City of Love

Well Paris is known as the city of love but we got off to a bit of a rough start. After leaving Dublin (which already feels like my second home) I was more than a little despondent. I can't even describe my love for that city and the people in it, so much life and love and history. I know that it's true of other places too and I know I will find those places on my travels but I think Dublin will always carry a very special place in my heart. That being said one can only imagine how it felt to get off a bus in the middle of Paris to pouring rain, wet, tired, uncaffintated, under nourish and dehydrated. Not to mention sad at leaving my new and old friends. I managed to buddy up with a very nice couple from Austin and we at least got each other through the worst of the initial shock. Then after getting our bearing and some food we said our farewells. I finally made my way to the hostel (one trek and a very confusing metro ride later) only to find that my emotions had decided to run wild with me. 

I took some very good advice though (that has already served me well on this trip, thanks Alfonso!) and took a nap, then hot shower and hit the streets. It wasn't easy and I felt very alone but after reaching out to all my people they helped me embrace how lucky I am to be here. I got to enjoy some lovely cafe culture and with the encouragement of my dream team went down to the common area and made a new friend who reassured me that her first impression of the city was much the same as mine but that she had come to love Paris. We then bonded over wine and compared travel stories. As you do. 

I would by lying if I said I didn't have a good cry today, my homesickness really set in for the first time but it's also very true that I think I had some preconceived notions coming here. While I know what kind of reuputation Paris has ( we all know the snobby French impression) I had heard a lot of pickpocket horror stories. People being shot with a BB gun and consequently robbed while in shock. I am certainly glad to be aware of these things but at the same time I think that it really set me on edge and give me an ill view of the city. So I will continue to be aware of my surroundings but I will not let it soil what is going to be the next magical part of my journey. 

Bon nuit

Alex