Day 1 & 2: Planes, trains and automobiles

Literally.
Took a 747 to a 777 to a train to a taxi (after searching for 20 minutes in the rain). Host mother is very welcoming and sweet; a wonderful cook as well. The apartment is no thrill but clean and spacious and in a very safe building. Can't wait to explore the neighborhood. Helene (host mom) took Sonia and I on a tour of the neighborhood, her main point being that we must not go to the patisserie across the street because it is far inferior to the one down the street. Ended the day completely exhausted then woke up wide awake at 2am.

Meals for the day:
Omlete/Soufflee with ratatouille with a gruyere cheese crust
Butter lettuce salad

Cabbage and mint soup with creme fraiche
Shrimp with rice
Eggplant mash

Day 2:
First day of orientation. Much happier today. Met some awesome people...and some...not so awesome. The IES staff is really funny and nice. So excited to explore more. We had a 2 hour conversation about pick pockets and honestly I don't think some of these kids knew they were coming to Europe. They were freaking out about getting mugged and sold into sex slavery. Two words, common sense. Had first cafe creme of the trip with Sunni in le Cafe d'Orleans. So so yummy. Helene cooked a most exceptional and indulgent dinner.

Meals:
Fitness (basically fiber cereal)

Box lunch provided by IES. Most sophisticated and delicious box lunch ever. Baguette sandwich with chicken, lettuce and tomato. Carrot and cabbage salad and a fantastic brownie.

Dinner was endive and apple salad.
Duck confit and herbed slivered potatoes
Galette du roi