I may not have given myself very much spare time off of work in the US, to prepare for my big move (spoiler alert: I packed the day before my flight) BUT I made sure that I flew into France early enough to give myself some time in my favorite city before moving to Lille. Β I still had no idea where I was going to live in Lille when I arrived in France. Β However, arriving early really played to my benefit!
During my time
Β studying abroad in Paris between 2012-2013, I met a lot of amazing people. Β I still keep in touch with most of these friends through various forms of social media. Β My friend, Shakka, kindly offered to meet me at the airport when I arrived in Paris! Β (And thank GOODNESS because you should have seen me wobbling around the airport toting two suitcases that are my size.) Β Shakka also very graciously hosted me for my first 10 days in Paris before I moved to Lille. Β It was amazing to get to spend some time in Paris and catch up with friends!
I’m very excited to live in Lille, but Paris will always have a special place in my heart. Β Good thing it’s only an hour train-ride away right!? Β π Β Over my 10 days in Paris, I got to be a tourist again an
d revisit some of my favorite places. Β I also got to visit several new ones! Β ( New bars that is! haha!)
Paris is the same beautiful city that I remembered, however, I did take note of a few changes. Β Of course, security has increased significantly in the wake of all the attacks over the past year or so. Β You can no longer walk underneath the Eiffel Tower freely. Β The entire perimeter is enclosed by a fence, the only openings at which are the security entrances you must now undergo if you are going to climb the tower. Β There also is a much larger Gendarmerie presence than I have ever seen. Β I used to see a few Gendarmerie at the occasional metro stop. Β While staying in Paris, I saw them at every significant monument I visited along with several metro stations.
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One other random change – there is now a weird obsession with burgers! Β I used to search for any latenight kebab or McDonalds to quench my craving of a cheeseburger after going to the club/bar when I was studying here. Β Now there are so many burger-themed restaurants! Β Not chains! Β Actually restuarants dedicated to making burgers! Β I don’t understand!
