At Last

At last I have arrived! The plane ride was torture to my poor legs (as usual) but surprisingly fast (considering my television didn't work). When the plane touched pavement I was overwhelmed by the oddest sensation. I have discovered it is physically possible to feel utter joy, pure excitement, sheer terror and sick to your stomach all at the same time. I focus on every second and take things as they come. That is how to live. I really do feel like I am living for the first time. 

Elvira, precious as always, greeted us with hugs, smiles, and witty comments. I'm sure I was quite the sight struggling to appear as though I wasn't strugjng with all of my luggage. Once in the van I had no chance. My eyes closed by their own will. Elvira had to keep stopping to wake us up so we could sleep tonight. 

Once at the institute (home) we were greeted by a very enthusiastic Danielle who greeted us with hugs AND kisses. After a quick tour I got a chance to nest. It's like living in my own dorm and I've quite enjoyed it (for the past four hours that it has been mine). I do miss my Chloekins. I didn't realize how much she heated up our room with her weird little heat factory of a body or how her presence was comforting. But oh well, I have bigger fish to fry. Speaking of which for dinner we had a delicious lentil soup of some kind with baguette, cheese platter, salad, and yogurt. Oh I forgot for lunch we had my favorite because it was the first thing I ate in France in fourth grade. It's like our regular sandwiches but in a baguette, covered in butter only, and so cold that there are ice crystals on the turkey and fresh cheese. 

Danielle speaks only French. It is so difficult to communicate and makes me want to work even harder to learn the language. Our languages may differ but talking to people is the same anywhere you go. 

Besides the power constantly shutting down on us I'd say we've had a pretty successful day and will now finally allow myself to sleeeep.