I Don't Think We're in Paris Anymore

 Kristin, Patrick, Missy, Peyton, Chris, Grace, and I decided to go to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen today, which is the world's largest flea market. The market is on the exact opposite side of town from where I live, so it took me a solid 45 minutes or so on the métro to get there. Unlike major cities in the U.S., the middle class and up live directly inside the city Paris and the lower class vagabonds live in the suburbs. There's a very fine distinction between the city / suburbs because there's a freeway that runs the circular perimeter of the city. Anything outside the perimeter is the hood. The market is technically a few blocks just outside of Paris and the difference between a couple kilometers was striking. There was graffiti and trash everywhere and tons of poor people laying against the buildings. I am so glad we went in a large group, because going outside the city by myself would've been frightening and dangerous.

I wish I had an appreciation for antiques, collectibles, and interior design, because I would've been in flea market heaven. Unfortunately, that is not the case and it was quite ennuyeux. I felt like I was looking at a bunch of people's garage sale junk, but a handful of my classmates really enjoyed looking at the wares of each shop owner. We spent a couple hours there before everyone got faim and decided to go back into the city for lunch. I sat down at the restaurant and hung out with them, but didn't order anything because I ate lunch just before going to the flea market.

I then went home and worked on some homework, video chatted with my family, and read a bit. It was a pretty laid back day. Monsieur came home from vacation today, but the rest of the family is still gone until later in the week. It will be quiet this week, since he usually works pretty late. Looks like I'll be on my own for dinner these next few days!

Affecteusement,
Katie