It turns out when I write in my blog that I’m going to do something, I feel committed to actually fulfilling those activities. So last night I did indeed run outside to get a lay of the land. I (accidentally) circled my neighborhood several times which was probably good for me in the long run in terms of familiarizing myself, but I did wonder if the people sitting in the cafés started to think that I was crazy.

I walked across the Seine just to lay eyes on Notre Dame and then found my way to the grocery. I have good news to report. My friend Jenn G was right. Garnier (the hair care line) is apparently French and they do carry my curly hair mouse product here in Paris. And at the grocery no less! I took a wild guess and received confirmation today that boucle does in fact mean curl, so I am thrilled. I also discovered the most marvelous twist on Special K. Here they make it with chocolate shavings. How fantastic is that? I know. So I had to get it. There was no question.

My intention was to run back to the apartment, drop off the groceries and run out for some dinner and a movie. Unfortunately I had a slight delay as I struggled for about 20 minutes to unlock the door downstairs. The door to the street has a keypad, which is easy enough to deal with, but the next door in the lobby has the most stubborn lock. I had been warned that the key is finicky and my friend made me practice before he left, but no amount of “massaging the key gently” seemed to help unlock it. I had another “seriously?” moment, envisioned myself sleeping in the lobby, listened to my stomach growl, pulled out my new box of Special K, had a few handfuls of flakes and cocoa to refuel, took a deep breath and tried again. To no avail. Finally, after several more handfuls of cereal and a little mumbled cursing, I got it. Don’t ask me how or what I did differently, but it opened.

I ran up, out of breath, tossed my newly purchased items in the apartment and ran back out to find some real dinner. I discovered a cute little café just beside the movie theatre and ordered some water and an omelette mixte (ham and cheese). I put on my ipod and opened up my book, “Me Talk Pretty One Day.” It was a very relaxing dinner and it allowed for some good people watching. And though I could have done better I’m sure, I did feel confident with my ordering skills. It wasn’t a complete disaster! I was relieved that no one yelled at or spit on me.

Then I went next door to buy my “Paris je t’aime” movie ticket. They asked me in French if I had a student ID. I smiled and laughed and started to say in French that I don’t speak French and they translated for me. I laughed again, flattered, but said no. They said, you know the movie is in French, and I said I knew but it was ok. It turns out they weren’t kidding. I mean there were some moments in English but they were few and far between. My friends will be impressed to know however, that it was a 10pm showing and I didn’t fall asleep once!! I don’t really know what the movie was supposed to be about but my interpretation of it was delightful. If it comes to the states, I recommend it to everyone. It really gives a wonderful window into the city, sort of a good, bad and ugly kind of depiction, but it’s wonderful. I was very glad I went and didn’t doze through it.

This morning I vaguely remember waking up around 10:30 and eating a bowl of my special Special K. My body communicated that it was still tired, so I listened respectfully, and went back to sleep until about 1. And to be completely honest the only reason I woke up then was because the phone rang. It was a wonderful phone call though and I was grateful for it. The host from dinner the other night called and asked me if I wanted to join her and her brother-in-law (who is in town from Germany) on an outing to the Tuileries to see a photography exhibit of Cindy Sherman’s work. It was incredibly weird but interesting. We had great discussions all the way through the exhibit and really had a wonderful time. We then met up with her other brother-in-law for an afternoon ice cream (which happens to be less than a block away from my apartment). I had chocolate (shocker) and vanilla with chocolate chip. Not very original, but oh so very good. The four of us walked and talked our way back to their place where we hung out, drank some wine and looked at wedding photos. They could not have been more kind or wonderful to me. I enjoyed being with them so much and am hoping they are not just being nice to me because my friend asked them to. J

They asked me to join them for dinner where we met up with her husband and his brother’s girlfriend at this fantastic Greek restaurant Taverne Les Olympiades. We drank ouzo (which is strong but tasty) and some sort of white Greek wine. We ate fried cheese, olives, grilled fish (with the head on it of course), incredibly tender lamb and lime ice cream. Everything I tried was delicious. We discussed which of the Desperate Housewives’ characters is there favorite and the fact that all the men love Miranda’s husband, Steve on Sex and the City. So funny! We of course went into politics and families and personal health issues and work. It’s so fun to be around such different people who really have all of the same ups and downs as the rest of us. I am grateful to them for letting me join in such a fun evening.

We went back to their place for one more glass of wine and a look another wedding album and then I got an escort home from the brother who is in from Germany. I told him my parents would appreciate him walking me back to the apartment! I lucked out on getting back inside as the door downstairs had been propped so there was no keeping me from getting swiftly into my new “home.”

Now it is after 2:45am and I must go to sleep. I’m considering setting an alarm so I don’t sleep through tomorrow, but I have to admit it’s been nice just waking up when my body feels like it. No particular plans for tomorrow but I’m sure I’ll come up with something!