I'm Here!

Day 1:

I've arrived safely in Nice - FINALLY - and what a day it's
been. I haven't slept in 24 hrs - not the best planning on my
part - but am settled in my room, ready for bed. Today's
been one of many contrasts, from dull & frustrating, to
beautiful and heart filling. Travel is gruelling, especially for
someone travelling by themselves. I often forget in the thick
of it, why I put myself through these things & steam in
frustrated wonder, until the amazing payoff kicks in & it's like
'OH YEAH'! :) SO, after a 10 hr flight & venture through the
Metro, I made it to Paris. Classic Paris. It's an overwhelming
feast for the senses. Today's Paris was different from the
one I remember, but it was like visiting an old friend. I
wondered around my favourite part, the Latin Quarter, for
about 4 hours, taking snapshots of street scenes, eating a
crepe from a boulangerie, soaking it all in. I wondered down
Ile St. Louis with its classic apartments and old time shops. I
saw gorgeous Italian girls, brooding Parisian men,
fresh-faced Sunday School children, and heartbreaking
beggers. I heard fantastic smooth jazz & cataclismic church
bells. I could get used to that. :) And then it hit me, I will.
This is just my first day, I live here now... and I can hardly
wait for the layers to unfold. Nice, in the dark so far, has also been a beauty. Cozy & warm, I've already been snatched from the
airport & taken care of (by a fellow Vancouverite - we're
everywhere! :)) and this place is so idyllic it's surreal. Alright,
just a few notes before I lose my thoughts before bed. Bonne
nuit tous!