First of all ya'll know my flight was delayed. We finally got on the plane around 12:00pm. After pulling away from the gate we simply sat there, and sat there, and sat there. The lights off\, the cabin quiet, until once again an annoying loudspeaker pipes up to tell us all that we have an hour wait to taxi for take off. Thats fine by me, gives me time to fall I sleep in the oh so cramped seat I was residing in . Or so I thought. My sleep aid (for those of you who don't know I suffer from insomnia) had somehow forgotten to get out of my carry on bag when I asked it to and there for was currently residing in its own cramped space high above my head. I unbuckled my seat belt to try and retrieve them, only to be given a look by one of the flight attendents that said "move an inch.... I dare you" not wishing to get off on the wrong foot, I sat back down. With nothing to do but sit and wait to take off I thought back longingly to that second glass of wine I had before boarding, as I sat in the bar I gazed longingly at the large departures screen conviently located across from me. Saying the destinations were like popping exotic flavored jelly beans into your mouth, Tokyo, Seol, Rome, Milan. A virtual feast for the senses. Finally we took off around 2 in the morning. And after sitting in the dark cabin for 2 hours, we were all blinded once again by florecent lights. The crew was insitsting on feeding us, at 3:00am. After eating we were immediatly expected to go back to sleep. But without my sleep aid I knew that wasnt likely to happen for me anytime soon and so settled into a movie (Midnight in Paris) after which I tried to rest. However the guy behind me had other plans of keeping me occupied, simply by constantly tapping on his personal video screen, which was wonderfully located in the back of my headrest. When his small taps diddn't work, he took to beating the screen, causing my head to bounce up and down in time to wacks. Here are three things I have learned from the french.... Already, That I would like to share with those planning a trip to the city of lights in the future
1. Never sit on an aisle seat, people (the flight attendants especially) like to take every opportunity they are given and bump into your arm which is unsuspectingly resting on the arm rest, which is, who would have thought it, where it should be
2. If the lady sitting next to you is staring at you intently and speaking french in a flurry (all which you don't understand but nod as if you do) simply assume that she is saying "Excuse me, but I hope you brought ear plugs becasue I just so happen to snore louder thatn a Nascar Engine.
And 3. That smell, it's is coming from that guy two rows back who not only insisted on taking off his shoes but, his socks as well.
And so it was with this grumpy attitude and the wonderfully relaxing (NOT) 2 hours of fitful sleep I received, that they were about to dump me upon this unsuspecting city. Sitting on the plane waiting to land I can't help but feel adrift in the sea of french being spoken all around me. I can't help but think "holy cow I am about to land in Paris" and almost simultanioulsy think "H-o-l-y C-o-w I am about to land in Paris, I don't know anyone, I don't know where anything is, heck I don't even understand the language" Last night when the flight attendant asked me what meal I wanted (at least thats what I assume all the gesturing meant) all I could do was stare wide eyed and open mouthed at him, he turned to my seat companion with a knowing look as if to say "ahh an American, what a shame" What have I gotten myself into.... And so it was with these lingering feeling of doubt that I hoped into a Taxi and made my way to the Apartment I was going to be occupying for the next 9 days. I walked into a small but cozy apartment, And then I saw.....
Conviently located just outside my window sharing space with my 7th floor balcony. And Immediatly all my fears, doubts, and insecurities melted away. I couldn't help but think about Alice Steinbech and Karen Wheeler, and Fraya Stark. They all did this, and so can I, after all who wouldn't want to follw is footsteps such as theirs.
I am sure more adventures and mishaps are to come so stay tuned dear readers, Stay tuned.
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