parc de monceau.

after week one, i have realized that it is very hard to relax here. i am constantly worrying about not understanding people, constantly looking up how to do the simplest things (grocery shop), and i am constantly trying to communicate with people at home while attempting to meet people abroad.

today i discovered a way to escape it all. dana decided to go for a run (how noble) i decided to go for a walk. we both headed towards parc de monceau. the same walk we take to the gym, however instead of turning we follow rue de prony until the end and find ourselves at parc de monceau.

described by wikipedia as:

The park is unusual in France due to its "English" style: its informal layout, curved walkways and randomly-placed statues distinguish it from the more traditional, French-style garden. It also includes a collection of scaled-down architectural features, or follies — including an Egyptian pyramid, a Chinese fort, a Dutch windmill, and Corinthian pillars. A number of these are masonic references, reflecting the fact that Philippe d'Orléans was a leadingfreemason. The park includes statues of famous French figures including Guy de Maupassant, Frédéric Chopin, Charles Gounod, Ambroise Thomas, Alfred de Musset, and Edouard Pailleron.

Today, the park has play areas for children, and remains very popular with local residents and their families. The site is also an active free Wi-Fi area, for computer users looking forInternet access.

i found myself a nice empty bench, and relaxed. turns out the park is the universal area of rest. couples of all ages strolled by. the park was full of groups of friends, families, etc. all just enjoying their parisian sunday (when nothing is open).

i was able to catch up with friends back home, chat with my dad, read my book. tres relaxing.

tonight i will meet kids from my school to go on a bateau mouche, an open boat that allows you to see paris from the river siene.

while this week has been hectic and frustrating to say the least, often feeling lost in translation when dealing with people at home, and practically going mute and resorting to pointing with people here, soon it will all fall into place, classes begin monday and hopefully some routine will make paris feel more like home.

until later, bonne journee.