Paris

Trip Start Jun 29, 2008
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Trip End Oct 01, 2008


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Where I stayed
Belleville, in rented room of an apartment
(Paris hotels)

Flag of France  , Île-de-France,
Tuesday, July 1, 2008

I literally just wallked in the door of my residence for the next month. It took 3 trains to get here from the airport. I am so exhausted. It is after 5am in Sydney. 9pm here, still light outside. I think it will be hard to sleep. There are large explosions in the background (no idea why, perhaps a protest).

It is very overwhelming, my host can't speak english, and I can't manage much more than 'pardon', 'merci', 'bonjour', 'tres chaude/fatiguee' etc.. they speak too quickly and I forget what to say! I keep having irrational fears about saying anything in French, and it took a while to get the courage just to say Bonjour to the immigration officer. He said hello back. I said Merci when he returned my passport, and he said 'You're welcome'. I hope I can manage...my host seemed surprised at my lack of understanding...perhaps because my written french is bounds ahead of my verbal level.

Belleville seems to be a very diverse area - many people of Asian and African origin. As I was trying to find the place I met this cute guy called stefan, who is my neighbour - no english, but he was very nice and wants to teach me french.

I must admit that I am feeling a bit nervous. I wish I knew more French, and I hope it will come to me quickly.
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