my life.
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