I woke up to the sound of a fire alarm going off. Or at least, what I believed to be a fire alarm.
It was 9:30am and I had just managed to fall back asleep on my crazy jet-lag schedule. I reluctantly headed downstairs, still wearing my little sleep tank top and short shorts because the French don’t really do air conditioning. I seemed to be the only one phased by the piercing alarm, and stood an awkward minute in the lobby, not really knowing what to say to the receptionist. I’m not sure I would even know how to handle the situation in English. She said something in French which I took to mean “There is no fire, it was a false alarm.” Still feeling a bit strange, I said “oh, okay” and apologized in French. That’s right, I apologized for the fire alarm going off, despite having nothing to do with it, because I didn’t know what else to do. It was definitely a French moment, and I took my American self back up to my room to start this strange day in this strange country.
Step 1: The phone purchase
I didn’t feel comfortable wandering around Paris by myself phoneless, so I headed off to a store called Phone House. I managed to communicate what I was looking for in French (score!) and when I got stuck and apologized for not speaking the language well, the cashier reassured me that I actually spoke it very well! Maybe he was just being nice, but it felt awesome to know that I could get my point across, even if my grammar was terrible and I needed him to explain things slower at times. I bought the cheapest phone available, a prepaid “portable simple” for 20 euros, or about 26 dollars. Not bad. I paid another 20 euros for a month of unlimited texting and calling within France. I wasn’t sure if I needed this or not, but I figured it was important to have, at least for my first month while I got settled.
Fancy stuff.
Step 2: That time I tried to take the Metro
I had my Metro route all planned out in my notebook. However, when I tried to buy tickets, the machine wouldn’t accept my card. I tried several different ways to no avail. It only accepted change, and I really only had cash at this point. I asked the receptionist at the booth in broken French, holding up my card, and she responded which what I took to mean:
“That card doesn’t work here.”
At this point, I was getting restless. I suppose a normal person would either ask the receptionist for further information, or try a different station, or go someone to break my bills into change. I did none of these things. I simply couldn’t wait any longer to be in route to the Eiffel Tower. I am the least patient person ever when I’m not on the move, and I needed to be on my way there, even if it would take longer. So I walked.
I walked the three miles from my hotel to the Eiffel Tower. Granted, it was much more than three miles because I got lost several times, but it was a great way to see the city and an absolutely gorgeous day to do so. When I finally saw the Eiffel Tower, peaking out between trees, at the time very lost and disoriented, I literally stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and gasped. Not only was I not expecting to see it that soon, it represented everything I had been waiting for and dreaming about, my whole life.
I realize that to most people, this view is just a random picture in Paris, but to me, it was my first glance at my new home, an intense reminder that I had finally made it to France. I know this sounds dramatic, but I could not contain my excitement. I picked up my pace even more and continued toward the tower in the distance.
I got closer….
And closer…Until finally….
I found it. I was so unbelievably excited. I took a zillion selfies, picture of it from every angle, and then took in the moment. It was everything I expected it to be. After a solid half hour or so, I continued along the Seine, in search of the Louvre. I found a lot of other beautiful things along the way. Although my knowledge of history and architecture is lacking, there were many monuments, streets, and views to marvel at:
Overall, it was an intense but wonderful first day exploring the city. It was everything I wanted it to be, and yet only the start of my adventures. I was in love with the lighting of the city, and the way it beckons you down streets you might otherwise ignore. Paris, I hope you’re ready, because I’ve been ready for you my whole life.
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