My Life in Paris and Travels Around France
The worst part about coming to Paris is the travel (unless you live close, of course). I’m luckily not a nervous flyer, but any long-haul flight puts a lot of physical stress on the body. Arriving in Paris is exciting and you want to hit the ground running, but jet lag can get in the way. After going back-and-forth a few times (I had 18 long-haul flights last year), I’ve come up with a list of the best ways to avoid and cure jet lag and arrive in Paris feeling your best.
I know I’m not French, I definitely don’t look French, and I know sometimes I stand out, like a typical American in France. I can navigate most situations with confidence despite all odds. But being “à table” (at the table) with Romain’s family still trips me up.
I can’t believe it’s already not only November, but also the second half of November. I personally love November. First, it’s a beautiful month in a lot of places, Paris and France included. Next, holiday excitement really starts building in November for me, partially thanks to lots of gatherings with family and friends and of course Thanksgiving.
Early Fall in Paris has always been a special season for me. I love the cooler temperatures, changing colors on the leaves and in the sky, and I always feel an energy shift in myself. I think it really goes back to the semester abroad that I spent here in 2012.
I can’t believe that my first year in Paris is already finished. It really seems like yesterday that I arrived, but that seems to be pretty standard for life in general. Looking back, it was an incredible year. Of course there were challenges and surprises and adjustments and hard days, but all in all it was overwhelmingly wonderful.
