Bienvenue chez moi

 Last Monday, I left Lycée Jean Monnet and walked the half-hour back to the C.I.A.R.U.S.  (Okay, okay, maybe more like 45 minutes as it is impossible to take a direct route through Petite France).  I had also walked to school earlier that morning.  I was being frugal because I only had change to buy a one-way tram ticket and I was saving that for when I would be laden with luggage.  I asked the receptionist at the front desk for the key to the bagagerie.   He asked me if I had found a place to stay yet, and for the first time, I was able to respond with good news.  This receptionist was my favorite.  He seemed very concerned with my extended stay at the C.I.A.R.U.S. and even called a friend to see if she knew of any available lodging. 

I made my way down to the bagagerie for what I hoped would be the last time.  I could barely open the door because there was a mountain of luggage blocking it.  When I finally forced the door open, I lamented having placed my bag in the back corner, out of the way.  The German schools groups do not pack lightly.  After a few attempts to move luggage and make a path, I mounted the pile and awkwardly made my way to the back of the room.  I sincerely apologize to the German student whose valuables I crushed, but in my situation, you would have done the same?  Once I dug out my suitcase, I launched it to the top of the pile and dragged it out of the room.  As I left to C.I.A.R.U.S. for the last time, I wondered if there was a security camera in the bagagerie and if my favorite receptionist was enjoying the instant replay of my acrobatic feat.

   

I was exhausted when I arrived to my apartment on Rue D’Upsal.  Justine was just saying au revoir to her mom and a friend.  She showed me to my room and left me to unpacking.  As I only had a suitcase and a backpack, this took me less than a half an hour.  Justine offered to drive me to the mall to buy bedding for my new bed.  The drive Auchan was pleasant and we got to know each other as much as my French abilities would allow.  Justine helped me find the right sized bedding and bought me a comforter cover that was prettier than the cheap one I wanted to buy.  Thanks Justine! 

Tomorrow marks my one week anniversary living with Justine, Maxime, and Benoit.  I could not have found a better living situation if I had looked for months.  Though they have been close friends for a long time, my colocataires are willing to share their routines and friendship.  They are extremely patient and accommodating with my limited French abilities. Justine even reprimands the boys for not using proper French around me because she doesn’t want me to learn French wrong.  In my first week, I was treated to traditional Alsatian cuisine, a movie at the biggest theater in Europe (so I’m told), and a Saturday adventure around town. 

Our apartment is a good size for the four of us.  We live on the second floor, which, if you are not familiar with French buildings, is actually the 3^rd story.  We have a kitchen, equipped with all the main appliances plus a washer and dryer (a luxury I’m told; many French apartments are without.)  The living area has a table, at which we eat many of our meals, a couch, TV and bonsai tree.  There is a balcony where two of my roommates smoke and I haven’t really spent much time.  We have a toilet room and bathroom, très European.  Our bath is a decent size complete with air jets that I have yet to test out.  My room is a good size (comparable to my room at home).  My room came complete with a bed, desk, and closet.  I’m really content with my room, the apartment, and my apartment mates.  Now that I’m settled, I’m ready to start absorbing the French language and culture and, of course, get out and TRAVEL! 

Phase 1 Complete

Here I am!  Alive and well in Strasbourg.  I flew directly into the small Strasbourg airport.  There were very few people on my plane and they all seemed to vanish at baggage claim.  This left me and an elderly couple alone to try and figure out how to get train tickets out of a machine that only accepted special train cards and coins (of which I had none.)  I eventually asked a man at the airport’s only café to make change and he did, but only because I was jolie (which I find hard to believe as I hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in three days).  I made my way to an empty train platform where it started to rain.  The elderly couple soon followed and together, we figured out when the next train would arrive.  My first impressions: Strasbourg is empty and dreary. 

After ten minutes, I got off the train at Gare Centrale.  I saw that Strasbourg was actually quite populated but still dreary.  I diligently followed the hostel’s directions, found the number 10 bus in the direction of Brant Université, and got off at Place de Pierre.  I must have looked confused to not see the hostel because the bus driver called out something which I figured, with the aid of his hand motions, meant walk two blocks and turn right.  Once I checked into my room, I didn’t really know how to begin looking for housing .  I decided to walk around with a map instead.  In this way I was able to discover a few things.  First, I found a river.  Or two rivers.  Really, it’s one river that splits and then joins back together forming a small island, referred to as Petite France. I discovered that most of Strasbourg is in or around Petite France and as long as I remembered where the rivers were, I was able to find my way back to the hostel.  I also discovered people!   A lot of them.  They all seem to gravitate towards Place de la Cathédrale.  It’s no wonder.  The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg kind of sneaks up on you.  I was walking down small, shop-lined alleys and then the sun was completely blocked by a giant cathedral.  It is really breathtaking.

Well, I don’t want to go into detail about the rest of my week.  Let’s just say, there were times that I viewed the homeless people under the bridges with envy.  This week involved much frustration, disappointment, and some shady apartment visits.  The good news is, I have found a place to live, I have visited my schools and met the teachers will be observing in the next few weeks, and Strasbourg is looking a lot less dreary these days.