As I step out of the train it is like entering a new world. A world that seems to only exist in movies or in long lost tales. Quaint would be an appropriate way to describe the first impression, but it does not capture the whole essence. Imagine streets made of individual bricks, old buildings that are so beautiful it is hard to describe. They are very simple yet elegant and picturesque. They are warm, pure and inviting. People are casually sitting at tables in front of the cafes talking and laughing. The best part of the whole experience is the lack of technology. There is no beeping walk signal, there are no flashing neon lights or advertisements, even the hotel uses real keys instead of key cards. This is how life should be......so how did I get here?
Well let me tell you it seemed to take forever! I flew out of PDX Friday morning, landed in Philadelphia in the evening, had a technical difficulty delay, then finally set out across the Atlantic Ocean. I landed in Paris at about 10:45am (Paris time) and luckily, and with surprising ease, found my way through the baggage claim, took a shuttle to a different terminal, bought a train ticket in French, ordered a sandwich in French, and even after a small panic when I could not find the right train and hopped on one at the last second I made it here to Angers in one piece and with all of my things! I even had a wonderful discussion with a French physicists about the politics, food and culture of France. I am staying at the most amazing hotel I have ever stayed at. There is absolutely nothing flashy about it and the elevator was so small I could barely fit into it with my bag and backpack, but everything is so welcoming and down to earth. The lady at the front desk was so nice!
So now I am off to explore the town a little bit on my own, enjoy some delicious French cuisine and get a good nights rest before my big day tomorrow when I get to meet my host family!
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