Post #18

Another week in Paris, with some changes, although they are mostly unexciting.
My roommate from the Dominican Republic moved out on Thursday. I know this sounds mean, but I was not at all sad to see her leave. (Actual conversation the day I moved in: Me: So do you have any brothers or sisters? Her: Yes. Me: (uh, ooo-kay)) My new roommate moved in yesterday afternoon. She’s [unsurprisingly] German. Her name is Barbara and she is here for three months.
This week I had yet another research paper due. I also had a test in French, which is tricky because it actually is impossible to study for. I guess you could study general things (like grammar or basic vocab) but it was a listening portion (can’t study for) and an opinion essay (what was my opinion of the quotation about you simply add two letters to “Paris” and you get “paradise.” In French, paradise is paradis, that’s not a typo) My last research paper is due on Monday, so that’s what I plan to do this weekend. Very exciting, I know.
Last week, I found what I like to call “the Walmart of Paris.” It is located in La Defense, the skyscraper city just outside the western edge of the city. It really isn’t like Wal-Mart at all, but it is the closest to American store I have seen here. The upper floor contains everything that’s not food- clothing, appliances, school supplies, etc. The lower floor is a huuuge grocery store. I would guess it’s the size of a regular American grocery store (not the Taj MaTeeter, though.) I guess that doesn’t sound that big, but I’ve been shopping at supermarchés since February where 4 aisles (at half the length of an “American” aisle) is a pretty spacious grocery store. So my grocery shopping on Wednesday was super fun. So many choices! It was kind of like Sam’s/Costco in that a lot of the items (everything from shampoo to cheese) were in larger proportions than normal. I guess this doesn’t really sound that exciting, but it was a huge thrill for me. There is a store here called Monoprix, which is similar to Target-except it’s a LOT smaller and it’s a lot more expensive (not just conversion, but you really have to search to score a deal at Monoprix, though it can be done.) I used to shop at Monoprix because sometimes you can buy two bottle of shampoo together and get 50 centimes off or once (!!!!!!!) I found cranberry juice buy one get one free. At almost every other store here, there are no “specials” (unless its produce that is going to go bad) and coupons don’t exist. But now that I have discovered Auchan (FV of Walmart) I will go to Monoprix even less than I do now.
The weather here has turned nice, just in time for the long weekend. This week, it rained every single day and it was chilly (jeans and sweaters.) Maybe I will make a picnic, or at least, go for a long walk after dinner tonight!