Day one in Paris
My flight from Atlanta to Paris by way of Brussels was not too bad. I must
have gone through immigration in Brussels (showed my passport) because when I landed
at CDG, I walked off the plane in terminal 2D to the street. I called the Airport Shuttle
that I had booked over the internet and they were there to meet me in five minutes. I only
had one carry-on bag so I didn’t have to wait for luggage, so within fifteen minutes of
landing, I’m on my way! We go through Paris via “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” the traffic is
crazy!! I hang on for dear life and am quite amused at the daring antics of all the drivers.
The neighborhood that I’ll call home for one week is lovely. We pull up in front of an old
building on Rue Duvivier and I’m let out with my luggage. I cross my fingers and try the
front door code...yes!! I’m inside. Now through the lobby to the courtyard and now
where? There is a possibility of three doors that could be mine. I finally make the key
work in the correct door and in I go. The apartment is small,cozy and charming. The
entry hall has a door leading to a spotless new bathroom with a tub and a showerhead!
The main room of the studio has a sofabed, antique table with two chairs, an eight foot
armoir, a tv/vcr, stereo, and a fireplace with a mirror from mantle to ceiling. The little
kitchen is compact, but has a two burner cooktop, fridge with freezer, combo
microwave/conv. oven, washer/dryer, double sink and on the counter is a bottle of
Bordeaux with a small Eiffel Tower key ring around the neck and a note saying “Welcome
in Paris”. There is a cordless phone hanging on the wall and I’m anxious to use my
prepaid First Telecom phone card, to let my family know that I’ve arrived.
It works
perfectly and sounds like I’m calling from across the street. After unpacking, I’m ready to
explore the area.
Rue Cler is around the corner, so I head in that direction. I buy tulips
and freesia for the apt, some coffee and cream at the market and a slice of potato-onion
quiche from Tarte Julie for lunch. The street is bustling with shoppers and the merchants
are very nice and helpful. I use the ATM with no problem and practice my limited French.
Back to the apt. to drop off my purchases, freshen up and head out again. I look for the
metro (Ecole Militare) about a block away and buy a carnet of tickets. Looks pretty easy
so far, I pretend like I know what I’m doing. I get off at Concorde and transfer to the #1
line and go to Louvre-Rivoli. As I walk around the area, the sun has come out and it
feels like a spring afternoon. I cross the pedestrian Ponte de Atrs bridge back to the left
bank and wander along the Quai towards home. I see the Musee Orsay and toy with the
idea of going in because they stay open late on Thurs., but continue on in the direction of
my apt. Wow!! What impressive sights along the way--Assemble National, Invalades and
the Eiffel Tower. I can’t believe I’m actually here. It’s now about 6:30 and I’m running
out of gas and most restaurants aren’t open yet. I see the crepe stand next to Cafe du
Marche and order a buckwheat crepe with tomatoes and feta cheese. The nice lady
preparing my food selects a smooth brown egg, picks up a knife and cracks it open,
spilling the egg onto the griddle, to cook and stuff into my crepe. My first French fast
food! I take the crepe home, open the bottle of wine and take off my shoes!! After my
dinner, I’m exhausted, but refuse to give up until I see the Eiffel Tower lit up for the
night. It’s a few blocks to the river for a good look and as I’m approaching, the twinkling
lights from New Years come on! It’s breathtaking!! My eyes fill with tears as I realize
that I have actually made this happen. All of the months of planning have brought me to
this moment! Strolling back to the apt, I think to myself,” I’m sure that tomorrow I shall
step in zee dog poop, but right now I’m walking on cloud nine where there is none”
Tomorrow--- Le Cordon Bleu and Retromobile
