This summer I will be working on computer science research at a university in Paris, France. For me this will be my first time out of the country. While I have had French class in the past I am far from fluent. As most everything was new to me, the first couple of days have been a whirl wind of new experiences. I have been trying to jot them down before jet lag overtakes me. Here are some of them.

 

French drivers are better than American drivers. At least it seems this way with cars zipping down very narrow Parisien alleys. It surprises me that I have not seen a wreck or at least a lot of broken off side mirrors.

 

There is food everywhere! 

 

Everything is bigger than I expected. Having taken French class for several years in high school I had seen many pictures of Paris. They truly do no justice to the size of bridges, churches, and palaces. The Eiffel tower is simply enormous.

 

You should not trust your sense of direction after only a day in Paris. This results in getting lost and finding yourself at the Eiffel Tower which is not even close to your hotel.

 

Getting lost is not that bad. You see so many things you might not have seen otherwise. And when you want to become unlost you simply find one of the city maps found at bus stops. After only a few days I already feel much more familiar with Paris.

 

Which leads into the next experience: walking. My feet have never been so tired. And yet I have preferred walking to the metro because there is so much cool stuff to see.

 

And after doing a lot of walking, I do not think I have seen a more inviting place to sit then the grass around the Eiffel Tower. Better than any carpet.

 

That is all for now. I can hardly wait to experience more of the city once I overcome the 6 hour time change.

 

(This was written a few days ago but not posted until today. Actually arrived in Paris 7 am on Friday)