In the middle of the afternoon, with the sun shining and bundled up in my winter coat, I walked outside and could see my breath. It didn't get out of the forties today, and tomorrow is the same (a high near 46). This is not my usual October weather, though I do realize there are parts of the US already colder (and with snow!?). One of the girls in my class is from Vermont, and she's excited for the wintery weather.
Not I. Although it's a nice excuse to go shopping for new jackets/coats/sweaters. I went by Montparnasse today and browsed a few stores (Zara, United Colours of Benetton, Pimpkie) but ended up only buying some essentials—a pair of jeans, two undershirts, and a sweater. Then I treated myself to a chocolate eclair from the boulangerie/patisserie on the corner of my street, where the bread and treats are made fresh, in-house, daily.
The eclair has a dough much like a Krispy Kreme donut, thick and gooey, with a chocolate creme filling, whipped fluffy and light, very delicately sweetened. On top is a chocolate icing that adds a nice, finishing burst of sweet with every bite. Absolutely delicious. Food in this country is probably my favorite part about being here, but just the fact that I'm in Paris is awesome enough.
I sat on the metro this morning on my way to class, remembering last spring when I'd sit in the hallway between classes, talking on phone to my mom and dad about how to make this study abroad thing work. How to pay for it, how to get the paperwork done, if I could manage to figure out the money aspect, worrying it was never going to actually pan out, and here I am now.
Despite the cold, despite the cost, I am so glad to be where I am. Eating this eclair . . .
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