Ready. Set. Go!

We ended up not going rock climbing, and instead we hiked to the top of that mountain. It was a difficult steep hike, and we headed up there around twilight, so when we got to the top around one hour later, we saw the city of Nice in lights. It was very beautiful. The weather was also amazing since the sun wasn’t out; the heat was no overwhelming. We sat up there for ten minutes or so enjoying the view, but I was starting to get nervous because it was quickly getting dark. We headed down moments later, and I used Jerome’s iPhone for a flash light. Somehow, he made it down the somewhat treacherous trail in the darkness, while I barely made it through with a flashlight.

I was happy to reach solid ground again, but I couldn’t enjoy it too much because Jerome forced me to drive his stick shift around for a bit. I am getting better, but I am a nervous wreck every time I drive stick shift; it’s so different. Especially with the weird French roads. Their rules, signs, roads, driving styles, etc. are so different, and it is all so overwhelming. Hopefully I will get comfortable soon enough.

When we got back, we ate an amazing dinner his mom made; an eggplant (from the garden) lasagna type dish with mozzarella cheese. We didn’t eat until like midnight, but that is just the French way, although usually not that late, then we headed for bed.

The next day was our last day in Nice; sad face. We woke up at a more reasonable hour than usual and ate a fabulous lunch with his parents. Shrimp and scallop kebabs, a rice and zucchini dish, and of course, fresh, yummy bread. We then went to St. Paul de Vence, which is a world famous village near Nice. It was full of art galleries and small, claustrophobic, classic European streets. It was very quaint. I had to drive there and was in a bad mood for a while after (I really don’t like driving stick haha), but I got over it soon enough to basically head back and do it all over again. When we got home, it was basically time to head to the airport. So I packed my bags and tried to enjoy mu last views of Jerome’s village and Nice. It is incredibly beautiful, and I didn’t want to leave at all. Not even for Paris, which says something!

We landed in Paris after an uneventful plane ride and took the RER back inside the city. The weather was cooler, which was much welcomed. That was the only downside to Nice; it’s hot. We took the metro to Jerome’s friend, Vincent’s, apartment (which is now Jerome’s apartment too), and it is small but cute. The only thing that is too small is the bathroom…a shower, sink, and toilet are crammed into a ridiculously small space, but I must get used to it!

We hung out a bit with Vincent and the other roommate, and then headed for bed. The next day was my last full day before starting my au pair job, so Jerome and I basically did errands. We walked to his new job to time how long it would take, then ate lunch at a nearby brasserie, walked along the Seine, went to the pharmacie, and made a copy of Vincent’s key. We then headed back after our long day, and could not get back in to the apartment because Jerome forgot the entrance code. His phone was dead, of course, and mine is completely useless here, so we had to wait for someone to come back to the apartment and follow them inside, which took make 20 minutes. After relaxing for a bit, we had to head to Justine’s to retrieve my luggage.

Thank god Jerome was there because he did all the heavy lifting up and down the metro, so the excursion didn’t turn out as bad as I had imagined. Jerome informed me I would be storing my bags (there’s definitely no room in the apt for them) in the cave, and I looked at him weirdly, and he corrected to basement. However “cave” was a much more accurate description. Vincent lead us down to a dungeon: literally. It was super creepy down there, and as I walked downstairs away from the open door and warm lamplight, I knew I would get murdered down there. It was full of twists and turns, old wooden doors, and cave-like walls. I was glad to finally get away after storing my luggage.

Then we went to a restaurant and had dinner with Jerome’s roommates from Raleigh: Nico, Alban, and Romain. Most of the time I sat there in complete silence unless one of them was kind enough to speak English, but I am used to it by now, and soon enough, I will be able to join the conversation! We got back by midnight and headed for bed soon after because Vincent had work the next morning, along with Jerome who had his first day of work.

I had to get up early with them this morning, so they could get ready. I then slept for a few more hours. I have showered in the ridiculously small shower and now am writing this. The mom of my French family is coming to get me in like 2 hours. The email made it sound like just her, but I have no idea if the kids or her husband will be there. I am nervous about going down to the dungeon and carrying my luggage up the stairs because I’ll have to do it by myself, but I know it will work out. I also hope all my shiz fits in the car haha… I worry about everything.

In a few hours , the next phase of my life starts. My au pair life in Paris. I have been waiting months and months for today, and now it is a mere 2 hours away. In a way, my life has been leading up to this moment. All the schooling and being raised by my parents to finally make my decision on what to do with my life, and I sit here in a little apartment in Paris waiting. This is all so amazing, and I have gone through so many barriers to finally get here, especially in the last week.

I know this year will be the best year of my life (so far), but will also be the hardest. I am ready for the challenge though (mostly). I am ready to be an au pair in Paris!