Happiness

Happiness because I love my apartment. Happiness because I got a bike. Baguette tradition happiness. Maybe a little to much wine happiness too often.

So pretty much we walk through two doors with codes to get into the courtyard, it is very well protected. Not to mention, the courtyard is almost entirely ours. We walk in our door pictured above, and up our private staircase to those second story windows you see.

There is one other door that might be residential in the courtyard, and another bike, but we have not really seen anyone. I have decided to believe that the other doors in the courtyard are some sort of racing auto parts supplier, but that is also maybe entirely my imagination. On the weekdays there are men in uniforms and they sometimes cart things out. They don't seem like drug dealers, but if they were this would be the perfect safe house.

The other night my roommates and I had about 6 friends over, they all brought a little something to eat or wine, we made pasta and just sat there at our little table in the courtyard for hours. Truly perfect. I hope it happens very often.

Yesterday I wanted to get my glasses fixed and buy a bike, so I got out my old French book and made sure I knew everything I would need for those interactions. Then when I got to the glasses store, he wanted to speak English! So i learned "petit tournevis" (little screwdriver) for nothing...

Then there is my bike! Right around the corner is a second-hand store that had a bunch outside. I tested a lot out, and this one was not only in the best condition, but I think it is cute. The seat is white = double cute. I actually have not ridden it yet, I need to get a lock and a helmet before that can happen. Safety first for Mr. Evan!

That is the bell, it is a froggy bell.

That is cute Evy that has nothing to do with this post. See her drool!?

NYU Paris

Yesterday was our first day of "school." It included picking up a packet with our ID at the place everyone is being temporarily housed, getting a schedule of meetings this week, and the faculty telling us to be careful of swine flu and getting drunk in public, first in French and then in English.

This morning we had to meet at 10am at the school (cute, pictured here), the meeting was very similar, but smaller and with two very entertaining and funny young ladies showing us a powerpoint. They did give us wine tips and we were able to ask all those questions we have had for so long. Like if we can receive packages at our school mailboxes, which we can. So send them to me! Evan Watkins - NYU Paris, 56 Rue de Passy, Paris 75016 France!

I have never been so excited to start school (that may not be true, I just have a terrible memory), but it is still like we are skirting around it. Friday we take a language placement test, then the next two weeks is only French class for 2 weeks and activities/tours at night. After that we start real classes. Strange, but obviously structured like that for good reason and I trust it.

And to be honest, outside of Playwrights Horizons Theater School, I have never felt really cared about so much at NYU. They do a good job here, I think it has to do with the small group and their hope for a pleasant and full experience for us all. I already signed up for a free day-trip to Vaux-le-Vicomte with a 4 course meal included, and a ghost story tour of Montmarte. I am a big fan of planned communal events!

So I found independent housing with my roommates and moved in yesterday. I UNPACKED immediately. I have been in a suitcase for 4 weeks! Truly terrible and not a way that I can live. I like my apartment, it is very cute and in a really great area. The only thing is that I still have to fashion myself up a desk so I can be super studious this semester!