Bonjour from Paris!

Hello all! I've been in Paris for almost one week now, and what a crazy wonderful beautiful week it has been. Every corner of this city amazes me, from its stylish people, elegant window rails (yes, those really are EVERYWHERE in this city), and let's not forget the amazing food.

When I got here, I was warming greeted by my host mom, her two cats, and my wonderful roomie, Elle. My new home is a cozy little room in which I have a white bookshelf, desk, old fashion bureau for my clothes, and...wait for it... a fireplace(!!!!!!!). No, I don't think I can actually use it, but still. How cool is that? Elle and I both have our own rooms which are tucked away in a second floor apartment in the 12th arrondissement. It's about a 10 minute walk from the bustling Gare de Lyon station, which I will use to take to school everyday. Although it is not home, I already love it just the same.

Coming to a strange city not knowing a single soul was a little scary to say the least. Thankfully, I have already met a wonderful group of friends who hail from places from Boston all the way to LA. I can't wait to further explore this country with them in the coming months. And if any of you guys are reading this, thanks for making this first week so special :)

I had a lot of expectations about Paris already in my head before I came here. Some have proven true; that the metro smells, for instance. Other, more personal things that I don't even know how to begin describing, have filled me with more joy than I could have imagined. From walking around Montmartre drinking vin chaud (hot wine) and watching the artists paint in the town square, to venturing outside of Paris on our first excursion today to the wonderful Fontainebleau.. the only word that comes to mind is happy. I think I am truly going to love this city.