Paris!

So a lot has happened in the last couple days, as on Thursday we finally arrived in Paris! yayy! We took a four hour bus ride to Paris, where everyone got there luggage and went into this ampatheatre to wait for our host families to come pick us up. It was pretty nerve racking, as we random french people arrived, and then our names were announced as they figured out who was where. I watched as my friends were slowly picked off, until only about 10 of us remained-our host families were late, mainly because the Pope is in Paris this weekend so there are tons of people running around, and a lot of roads are blocked off. Finally, my host mom arrived-a single women in her 60s, and we went off to collect my luggage. She explained that she works every day until 8, except saturday and sunday, and usually catches a ride with her friend to and from work, but alas since she got off a little early today we were going to have to get home on our own. At this point, it went from a sunny, beautiful day to pouring rain, and we couldnt seem to get a cab, again mainly because there are so many people here to see the pope. So, we dragged my suitcases to the nearest bus stop, and then got on the 84, which is known for taking you through some of the most beautiful parts of Paris. My host mom pointed out some sights, and we talked a little bit during the ride. It took her a little while to realize I speak french, which worried me at first because she was only speaking english to me- and i really want to improve my french, but now she realizes and only uses English when I look confused or if she's telling me something really important (like all the locks I have to lock when I leave the apartment). Anyways, we finally arrived at her apartment building, which is prety nice and cute looking, and then we took turns using the tiny elevator to get up to the third floor. The apartment itself is pretty tiny, but its cozy and cute. Its just her living there now, and at least for a while her daughter's crazy but cute cat. She hasn't mentioned a former husband or anything, and in pictures its just her or her and her kids or friends, so I dont really know what the deal is with that. Her two kids are older, the boy is 27, and I think the girl is around 24. I met her son briefly last night, as he came over to pick up some clothes and have his mom trim his hair-apparently he is going to be a witness at a wedding today and wants to look his best. He seemed nice; apparently he will be coming over for dinner some time so I will get to talk to him further. So yeah, at first I was a bit worried about not having a bigger host family, but my host mom is really nice and friendly, and seems really happy to have me here. She talks about the last student she hosted a lot, they got really close, and the student still writes to her and sends little presents, so hopefully we will get along like that as well. My room is pretty tiny, but its cute and has a TV with 5 or 6 channels, and a computer with internet access (yay!). The bed is really comfy, and there is a nice window as well, so life is good.
Yesterday, for my first day in Paris, I slept in a bit and then headed out to explore the city. I basically just started walking, choosing direction at random, and discovered all sorts of cool old buildings, cute shops, and eventually Les Champs Elysées. I even saw l'Arc de Triomphe, all of which is just a walk from my house. After spending a few hours of aimlessly walking around, it was time to meet up with the group for a boat ride across the Seine. The ride was amazing, it was a beautiful day and we saw all sorts of cool stuff that I'm sure I'll get to explore in the months to come. After the boat ride, I went with a group of friends to take the metro to check out the Centre Pompidou, and wander around a nice district (which is actually known as the gay district). We had a good time just walking around, and stopping for crepes/gallettes, and then we went our separate ways to head home for dinner. My host mom doesn't get home from work until around 8, so we eat really late, which is typical for a lot of french families. Personally, I definitely prefer eating earlier, as we eat dinner and shortly after go to sleep, leaving the food sitting, but oh well-it seems to work for them, everyone is so slim here (im guessing from all the walking-ive never walked so much in my life). So that's the update, i'm so happy and excited to be here and to explore Paris!