Well, what can I say but...I'm here! Oh la la, it's been quite a day already. I'll start from the beginning...
So, I got dropped off at the airport in Chicago (Mom & Dad came with me, they didn't just leave me at the curb). We tearfully said our goodbyes after waiting in line to check in for seriously an hour (the line wound around the lobby a few times) and I went through security. Coming out of the metal detectors, I asked someone where I could exchange my currency and they directed me (half-witted and obviously unknowingly) into a different part of the airport where I temporarily got confused and left the secure part. Stupid me. So, I had to wait in line for ANOTHER 15 minutes to go through security AGAIN. Luckily, I made it to the gate just in time to exchange my currency at the stand RIGHT NEXT to the gate (of course) and hit the bathroom. Uber-fortunately, this was the worst part of my trip thus far.
I boarded the plane and was very sad to see I had the middle seat in the middle row of 3. Super sucky. But just as we were about to take off, I spotted it: two seats next to the window - neither occupied! I quickly asked the flight attendant if I could move and bolted to the empty pair. There I was, for the entire flight, laying in the lap of luxury...literally (Ash, that one's for you - a little Robin Leech on "The Fabulous Life of..." series). I got a little neck cramp, but other than that, I easily scored 2 whole hours of sleep. Hooray!
Okay, let's fast forward a bit here - meals on the plane were satisfying, I got good sleep, we landed early. (PS - Tyler, the music on my MP3 player is formatted wrong so the songs don't play properly. I can't hear the lead voice and if I can make it out, it is wiggly and weird. What should I do? Now, I won't have music for the summer?) Then I deboard the plane and begin trying to find my way to my hotel. I go through the trouble of buying the RER (a type of train in Paris) ticket and boarding the 3 different trains that were supposed to take me to my hotel. This was quite difficult considering I had 4 bags - 2 large suitcases (one 46 lbs and one 35 lbs), a backpack, and a messenger bag. Lucky for me, the Parisiens I met today were extremely friendly because I received help carrying my bags no less than 3 times. The last person, Mustapha, that aided me actually took my suitcase all the way to my hotel with me. He was such a gentleman and spoke 5 languages (Arab, French, English, German, and Spanish for those who are interested in knowing)! I'm supposed to call him tonight to hang out - ha! Quite friendly, I tell ya. Before leaving, he gave me what are called "bises" or kisses - one on each cheek. I had forgotten how much I love doing that!
After that, I excitedly screamed knowing I was in my hotel room in Paris and set off to buy myself a train ticket to Geneva for tomorrow. Can't wait! I easily bought that for cheaper than I thought and made my way to get something to eat (eventually ended up being a salmon and tomato panini, half of which is still in my bag for later). Now I am at an internet café typing to you all. I have a headache, I'm dehydrated, but I am in good spirits and am likely to stay that way for a while.
All in all, I failed to remember what a beautiful city Paris is...the style is so unique, the French is fascinating (I find myself staring at children in awe that they speak this language better than I), the landmarks are remarkable and I am having a splendid time - only I wish you all were here to share it with me!
Au revoir for now!
Lots of love from Paris,
Kelly
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