Day 1 (Paris)

So day 1 in Paris was interesting to say the least. Due to some complications with our previous hotel reservations, we arrived in the city of love with no where to stay. After some mad scrambling with Lyle at what must have been 3AM back home (thanks for all your help) we finally managed to make reservations at a little hotel in southern Paris, Beaunier. Next we had to get there. From the airport we managed to get to the train station with relative ease, from there on things got a little hectic. For some reason, maybe due to the jet lag or the fact that my french felt painfully inadequate, taking the Metro into Paris seemed a daunting and complicated task. After much confusion and frustration we finally got on the right route. Hauling around our luggage was a huge hassle and took a ridiculous amount of effort which caused us to miss our stop while trying to navigate our way off the train. Finally getting off at the right stop, we started the long walk to our hotel with our massive suitcases in tow. We managed to navigate the streets well enough until, due to a confusion about the name of the street that our hotel was located on, we ended up on the side of the road map spread out over our suitcases looking like total tourists. Finally, after considerable help from Lauren's dad, we managed to find our way. All in all, it took us four hours to get from the airport to our hotel: What a nightmare!!! But I will say this, regardless of what people say, the French people are so unbelievable helpful. We had so many people stop to ask us if we needed help or directions, or help us get our horrible suitcase up massive staircases, or offered us umbrellas. Everyone was so nice, it helped take the edge off my frustrations. I wrapped up my day with a delicious meal from a little corner cafe (vegetable quiche) and a short nap followed by a bottle of wine and a late night chat with Lauren. The day was long and hectic but quite an adventure. I wonder what tomorrow will hold.