We have now been in Paris for a couple of days. Our flight left from Cincinnati on Sunday, July 25th. Saying goodbye to family was HORRIBLE and I sobbed through most of the day. Even though I was excited, it was pretty tough.
Once we got here, we took a taxi to our temporary housing in Nanterre. It is a suburb just outside of Paris. The place we are staying right now is not so great...I have to keep reminding myself that it is just TEMPORARY!
About an hour after we got to our hotel, Dustin went to work and I got on a bus and rode for about 15 minutes to a shopping mall. At the mall, I purchased a hair dryer and a flat iron. Success!
On Tuesday, I went to meet our relocation specialist to pick up the keys to our new apartment in the 7th. To get there, I had to take a bus, the metro, and then walk. I was pretty proud of myself for making it to the appointed location for our meeting! She went over several things with me about the apartment and reminded me that the owner put in brand new carpet for us. All she knew was that it was a neutral color.
I set out from my meeting to go check out the apartment. As I slowly walked from the metro stop to what will soon be home, I tried to take in all the sights and sounds. It is truly a beautiful walk! I crossed the Seine, taking a moment to look at the Eiffel tower on my right, and then turned left along the river towards the apartment. Now this is the life!
Our apartment is situated across from a cute Boulangerie and, of all things, a Pizza Hut! Ha! I went into the apartment building, jumped on the lift, and took it to the 7th floor. When I opened the door, I got my first glimpse of the new “neutral” carpet. To my surprise, it was BRIGHT GREEN! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! I guess the French have a different idea of neutral. The pictures below don’t really show you the true color of the carpet. But trust me…it looks like our apartment is full of Astroturf.
Later that evening, I took Dustin back to the apartment to check out the carpet. We were able to get some great pictures of our new view:
Once we got here, we took a taxi to our temporary housing in Nanterre. It is a suburb just outside of Paris. The place we are staying right now is not so great...I have to keep reminding myself that it is just TEMPORARY!About an hour after we got to our hotel, Dustin went to work and I got on a bus and rode for about 15 minutes to a shopping mall. At the mall, I purchased a hair dryer and a flat iron. Success!
On Tuesday, I went to meet our relocation specialist to pick up the keys to our new apartment in the 7th. To get there, I had to take a bus, the metro, and then walk. I was pretty proud of myself for making it to the appointed location for our meeting! She went over several things with me about the apartment and reminded me that the owner put in brand new carpet for us. All she knew was that it was a neutral color.
I set out from my meeting to go check out the apartment. As I slowly walked from the metro stop to what will soon be home, I tried to take in all the sights and sounds. It is truly a beautiful walk! I crossed the Seine, taking a moment to look at the Eiffel tower on my right, and then turned left along the river towards the apartment. Now this is the life!
Our apartment is situated across from a cute Boulangerie and, of all things, a Pizza Hut! Ha! I went into the apartment building, jumped on the lift, and took it to the 7th floor. When I opened the door, I got my first glimpse of the new “neutral” carpet. To my surprise, it was BRIGHT GREEN! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! I guess the French have a different idea of neutral. The pictures below don’t really show you the true color of the carpet. But trust me…it looks like our apartment is full of Astroturf.
My first reaction was to cry and text Dustin several “my life is over” text messages. Then I remembered where I was and the view from my window. That put things in perspective for me. I realized that I could either learn to live with the carpet, or do something to change it.
Later that evening, I took Dustin back to the apartment to check out the carpet. We were able to get some great pictures of our new view:
I have contacted our property manager to see about painting and possibly changing the carpet. We’ll see how that turns out…
Great view from your apartment. I love the carpet story typical French people.
ReplyDeleteI would totally trade my neutral beige carpet for astroturf and a view of the Eiffel Tower any day! :) Glad you're getting around the city with ease! I MISS YOU!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brandi, Jodi! I am so jealous reading your blog that you get to slow down and just enjoy your time. Let us know your address when you get all settled in!
ReplyDeleteJody,
ReplyDeleteour first home rental as a young married couple had RED (not red) but RED curtains in the bedroom that matched the RED and black FLOCKED wallpaper... it was a little bit like waking up in a Bordello every morning. Stayed that way until my mom could come down and help me make new curtains...alas the wallpaper remained as long as we were there. At least you have the Eiffel Tower for your view, I had a corn field. When your furniture is in you won't notice it as much! Keep looking out the window and you REALLY won't notice it. Keep sharing your adventures they are fun to read.
Beautiful view!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you can't change the carpet, I would suggest investing in some rugs or interesting art work so you are looking at the walls and not the floor. What a beautiful view and I am amazed at all you have accomplished in your first few days in Paris!
ReplyDeleteHi Jody,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see that you and your husband safely made it to Paris. The pictures are awesome!!!! I enjoy reading your blog and I find your stories to be comical and quite interesting. I shall tune in from time to time to see how you are doing.