Paris: Day 10

Parisian girls don't wear shorts.

Skirts, Dresses, Pants (in what seems to be the order of preference). Even when they work out, most don't wear shorts. That is your first clue if someone is an American on the street or metro. Shorts. I don't see shorts out this way much in the 13th Arrondisement, but as I get closer to the center of the city, the more shorts there are (and more classic Paris sights - Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, etc.).

Oh, and 90% of "bottoms" I brought are shorts (including dresses).

It's summer people.

Yet another difference between the Parisians and I. It is too damn hot to wear pants while you go running. The French seem very high on their social standard ladder. Or that could be just me, an intimidated foreigner.

I actually ran to the park today, adding another mile to my run, AND I didn't get lost. Whoop, whoop. I noticed my second of three rounds around the park that everyone runs in the same direction.

Seriously.

And it was the opposite way I was headed.

I thought about changing my ways, but what the hell I already looked American wearing running shorts, vibrams, and a tank top. Oh, and apparently listening to music is in the minority as well. Some of the Parisians listen to music, but most don't.

I love the city itself, the public transportation, the Seine, the history, the art, how massive the sidewalks are, but the social standards are a bit too high for me to adhere to :)

Last night we went to see "Tree of Life." I didn't have anyone to go with in the states, but sure enough one of the people on my program had already seen it and was dying to go again. And so we went.

The theater itself was down an alley of several small theaters, each with about 3 or 4 screens. And they gave a student discount which put me at 6 euros (much better than the US). There was no concession stand, just two vending machines. One that dispensed coffee drinks. Super neat. Inside the small theater there was a random glass mosaic that was lit when the lights were up. Random.

The movie itself was pretty neat. Definitely an artsy "make-you-think" movie. The french really love their movies. I mean they are pretty good at making them, not typical American "looks-really-cool" with "stupid humor" good, but definitely pensive. Check out "Amelie," for a good semi-Americanized French film. Tonight Forum des Images is hosting another evening showcase of "Cinema au clair de la lune." They showcase movies in parks around Paris. The rain has been on and off, so I'm thinking they will cancel it, but regardless, that will definitely be a highlight of my experience here, free movies in french parks. Parc de la Villette does their own series, some of which are American. They already showed one of my quirky little favorites, "The Triplets of Belleville." So if you are ever in Paris for a summer trip, definitely check one out.

There is a part of me that can't wait to get back in the states. For one, my cell phone will work. I'm useless without it and having serious withdrawals, but I think this is a decent cleanse from it. Another is, I just love flying. It is so relaxing. My phone doesn't work. I can knock out a book, or on the Paris-Toronto flight, watch a couple movies, and just relax. For a few hours. There is nothing the world can expect from me. And I love going through immigration and being told "welcome home." And for all the change I have adjusted to, it will be nice to go back and be home. Those two words are going to mean the world after it all.

I think once I'm back, I'm going to deactivate the Facebook. Or maybe take a month long hiatus. Delete the app, turn off the e-mail notifications. Spend more time on just me and those who I am close to without Facebook. Making a new life in Memphis. Because I've realized the old one isn't going to work anymore.

Warning, moment of truth and emotion other than happy ahead:

In a way I feel like Facebook has held me back from experiencing Paris, but that is really just my fault. Yes, I should be doing my homework, that is the first thing keeping me from doing things. Almost done, thank Buddah.

But I feel like that Facebook has only made me feel more separated from and made me feel ungrateful for the awesome opportunity I have. Not running over the last week definitely helped keep me in a bad mood, too. Plus there has been a few problems from this summer in Orlando coming to head, since I have been there and I feel like I have made it even worse by spending ever moment I feel alone retreating to facebook to see everything I am missing. It really makes the heartbreak harder and the dread of going home to Memphis even worse. I guess I kind of have this feeling that I will have to go from being in Orlando where I have a lot of great friends who are like me to Memphis where there are honestly almost none. And those who I do have there won't be there for much longer anyway or have already graduated and moved on yet (I mean let's face it, I haven't had to go to school without them yet).

I guess it is a growing experiences. There's been a lot of those lately.

Whenever I get homesick, I buy music and/or McDonald's. Not just in France, but Orlando or any other extensive travel.

I have about 6 new albums since flying out of Orlando. And I'm about to hit up Mcdonald's for the 4th time.

I ran 5 miles today.

I deserve it :)