Possible demain

I would love to update you all on all the cool hostel friends I've made, all the cool things I have done and seen and all the yummy things I've eaten...but I'm tired. Maybe tomorrow. lol.

Pot Luck

Day 1 in Paris. I got to my hostel around 11am but couldn't check in until 2pm so I checked my bags and went for a walk around the neighborhood. After walking away an hour, I found a little square to chill in by the Quai de la Seine. As I nibbled on my chicken sandwich, a swarm of students nested RIGHT by me. About 25 people formed a circle RIGHT next to me and started dishing out food. I had no intention of moving because they did not ask me, I was comfortable and I still had at least 45 minutes to kill. I figured I could try to eaves drop and examine la nourriture they had laid out. Out of all of the swarming students, only one was kind enough to speak to me (is this the Paris attitude?). She even sneaked me some food (I actually tried pretty hard to refuse it b/c I had just ate, nothing look incredibly appetizing, and I didn't want to be that girl who stole their food). The best part of all this is that she spoke VERY little English. So we struggled through a conversation. I spoke some French, which she could barely understand. She spoke some French, which I could barely understand. lol. I later found out that most of the other students spoke English just fine.

First cultural faux pas: I forgot about the whole dual kiss business, so when we were saying our departing words, I went to give her a hug. AWKWARD. But at least I haven't offended anyone yet. In fact, two people asked me for directions, en francais! Somebody is blending in! "Fly" backpacking wardrobe paying off?

Black girl in Paris??

My "black card" is kinda like my old CT license. People would look at it quizzically and question it's validity. Led to a couple annoying conversations with bouncers. And like that old driver's license, my "black card" has been questioned many times. Back at Kingsbury Elementary School, this used to upset me. I was being me, how was I to change that? I have long since embraced myself and all the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities that make me Steffie B. I cannot help my love of pop music. Ask Zah about my jam session last Friday. Ke$ha followed by La Roux?! Anyway, as my parents drove me to the airport, I mentioned how I was going to be on the lookout for Black Americans. Black backpackers are a rare breed. And as I hopped out the car, hiked my backpack up and went to give my mom a hug, she said, "My white girl in a black girl's body." Even my mom is checking my card for verification! lol. I'm just different. Who said all black girls have to be the same, or even similar?

And I know you all are probably secretly, or not so secretly, agreeing with my mom (I mean, all I could do was laugh). It matters not. You're reading this blog so you love me, or at least you find my eccentricities mildly entertaining. I can deal with that. lol.

Things I never thought I'd say...

Or maybe I won't see you in CT. Who knew I would still be rushing around even once I got home? Well, a couple quick catch up posts and then on to the most current story...I'M IN PARIS!!

One week ago I made my last trip to Baltimore for quite some time. After having a farewell Twin Date on the eastern edge of Canton, I left to return home. Disregarding the conveniently placed on ramp to I-95, I decided to journey back through the city. Somewhere between Lombard and 395, I realized that I was really going to miss Baltimore.

I remember my utter confusion when I first heard Baltimore was nicknamed "Charm City." Now, after working downtown for the last 13 months, I must admit that B'more has a certain, je ne sais pas.

My urban tour finally concluded as I merged onto I-95 just south of the city. A glance into my rear view mirror reflected the familiar skyline, complete with the ever so charming incinerator chimney, front and center, bidding me a smokey adieu. Oh Baltimore, I will miss you.

In a similar story...

Leaving at 4pm to travel to CT put me right in the middle of rush hour traffic through Baltimore. Luckily I enjoy rush hour radio, especially when the DJ is rockin'. In this particular mix, there was quite a bit of go-go. I actually caught myself enjoying it. I guess I will miss go-go too.

Finally...

It took about six hours longer than it should have but I have finally managed to pack, move, and clean my place in preparation for the eventual move to ATL. I will leave this as a very short entry as I do not wish to delay my 10 AM start time any longer (yes you read right, this was posted after 4 PM. That's because that is when I finally left my place.) See you in CT!

T-minus...

I have a flight to Paris at 4 pm on Wednesday... 3 days!!

Flyest Backpacker this Side of the Seine

I have finally started to pack my wardrobe! In addition to boxing all my clothes for the move, I also have to pack for my adventure. To get an idea of what I may need I googled (of course). Look at this list.

1 pair jeans
1 pair light-weight trousers (in a neutral color--khaki, black, or navy)
1 pair shorts or a skirt (an extra pair of shorts can be substituted for either the jeans or trousers depending on how hot the places you plan to visit will be)
3-4 short sleeve t-shirts or tank tops
1 button up front long sleeve shirt
1 sleep shirt & sleep shorts
1 light sweat shirt or long-sleeve t-shirt
1 swimming suit (if you plan to be doing any swimming)
1 water resistant/windproof jacket
4-6 pairs underwear
2-4 pairs socks (depends on how much or if you plan to wear sandals)
2 bras (optional for men :-P)
1 pair "hiking" boots or good walking shoes
1 pair sport sandals (like Teva's or Nike)

Four shirts?! Ce n'est pas possible! I obviously have not yet adopted the backpacker mentality because all I can think is, "I'm going to Paris! I've got to look relatively fly." Last night, I stopped by DSW on a mission to find sandals that would support the many miles I will be walking yet not be an embarrassment to the rest of my closet. Voila! Definitely not fly, but very comfy. I guess they are a first step in accepting that my travel wardrobe will be no competition for the ever fashionable Parisians. *le sigh* But I won't go down without a fight! Off to find the flyest four (backpack worthy) shirts I own!