The name of the game

Alright, so friday I decided to venture out on my own. I had to get a french phone number so I decided to go to Les Halles where they have a SFR store. I was lucky that one of the clerks spoke English so there were no problems until I was about to put the sim card in my old Sony Eriksson phone and it turned out that it was still locked! Luckilly, Malia had a spare phone so right now I'm sporting an old Nokia but hey, it's better than nothing.
I didn't dare to walk around too much in Les Halles coz it's huge!! I pretty much spent some time in one store which I have a feeling will be my new Forever 21 (although not as cheap) - New Look. I visited a New Look store briefly when I was in London and they have great clothes, and really nice shoes. I got two pairs for only 40 euros, score!
After Les Halles I walked to Rue de Rivoli and browsed a little bit. Later on I took the Metro to Saint Michel and walked to Luxembourg gardens again. There I chillaxed for about an hour or so before I had to go home and get ready for the evening. It is so hot here now, which is great because Paris is truly different when the sun is out.

Friday night I went to see a new friend, Franck, whom I met at HRC Calling. We had a really fun night out, first some wine, and then we went to an international bar where we hung out with a couple of his friends. The evening ended at the Highlander, of course. It is really strange though, Paris is such a small city. All of a sudden I bumped into Richard, the swedish guy whom we befriended last week, and he was telling me that the other day he met my roommate from HRC Calling. Small town, that's all I'm saying...oh, and it's full of swedes.

Yesterday, Malia and I spent a couple of hours in our local park, which is so nice and sweet. We tried to stay in the sun but it got too hot so we settled for the shade.
In the evening, we went over to Jeff's place for some wine and games. We met Jeff's old roommate who is really sweet, and Martin and Richard showed up later as well. We played the post-it game where you're supposed to guess who you are. I'm telling you, that game is going to turn into an obsession coz it is a lot of fun.

Today, it's a bit overcast so I'll probably go to Ikea, finally. It's pretty far from here so it's going to be an interesting day's journey. Oh well, it's worth it for a visit at the mothership. Swedish meatballs, here I come!

Art - in all its glory

Yesterday I met up with one of my new friends, Jeff, and went to the art museum Musée D'Orsay. It used to be an old train station and it is now filled with beautiful art, everything from the impressionists to the naturalists. My favorites were (of course) Monet and Degas. I was surprised though, and very delighted to see an August Strindberg painting hanging there, go Sweden!
Afterwards, we took a walk to Grand Palais which was unfortunately closed but you could still peek inside. The place is huge! I mean, it is so big that cars were parked in there and it did not look strange at all. Hopefully I'll get to go inside one day.
After laying in the grass and enjoying the sun by the Invalides for a bit, we took a walk in the 7th district where the American University of Paris is situated. It is a very charming neighbourhood, one I can see myself spending some time in for sure.
We had a nice supper there and then it was time for me to make my way home. We live somewhat far off but it only takes about 20 minutes by Metro pretty much anywhere you wanna go, which is great, especially considering it used to take me between 1,5 to 2 hours to commute to work.
Later that night, us girls (Malia's friend Marie is visiting) got dolled up and went out. We ended up at The Highlander (shocker) and met some pretty interesting random people there. I have a feeling that place is going to be the new Brennan's for me. We came home at about 4/4.30-ish, had some pizza and girl talk before we went to bed at about 5.

Today, I met up with a former classmate from Lund who also just moved here. We met up in the Luxemburg gardens (which, btw are amazing! I can definitely see myself there, relaxing in a chair, soaking up the sun) and then took a walk...everywhere. Well, we went to get some Berthillon sorbet (I got peach and something called Framboise a la Rose, which is raspberry in rose water or something like it - a-mazing!) around Notre Dame and then we took a stroll in the Marais, and then back to the Luxemburg gardens. It's nice to have a Swedish friend from back home here, even if we're not the closest of friends, it's still someone I know from before.
After about three hours of walking and talking it was about time to head home. Now, I'm lying in my bed, a bit exhausted (but no hangover, the walking definitely took care of that :) ), and waiting for the girls to come home. Tonight we'll probably do drinks at a friend's place, and tomorrow I'm meeting up with someone I met at HRC Calling. Busy busy busy.
But first, some Grey's Anatomy, oh yeah, I'm falling in love with it all over again. What's not to like?

Wine, oh sweet wine

Yesterday I accompanied Malia to Marais for her job interview. While she was doing the interview I walked around a little in the pouring rain. Took the metro from the Bastille to Republique which was not such a smart move to do on my own coz it made me really sad. The last time I was in that neighbourhood I was there with my sister whom I miss so much I can't begin to explain it.
I do feel a little bit homesick from time to time, which is strange coz I was never homesick in the States. I suppose it'll go over once I get a routine going. It's nice to have three weeks off before school, but I need to occupy myself with something or I'll go crazy. The weather is really shitty as well so it's not so easy to be inspired and go out and do something.
Last night we had some of our new friends over for some wine and sweets. It was a really fun night and tomorrow I'll be going to Musée D'Orsay for the first time with one of my new friends.
Right now, we're anticipating the arrival of Malia's friend who will be staying with us for a few days, and then we'll see what we're doing tonight, maybe going out for drinks or just staying in with some wine, who knows.
Till next time!

Bienvenue à Paris!

Well, I figured it was time to start writing again, especially as I am embarking on a whole new adventure.
Two days ago I arrived in Paris. My friend, and now roommate, Malia, came to pick me up in the airport and took me to my new home in the 15th district of Paris. It is a really nice apartment that is big for Paris standards, and modern and fresh. It's in need of a few details but a trip to IKEA should sort that out. Other than that, it is really close to the Metro, there's a bus stop that runs to Montmartre right outside our door, and there are grocery stores all around. The neighbourhood seem really safe which is really all that matters in the end.
Yesterday, I got to meet my landlords, who are really sweet. The woman is in her 50's and she hardly speaks any English, whereas the man (who is in his 60's) is half Danish or something like it and speaks good English. They laid down the rules but it all seems pretty relaxed so there really shouldn't be any problems.
After meeting my landlords I went to the Tuileries to meet up with an old colleague of mine who has lived in Paris for about a year. We had a nice chat on the steps of the Garnier Opera, talking about being Swedish living in Paris and dos and don'ts, etc. It's a shame she moved back to Sweden last night but hopefully we'll meet up when she comes to visit.
Considering it was friday night last night, Malia and I decided to hit the town to celebrate my arrival and Malia's work interview. We went to the Latin quarter and ended up at two bars, one Irish (I think) and one Scottish. Way to absorb the French culture, huh. Anywho, we had an awesome time and we met a bunch of new friends who we will for sure keep in touch with. Funny thing was, one of the guys spoke really good English so I assumed he was American and that was the answer I expected when I asked where he was from. Instead I got "no, I'm Swedish"!!! Imagine my surprise when that is usually my answer.
After a funfilled night, Malia and I were home at around 8 in the morning so today has been a slow day. I've finally unpacked and now I'm planning my trip to IKEA so I can start nesting.
Till next time!