la ville la nuit

Last night, our first REAL night out, we ventured over the the Latin district in search of a bar that was in the "MTV's guide to Paris" book. We got out of the metro and were looking at the map, slightly confused i'll admit, and this older man came up to us and said he could help. So he pointed us in the right direction...and then followed us. While he was nice, it was a bit weird. I avoided talking to him. He talked about his business and eventually we got him to leave. Of course before he left he asked for a phone number. He said he had a friend who would like to meet us. "We say 'drinks for everyone'" was his way of convincing us for a phone number. Not working buddy! I quickly told him I just moved to Paris but didn't have a cell phone. As I said this, I was praying my 30 Euro phone didn't go off.

Well we found this illusive club/bar and there outrageous prices. 11 Euro for a drink! Yikes! The drinking/club scene will be kept to a minimum with prices like that. So bailed and enjoyed the lovely atmosphere and evening temperatures of Paris. We were about to go to this other bar when a rather charming young man came up and asked if we needed help. His name is Tom and he moved to Paris from Australia a few months ago. Tom offered to show us to an English bar where he was off too. We graciously followed Tom to The Long Horn. Immediately we stepped out of the classic French culture and back into the world of Caffrey's and Murphy's. This bar was VERY American. All the bartenders and every patron spoke English. Nonetheless, the bar was very entertaining. During one trip away from the table I got roped into a discussion with Sam and Sammy (I know, right). S squared were two men from Paris who "loved American girls because we are not snobby and open to anything." We discussed everything from fashion to how the French "date." These party animals seemed to be a bit out of touch with American music. One of them said he love Brandy and Monica (circa 7th grade-remember "The Boy is Mine?!"). The other said he liked Nelly (and was impressed he was from my hometown) and Akon. They were funny and soon became the second victims of the "I don't have a phone line."

Because I was the only one who had a working cell phone, Tom and I exchanged numbers and he promised to keep us updated on fun parties and said we could call if we need suggestions for nights out.

This afternoon after our last bit of orientation meetings, we wandered over to a book store for our school books. In the book store this gentleman (he is 24), who spoke English, asked us how we were doing. We quickly found out that his name is Julien and his is originally from Paris but spent two years in Australia. After I struggled to remember the word for "to sell" he assisted me. After getting books he offered to take me to the store to find notebooks for classes. We went to the store and chatted. He was very nice and easy to talk too. He goes to an American University in Paris (close to my apartment) and invited us to go to his school's party next Thursday night. He promised to be in touch before then (he mentioned a house party at his place this weekend or next-idk). It will be nice to have a real French friend!

In my district, today and Tuesday are market days. Market day is when all of the local vendors bring there produce and other goods out under tents and sell them at really good prices. I found a big bunch of pink tulips (one of my favorites) for about four american dollars. They are in a vase on our makeshift kitchen/living room table. It's nice to have them!

Thats all for now, mes aims!
xoxo
ABN