DTW- CDG – Paris
Started the trip off at DTW. Security went smoothly, the family waited for me to get through and sent me off. I immediately realized that I had forgotten to print a picture of myself for my metro pass -whoops!- so I scoured the airport for a business center that might have a printer. No luck. I had dry chicken for dinner and sat down to wait for boarding. I was almost immediately surrounded by a swarm of Blue Lakers (there were over 70 of them)heading out for their international voyage. We boarded the plane together, one student Nevada, was my seat partner.
Arrived at CDG following a night of restless sleep. Exited the plane after a half hour delay. Throughout the airport guides were scattered to help lost passengers like myself navigate the maze. I had my first opportunity to weave my way through a French conversation with a woman who was kind enough to get me to customs. I bought my museum pass, picked up my RER B pass, and proceeded into the city.
Had my first solo experience with large city public transport and it actually went smoothly. I made it to my Airbnb, got shown around, and promptly passed out for an hour long nap.
My goal for the afternoon was to see Louis-Lépine Marché aux Fleurs et Oiseaux. Unfortunately, I am a terrible navigator. I found my way there by 6:45 pm and most of the shops were closed for the night. I was able to see a few stands and they were gorgeous, simply bursting with flowers of every type. I had very little on my wish list for the evening, so I set out following the river. I glimpsed Notre Dame and stumbled upon a fountain at Place Joachim-du-Bellay at the Forum des Halles. I loved the bridges that spread across the river, each one was different. Some were adorned in snarling faces, others were clearly much more modern. I saw the Académie Française and finally ran into the Louvre. I had been there before and thought I had seen enough, but walking along the building on the sidewalk I was able to see mazes of bees, lions, and other statues on its walls much more clearly. I wound my way toward the glass pyramids nestled inside and paused to take photos. From there I explored the gardens, which were slowly emptying as the cafés closed for the night.
As I exited the gardens I was stopped by an older man, who asked if I knew how to find Vendôme. I laughed and said that it was my first day in Paris and that I was also lost. We chatted for about 15 minutes. Discussing our hometowns, my study abroad program, les banlieues where he lived, and my research. We introduced ourselves at the end of the conversation, Jean-Claude waving as we parted ways searching for our destinations.
I realized I hadn’t eaten anything that day. On my walk home I stopped at Julia’s Pizza, ordered, and waited on the street watching a band of English boys do skateboard tricks. I ate the entire pizza when I got back to my room.
Mary-Est-En-France 