July 8, 2011

Exhausted in Paris

I know why the French are so tiny. They get their workout daily just by walking. I'm absolutely exhausted after only a week here. Taking the metro during the morning rush is tiring, cramped, and sweaty. But at the same time there is something nice about it. I think I just like being so near to other people. I miss being close to others, especially the kind that is present with really good friends, family, or a significant other. I don't have any of those here. I wish I had someone here. What I would give for a person to curl up next too when feeling blue or tired.

I'm both sick of and in love with this city. After only a week. I suppose it's because I'm trying to cram so much in while I'm here. Love, such a powerful thing, and such a struggle for me some days. I hate and love my depression, I think most people that have it would understand the meaning of this statement. Sometimes it just sucks the good out of everything, to the point that you can completely forget there is such a thing as "good". Yet, it's just as possible, that five seconds after a bout of this, you to notice something. Perhaps something little, perhaps something overlooked. That little thing, no matter how small, can bring the greatest joy, hope, faith, and love flooding back. It's such a strange thing, and I wonder if it's not the depression but just me.

The people here on the program with me are overall nice. But I really detest some of them. Well not them, but the persona they give off. I feel like I'm back in high school when most of us are 20 and 21. A few of the guys are total "bros" and thus picture well dressed frat boys who can put on a reasonable front but just want to shoot the breeze and work at their father's law firm. A few of the girls are too into having the most expensive and popular clothes. I couldn't careless if you've got a $300 purse; if it's ugly and not useful there's no point. Paris is pretty fashionable so I can accept some of this, I myself have been dressing up more than I normally do. Sigh, still more a fraternity/sorority crowd for the most part. Though a few us, nerdier ones I suppose, are getting along pretty well. Still, we all don't know each other very well and have different personalities...so at times the stress gets to me.

July 2, 2011

Paris

What a wonderful city! The French language is so beautiful, and the culture so diverse. I'm enjoying it here so far, though with each large city there is always a darker side. Here mainly, I find that would be the almost scowl you have to keep on your face when on the metro, the train, or the streets. Otherwise every minute a man will try to pick you up, beg, or get you to buy something. When on the metro your bag stays, always, in front with your hand over it. The sites, the churches, the houses, the history...tres beau!