Orientation: The first few days

The first few days in Paris have been a little bit of blur. For the past two days, I've been at orientation, which is very similar to orientation in the US, expect it's in french. We've discussed classes, french culture and other aspects of our program and life in France. It's been a little boring having to be stuck in a room all day when I could be out exploring the city, but I know it's important. On the first day of orientation, I left the center during lunch with another person in my program. We walked across the street and ordered a croissant and some coffee before strolling up and down the street. The center is located on la rue Daguerre, which is partially blocked off from cars, making it a very nice place to walk to everyday.

The metro in France is very easy to use and everybody takes it. I actually think it's easier to use than the subway in New York City. The french use ID cards to scan into the station, which is a lot easier to keep track of than a piece of paper like in New York.

That night my room mate Chelsea and our new friend Kevin went to a local bar near le Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. The bar was clearly a local bar and we stuck out instantly but we still managed to have a fun time. The beer in France is delicious, especially la bière blanche, which is the equal price to a Budweiser or Miller Lite but tastes like a Stella Artois.

On the way home from orientation Chelsea and I were really hungry so we stopped in at a small restaurant for a pizza and we had a very nice conversation with the owner about American football and the Superbowl. The thing that's great about France is you can find a great meal anywhere at anytime. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Tonight, I met up with a french friend of mine and it was absolutely wonderful. I want to try and spend as much time with french people and make french friends because I know that's how I will learn to speak. We talked about what young people do in France for fun and french politics. There is a big election in 2 weeks to vote on the legalization of gay marriage in France and I've been told that I will see lots of demonstrations. The french love to protest and a lot of young people dislike the current president because he hasn't done anything to help young people find jobs. My friend said that most young people must leave Paris after graduating because it's not possible to get a job.

Tomorrow I have to be up at 6am because our group is going to the Loire Valley for two days to see the castles and do a wine tasting. More to come soon!