at home in paris

Gosh, it feels so good to be back. I may have woke up at 5:45am this morning (darn you, jet lag) but I honestly couldn't be happier. Last time, I flew in by way of Iceland entirely unsure of myself, terrified, excited. This time, despite a turbulent flight, I landed with a smile and a sigh. I wasn't thrown off by the onset of everything French; my airport pick-up was thrilled to see me; him and I took the familiar metro to my neighborhood for the first time this year; and finally, with help, I climbed the stairs to ma chambre de bonne. It was exactly as I'd left it. I realized then, more than ever before, how much I'd truly made this place my home.

Since my Saturday morning arrival, I've had copious amounts of noisettes (small espressos topped with steamed milk), tried my best to sleep at appropriate times, and have enjoyed a Parisian salad, take-out sushi, an English breakfast, pain au chocolat, and an impressive trio of Mexican tacos in the company of friends.

Knowing that I already have friends here, good ones and more than one, makes me all the more optimistic about this next year in Paris. I already have a growing list of exhibitions (especially this one) I want to see in addition to restaurants and bars I want to visit. I very much hope to make yoga classes a habit again as well. Also, have I told you how committed I am to improving my French? I'm grateful to have the extra time this semester to do so, most notably during my "ambassador" hours at MAM. Of course, that's when I'm not reading/writing/studying for Brands and Beliefs, Global Digital Cultures, Global Audiences in Media & Communications, and Global Advocacy and Public Policy. I'm honestly thoroughly looking forward to the work, all of it. (Please remind me of that when I'm stressing out at the end of the semester, okay?)

And I have even more friends coming soon; my second set of visitors! I'm eager to introduce Anna and Leslie to my life here--including my favorite neighborhood brunch (see photo above)--and travel to Marrakesh for the weekend in between. It'll be my first time in Africa, ever. The excitement is almost too much to handle.

Anyway, I should finish unpacking before I get too carried away :) hope you're beginning your week happily.