11/17/10 PARIS!

So today’s the day for PARIS!  I had my bag packed and ready to go before I left in the morning, but still had to struggle through four classes before the flight.  I only went to half of Game Theory though.  That was a nice break.  During our two hour class, we always get a break in the middle, so I left then.  My Spanish friend David said I could copy his notes in the next class!  I rushed home to get rid of my notebooks and grab my filled to the brim backpack.  It is really hard packing for four days in one backpack, but I managed to make it all fit.  I grabbed a quick bite to eat and was off!

            Evan and I got on the same train to the airport.  The train only takes about twenty minutes for me to get there.  I really enjoy how accessible the airport is in Barcelona compared to Rome and Paris.  The flight to Paris was about an hour and half long and I talked to Evan the whole time.  Daven and Miriam were sitting in the row ahead of us.  When we got to the airport, we all went our separate ways.  I was staying with Miriam and her friend from Tufts, Haley.  Evan was getting picked up by his cousin, who lives in the city and Daven ended up sleeping in the airport (long story).  To get to Haley’s dorm, we had to take the RER Train into the city.  Miriam and I walked about the whole length of the airport until we finally got to the escalator that led to the train.  At the bottom, there was a guy who asked us if we were going into the city (in English).  Of course, Miriam and I replied simultaneously in Spanish “Si!”  He told us that we had to run because the train was about to leave, but that the gate was open.  We sprinted down two escalators and barely made it on to the train.  We were both pretty pumped that we saved 8 Euro, since we didn’t have to buy a train ticket.  We did have to jump the turnstile when we got off the train though, a good start to Paris!  Haley met us right outside the station.  Her dorm was literally across the street.  Her room was small, but she had her own bathroom and refrigerator.  We shared a bottle of cider and chatted until at least two in the morning.  It was difficult to fall asleep on her floor.  Miriam and I each had one blanket and I used by backpack for my pillow.