Tuesday, 30 September 2014

I have finally arrived in Paris. As I sit in a café waiting for my train to Angers to arrive, my exhaustion from minimal sleep and jet lag is evident. My face must have expressed this feeling, because as I searched around Charles De Gaulle Terminal 2 for my train, a kind old gentleman offered to buy me du café (coffee). I admit, I was skeptical at first. I had been forewarned of the cold attitudes of the French, particularly towards Americans, and I thought it was a ploy to distract me from my luggage or train. (I am now remorseful for my mistrust.) As we began a casual chat, his friend helped me hold my luggage as we waited for the old man to buy the tiniest cups of espresso for the five of us, including his wife and another gentleman. We introduced ourselves and when I proceeded to tell him I was from Mississippi, USA, he exclaimed “Lots of crocodiles in Mississippi!” We chatted a little more before they left the café, only after helping me carry my bags to a table so I could enjoy my coffee comfortably. Soon I will be onward to Angers, but from what my first experience with the French can foretell, I think the next three months are going to be quite an interesting and pleasant adventure.