Day 5: Bienvenue Paris

Rev. Tammy Lee reminded us of the importance of flexibility and patience while traveling internationally. Today certainly tested out patience. After landing at Charles de Guilles, one student realized he was without a passport. The rest of us went through customs, which was quite an easy process; literally just handed my passport to the immigration agent who gave me a stamp and sent me through. Viola! 

Fortunately, the students passport was found on the bus, and he rejoined us in customs. That was settled. However, walking our group from the baggage check to the bus area we somehow lost our leader, Ms. Moses. We waited about an hour for her return, while we surmised she had been kidnapped or questioned by the scary military police officers carrying AK47 machine guns. Turns out, Ms. Moses had found the bus (the bus that we couldn't even find) after some intervention from the Holy Spirit. 

Once we were all united on the bus, we arrived at the American Cathedral in Paris. The jetlag and the language barrier made the first few hours being in a foreign country feel surreal--but quickly we settled in. The rhythm of Paris is much different than New York. Whereas in New York pedestrians have the right of way, in Paris any pedestrian not paying attention or attempting to "beat the light"'is liable to be killed by a speeding motorcycle in a human game of "frogger". 

Two things surprised me about Paris. Firstly, Paris earned the title of "world fashion Capitol" for a reason. There are hundreds upon hundreds of designer showrooms with gorgeous fashion displays in their windows. If only I had €10,000 to spend on a new wardrobe. Secondly, the Eiffel Tower is absolutely enormous. It's a skyscraper nearly as tall as the Empire State Building. The small scale models you see of the monument do not do the tower justice and skew our perception. It's a truly breath taking structure.

Tonight we ate dinner in a small Parisian cafe. I had Bordeaux wine, steak, and French fries, which was a very European bar meal. My friend ordered tartare, which is raw beef with an egg yolk cracked on top. It was actually quite silky and delicious. 

Still haven't recovered from the jet lag yet. I can't believe it's only 5 o'clock back home. It feels so late here. Hoping tomorrow I'll feel rested. 

-EJS  

Me and Mona

The Lockbridge

The Louve