Des parcs sont très beaux

I slept in big time today. I didn't expect to sleep in so late, but traveling evidently got the best of me. I woke up around 12:30 and eventually got up and out into the world around 1. I visited my neighbors who own the too expensive restaurant and we had a lovely conversation, I think. My French is questionable at best. I think we talked about how we were both excited that I finally got the key to my apartment. He asked if I liked Paris and my apartment and offered me some water.

Speaking of my apartment, bienvenue.


Here is my front door




Here is the hallway .. keep going!




These are the stairs.. go up and...




.. take a right. There's the door to my apartment!




This is it! I have a tiny little apartment perfect for adventuring in Paris.


I live on Rue du Vertbois in the 3ieme Arrondissement.


After I exchanged pleasantries with my neighbor, I met Elizabeth and Katie (my new English speaking friends en Paris) around 2 and went for a walk to les jardins a le Palais Royal (which you can read about here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais-Royal) We spent our afternoon walking around the gardens, talking about experiences in Paris, school, and our plans for the future (Katie is a finance major and wants to go to law school; Elizabeth is a music major and wants to pursue activism for the rights of children). We parted ways around 6 and decided to meet up again on Friday afternoon for a tour of the 1ere arrondissement and to attend a free fashion show at Les Galleries Lafayette next week. Free is good in my book. Friends in Paris are even better.

ALSO! I bought a map today. This will surely come in more handy than guessing and asking store clerks "Ou est rue du Turbigo?" (although, they are quite helpful).

Once I got home, I took a quick break. I'm still really exhausted from the flight and can't wait for my body to catch up! I ate dinner in ma petite chambre and then ventured back out into the world. Right down the street from me is La Place de la Republique (which you can read about here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_République).

Here are some pictures of that pedestrial adventure:

Here is a garden and a fountain and shade.. ohh shade.



Here is the monument at the center of La Republique


For Erin, Kristina, and Logan: a bona fide green man.

I took more pictures and they are posted on Facebook with no commentary. They are pretty Parisian things for which I have yet for learn the history. Trust me, I will.

Tonight, while I unwind, I will watch House in French. C'est tres drole.

Tomorrow is "Visit Dead Person's Grave" day. I'll say hey to Jim Morrison and Pierre Bourdieu for everyone.

A bientôt!


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