Observations in Paris!

I have good news and bad news to report. The good news: Ryan started the day having had a solid eight hours of delightful slumber. The bad news: I started the day having had 2 (and I wouldn't exactly say it was delightful). I'm not sure what in the world happened here. I can normally sleep through a hurricane. I guess I'm just so excited to be in Paris!

Have no fear though! We certainly didn't let my lack of sleep stop us from an adventurous first day! I made a lot of observations about the Parisian way of life today.

Observations include:

*Number 1- Parisian people do not believe in space bubbles. This is alright with me because I don't really believe in them either. I'm all about hugs and being friends with everyone. However, I'm learning that EVERYTHING in Paris is extremely close to something else. Tables at restaurants, cars on the road... you know, just small things.

*Number 2- The driving in Paris is both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Every time we step outside it's like we're in an action movie and we never know when we are going to have to dive out of the way and save each other's lives. We even saved the lives of a couple from Toronto Canada today so we feel really good about that! Needless to say, once you step outside of your home there is never a dull moment. There are no lanes on the roads. Cars just kinda swerve around each other as they please. Good thing all the cars here are skinny!

*Number 3- Mopeds and their drivers rule the world (or at least France)! Not only do Mopeds drive super fast and swerve in between cars and in and out of the bike lane but they also enjoy cutting across side walks and small walk ways. One minute I'm just strolling down the sidewalk and the next minute six mopeds are speeding past me in all directions. They also park wherever they please. I witnessed one man today drive his moped up on the sidewalk all the way to the door of the store he wished to enter. He just hopped off and strolled in like nothing happened. I'm not gonna lie, I kind of want a moped so I can posses such power!

Number 4- Parisian people are incredibly calm and laid back. I don't know about you but when I'm at home I'm always in a hurry and I'm running around like a crazy person 24/7! Well that's not how people role in Paris and it's fantastic. Nobody seems to be in a hurry. They take time to actually sit down and enjoy their coffee in the morning rather than ordering it to go and drinking it in the car on the way to where they are going.

Number 5- Parisian people are kind and reflective. I can't tell you how many people I saw just sitting in completely random spots outside (parks, benches, stairs, curbs, etc.) writing in journals. What a neat concept- taking time throughout the day to just write down thoughts. It's probably why nobody is running around like a crazy person like I do in my life. When having lunch with friends, they sit back in their chairs and actually listen and ponder what their friends are saying. They aren't only sort of listening because they are multitasking checking their email, facebook, and twitter all at the same time! :)

Number 6- I may or may not be obsessed with the "toilet rooms" here. I mean look at this toilet, it's just chilling in the middle of the sidewalk!

Number 7- Paris is beautiful and so are the people. It's just so refreshing to walk around here. Everything is beautiful and the people are beautiful not just on the outside but on the inside too (although, maybe not their lungs because so many of them smoke). Seriously, they take time everyday to help language invalid people like me figure out what's going on. That takes serious patience!

Number 8- Paris is the most diverse place I've ever been. There are literally people of all shapes, sizes, colors, smells, etc. speaking French all around us. No judging a book by it's cover here because if you do, chances are good you got the story all wrong!

Needless to say, we had an amazing day living the Parisian life. We literally walked for about 8 hours straight. Our feet and legs feel like they are going to fall off but if I could go back I'd do it all again. I'm not gonna lie though, the four flights of stairs to our apartment are not my favorite. If I could I think I might change that part. We almost decided to just camp out at the front door to our apartment but we gave our feet a little pep talk and persevered to the top!

I took this from our floor looking down. If you look closely you can see Ryan at the very bottom looking up.

Okay enough complaining about the stairs. It was a fabulous day and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! Stay tuned for more adventure!