Finally, france

My first impressions of France have been very positive so far. I don’t know where French people get their reputations of being snobby or arrogant, since all I have encountered has been friendliness. My first night in Paris was really nice. I took a taxi from the airport to the hotel, because I had mondo luggage, and I didn’t want to have to lug it around in the metro… as a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to carry all of it for more than two blocks. The taxi driver was super nice, and he told me where I would find the train station for the next day. Plus, he said that my spoken French was good (albeit slow), and that’s pretty much why he became my favourite person.. hahah.
The arrondissement (neighbourhood) where my hotel was, was very nice. Every Paris stereotype you can imagine was there. The boulevards lined with trees, the old white buildings with the little balconies and white shutters, the boulangeries, cafes, small cars, etc. I dropped my bags at the hotel, and went for a little stroll around the neighbourhood to find an internet café, and calling cards. The man at the front desk was also super helpful (another point for French people). On my stroll around the streets, I was surprised to find a condom vending machine on the sidewalk… you know, just in case you get out from the bakery and decide to have random sex on the street corner (another point for the French ;)).
I was super exhausted from my 19 hour trip, so I definitely went to bed at 10pm, and slept until 9 the next morning. Breakfast was the usual croissant, café au lait, and some fruit that I bought at a corner store the night before and then I got ready to leave the hotel and go to the train station.
I took another cab, and on my way to the station (get ready, because this is exciting) I SAW THE EIFFEL TOWER!!! It was maybe a km away from the station… it was funny, I was in Paris, obviously aware of the presence of the tower, but when I actually saw it, I was so surprised, I almost asked the driver if that was in fact, the Eiffel tower. Luckily, I was able to control my tongue and save myself the embarrassment. Anyway, it was beautiful, and I can’t wait to go see it up close when I return to Paris for a weekend.
At the train station I had a coffee while waiting for the train, and when it was time, I carried all my luggage down to the platform. I was *this* close to getting onto the wrong train, when I thought to ask someone if that was the train that went to Nantes… it sure wasn’t! I would’ve ended up God knows where, if I hadn’t asked that man. He helped me with my bags to the right platform (3 points for the French) and I was on my way to Nantes. Let me tell you, they don’t call those suckers bullet trains for nothing. They are freaking FAST… and when everytime we passed another train going in the opposite direction, I swear I almost had a heart attack. The ride out was beautiful, we passed the country side, which is spotted with all these small villages that have ancient churches, and ancient little houses… and once in a while a mansion or small castle. It was so beautiful.
When I arrived in Nantes, my homestay lady (Michelle, for future reference) was waiting for me. We took the tram to the house, where I met her son Benjamin ,15, and her daughter ( presently, I have forgotten her name… I know, I’m horrible), who is 20. They’re a lovely family, very warm and welcoming. The house is very narrow, but has 3 floors, so it’s quite spacious. My room is pretty big, with beautiful French windows.. see the pictures attached! They even have a small vegetable garden in the back, where they grow tomatoes, green beans and carrots.. and ( Linds, this one’s for you) they have a cat! His name is Cherokee… very cute. He prances around the garden chasing butterflies.
So today, I am going to the university to register for my courses, to the bank to open an account, and other fun stuff like that. This weekend there’s a jazz festival on the banks of the Erdre, so I’ll be doing that on Friday with Michelle. I’ll keep you all updated on the rest of my adventures. A bien tot!