I have arrived!

Hello all!

After a 24-hour layover spent in the winter dark at a hotel in Reykjavik I arrived in Paris and settled into my hotel room in St. Germain de-Pres (there's an accent or two in there somewhere but I haven't figured out how to make them when I'm typing on the internet yet. Hopefully soon!) The most exciting part of my flights to Paris was when I landed at Roissy and had a question about customs (la duane)...I had an entire conversation with a airport official (in French!). 

After arriving at my hotel I went on a walk around the neighborhood to run errands and check out my homestay apartment (more on this later). I got my french phone (#07.86.79.93.28 - don't forget to dial the country code (33) if you need to call), wandered around, ate a sandwich (delicious and definitely one of the top 10 sandwiches I have ever eaten, this city is great!), and bought a map some books written in French for preteens (so I can understand them) at a librarie (bookstore). After that I napped and then went to dinner at a creperie with some other Columbia students studying at Reid hall this semester. 

Today I woke up, wandered around a bit, and then went to meet my host family. Veronique, Stephane, Fabien (23) and Cedric (16) are WONDERFUL!!! They welcomed me with open arms into their (HUGE) apartment. I am staying in their daughter's old room (who has now moved out) and it is beautiful! Below are photos of:

Nini, bear, my gingerbread parents and a polar bear I commandered from their daughter's drawer on my new bed!

A larger view of my cheerful blue bed!

My desk!

The view from the (very tiny) balcony outside my window. I'm not sure if balcony is the right word, its more of a step enclosed by a gate.

My huge, beautiful windows (that open onto the balcony)

I was nervous about coming here but once I walked around a bit I realized that, for all the hype, you can't fill a city with models. All of the shop people I have encountered so far have been very very and willing to help me out in english when my French fails. I am optimistic going into my orientation at Reid Hall (tomorrow) and excited for what the next months have in store! I am not, however, looking forward to the depressing part of culture shock that I am informed will hit me in a few days or weeks. Ohwell, hopefully I can stave it off!! A Bientot!