Pre-departure

I am so nervous about leaving. I don’t know what to expect when I get there. I figure I’ll be alone. Living on my own and no BF there anymore. I imagine mean High school kids, and snobby French people. I’m freaking out about leaving. I put off packing. I waited til Sunday to pack. Even then it took a lot of effort to actually start. I packed clothes, clothes, clothes. I wanted to limit myself to one big suitcase and a carry on. I knew I would have to lug them around alone this time…

I heard about the strike and freaked out! I knew I would get a taxi, but now I was worried about traffic, with the grève on a week day morning traffic would be horrendous. I posted my fears on Facebook without expecting anyone to offer help…but a higher power heard my prayers and Ed, a former student of mine started an FB chat with me. He was worried and said he could pick me up! =) I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t seen him in 2yrs and during that time I only saw him a few times. We would leave the occasional comment on our FB walls or pics but that’s it, and here he was saving my life, offering me a ride that would save me a lot of money, trouble, and stress. He solved a thousand logistical problems in that instant. I will forever be thankful for his gentillesse. =) I am truly blessed to have met people like him in Paris. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I could go back to packing my 23kg (50lb) suitcase in toute tranquilité. =)

That Sunday afternoon while packing I heard from other people I had met in Paris and from American friends there now. It was nice to know that I wouldn’t be alone while there. I finally finished packing around…2am. My flight was at 6am. I jumped in the shower and was ready to go at 3am. My parents got up and so did my sis…on our way to the airport I couldn’t believe it…I couldn’t believe I was once again going to France…AGAIN! UNBELIEVABLE!

My Dad was being a grouch because he hadn’t had his cigarette yet =/ my sis and I held hands in the car. I would rub her belly and said I would miss her and Santi very much. She squeezed my hand and began to cry…I leaned on her belly and fell asleep. I felt so sad for leaving her and my mom. We’re so close and I know it tears my mom apart to see me go…

At the airport my Dad was pretty serious, but hugged me and told me to be safe. My mom and sis stood and watched as I passed the security check point. It tore my heart to walk away and when I looked back they were gone. This is it, I’m on my own once again.