One More Chapter
A twenty two year-old's view on life, death,
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
2/11/2015 1 Comment And So It Begins...Well, I have officially arrived in Paris. And it was no easy task!
Of course, my flight had to be during one of the largest and longest snowstorms this season, because why make it easy, right? So I ended up having to find a new flight itinerary since my original one ended up being cancelled. It caused my arrival time to be pushed back by a couple of hours, but I had hoped that I would still be able to meet the API group on time before they left. Well, that hope was thrown out the window when I sat IN THE PLANE for more than five hours before we finally took off. That's right. OVER FIVE HOURS!!! We were supposed to take off by 7:45 pm and we took off the runway around 1:15 in the morning and flew for about 6 and a half hours. And the whole time, all 12ish hours we were contained in the tiny airplane seat. By the time we touched down at the London Heathrow Airport, I had missed my flight by about three hours. Unfortunately, the new layover I was issued as I got off of the plane was leaving in about 50 minutes. Which meant the gate was closing in about 30. Excuse me?!?! I had to go to the OTHER SIDE OF THE AIRPORT, go down two very slow escalators, take a train two stops, go back up two very slow escalators, go through two rounds of security, go back to the other side of the airport and all before the gates closed. Oh, and while carrying a huge carry-on that was definitely over sized and extremely heavy since it was full of books and shoes, as well as my "purse" which was also full of books and making my shoulder burn from it's weight. I made it onto the plane - though, after they had announced the gate was closed - and fell into my seat, sweating and thirsty and sad that I didn't get to stick around to hear all the amazing accents. Upon arriving in Paris, I found my way to the baggage claim, having missed the API meet-up group by three plus hours and knowing I would have to take the dreaded taxi. Unfortunately, to add to my worrying, my bag didn't appear on the conveyor for my flight. So I stood there sad and alone, took a deep breath, and went to the desk to inform them of what had happened. I was afraid they would be upset that I was unable to speak French, but the man at the desk in front of me was wearing a cowboy hat, so I figured I was good. I was informed by the man at the desk that my luggage was still in London and that it was being shipped over on the next available flight. It was to be delivered to my hotel that evening. I had a hard time believing him, but to my surprise, I went to the desk this morning and it had in fact been delivered. So that was a little light in all of this awfulness. I spent my first day (well, more like night) in Paris, listening to what I was able to make of the Safety Orientation (I ended up being an hour late after spending a LOT of money on a cab) and then using the metro for the first time. Unfortunately, our program directors had brought us all to the API office to show us where it was and what it looked like, but then they said, "Ok, that's the end of today's orientation. You're free to go." This prompted us all to look around at each other in a panic, and wonder who am I supposed to go with? I'm certainly not walking back alone, so I need to find someone to pair up with. Why are they leaving us to fend for ourselves? We've only been in this city for a few hours! And all we've seen of it was that hotel conference room and the short trip here! Honestly, I just wanted to go back to the hotel room and sleep, but I didn't want people to think I was unsocial, so I ended up grabbing a sandwich with two others from the program and taking it back to the hotel to eat it. Unfortunately we got extremely lost getting back to the hotel and by the time we found our way back to the metro and got back on then back off at the place we'd started at then tried a new route back to the hotel, my panini was pretty cold, but somehow still so delicious. At the end of the night I wound up passing out completely with my head at the wrong side of the bed and my tablet still in my hand and towel still on my head. My roommate attempted to wake me up when she came home, but it was a lost case. I woke up five hours later disoriented, set my alarm, got into bed properly and fell back asleep. I have never felt such jet-lag in my entire life. The morning consisted of retrieving my baggage, eating breakfast and trying not to have a panick attack. I met my host mother, Mme Marco Veronique, and soon was at home, getting settled in. And thus begins this very big adventure. Thank you for reading, Amanda Lucille
1 Comment
2/11/2015 06:04:51 am
Oh my goodness Amanda! That is some adventure getting to Paris! I remember my trip trying to get home from Cannes...several trains, airplanes, lol but I don't think I came close to your story though. LOL Have a blast!!! I loved Paris and being in France. Kathleen is so excited to see you. =) Be safe & have loads of fun - Bon Chance! Mo
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About This Blog:I started this blog as a way to challenge myself to write more over the 2014 year, but it has blossomed into so much more than that. I use it to let people in on what's happening in my life, talk about things I find important and to spread the news about amazing people, places and art. Archives
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