All By Myself

Thats not a bad thing. It forces me to speak French; which will have to be a topic for another entry. Oh la la. This last Monday I went into Paris all by myself. I felt quite confident on the train; thank you New York. In fact, I had a person ask me if it was the train to Montparsse. So that was good. Unfortunately, I took the slow train and so it took an hour to get into Paris. If I had caught the fast train it would have taken half an hour. The metro system is nice and easy to navigate, my only complaint is I haven't seen clear markings to go underground once you want to get back on the train. So I arrived at the Concorde station and came out right at the wheel in front of the Jardin de Tullerie with the obelisk, the Acr de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower behind me. I was overwhelmed, where would I start? I was also just trying to take in the fact that I was in Paris and free to do and go wherever I wanted and there was no hurry because I am here for a year! I decided to walk up and down the Champs Elysee and thought I would go to the Grand Palais afterward. I know its shocking that I didn't go straight to the Eiffel Tower, I just didn't. I just started walking. The Champs Elysees is beautiful. I started in the market and straight off got a vin chaud. Warm wine. I know, but its really good. Its actually kind of a holiday tradition. There are some spices added to it and its trés bon. Champs Elysee to me is the Times Square of Paris. I hope I haven't offended anyones sensibilities but thats the feeling I got. It is wider and with Parisian architecure, tree lined streets ect. But it bosts Gap, Sephora, McDonalds, Adidas and Nike. There is Luois Viutton, United Colors of Benitton, Mont Blanc; so there is some level of granduer. And it was nice to go into the Gap and Nike and STARBUCKS! Oh, getting a soy latte and a gingerbread loaf was heavenly and I chatted it up with a lovely couple from Ireland. But never fear I will become more Parisian and venture off into more obscure and adventurous places.
Later in the week, the Dubarrys were all sick, thanks to me; so I went to the meeting by myself. Well I rode with a very sweet couple who only spoke French. But it was good because I had to use the few words I knew and really listen. After the meeting, many brothers and sisters came up and it seems they have all decided I must only speak French. Even those who I know speak English would only use it to correct me. But the congregation is a safe place to practice and everyone is so patient and helpful. I feel like a child and everyone is waiting for me to speak. Even with the language barrier I am making friends.
I am really looking forward to this coming Sunday when I go to the English congregation in Paris and then spend the day with some friends who are locals and can show me their Paris!