I have hot water!

The repairman came today! Of course he didn’t speak ANY English, but we communicated just fine using my French, which he said I spoke well. If you know me, you know that that compliment coming from a Parisian, is one I cherish and it inspires me to continue my studies.

First we had to find the hot water heater unit, which you’d think would be obvious in a small apartment, but which was hidden in a closet. It was more complicated than just throwing a switch, so I was glad the worker was sent my way as an Emergency case.

After he’d gone, I of course had to wait for all that water to warm up, but as soon as it did, I hopped in the shower. A nice long, warm shower. And it’s a great shower too – it’s modernized and bigger than a phone booth. Possibly two phone booths. Downright luxurious!

Notice I said that I took a nice, long WARM shower. Not hot. Why? Because the temperature didn’t quite make it to hot. It was nice, one level above average, but I really wanted hot. So, now that I had the repairman’s cell phone number, I texted him. I explained the situation and he said he was on his way to Province but would see me first thing Monday morning to see what he could do. The two sinks have steamy hot water, so he’s curious as to why the shower does not. Stay tuned. I can “suffer” through,

This area where I’m living is BUSTLING. It’s the Saint-Germain-des-Près and Odéon neighborhoods in the Latin Quarter. I mean, crazy busy – beaucoup du monde, as they say. It’s so alive and happening. I need to explore more. This was my first Saturday/weekend here in this area, so I was stunned by the volume of people. Most are French, though I did hear some American voices in the mix. I was heading to my old neighborhood to meet some new people. It’s about a 15-minute walk from here to Saint-Placide.

The crowd thinned as I neared the old familiar cafés at Saint-Placide. I was excited to be introduced to two Americans who are friends with my waiter friend, Charly. He loves these people, and I guess he’s of the mindset that I’m American and they’re American, so we should know each other, You know how that works, right? Oh, you’re from Pennsylvania? Yes, my neighbor’s second cousin is from Pennsylvania, do you know him? It was also sweet and amusing to me how Charly said – “…they came back to Paris and wanted to see me.” He felt honored by that. And then when talking to them, they said, “…we came back, and Charly remembered us.”

Now Charly is the consummate Paris waiter. He looks the part. And he is proud of it, loves his suit/ensemble, the buffed shoes, and his work. He said he feels likes he’s traveled the world because he’s met people from nearly every country, and made many international friends along the way. I loved how he was proud of his profession. And he can be because he earns a living at it. He can’t believe Americans have to work 2 -3 jobs to make ends meet. (Agree.) I didn’t tell him what servers in America earn hourly; it’s too embarrassing. But he was right about my meeting his other American friends because we met and became fast friends. They are a lovely couple from Washington State and we chatted for HOURS. They’re doing a Viking Cruise tour which leaves tomorrow from the Seine, and then coming back to Paris (to see Charly) before heading back to the States.

As I headed home, I decided to try to buy a NAVIGO card – the transportation card you just keep reloading with funds so as to ride the rails/wheels. They run out of these things constantly, and today I actually got the last one at the Saint-Placide station. I feel official now, though I’ll miss collecting/saving my individual tickets. I want to make an art project with them, but I don’t have any ideas yet, so I just keep saving them. I welcome input.

I needed some groceries, and so did a little shopping and meal planning for myself. Ended up making a nice tomato basil pasta sauce with peppers and onions and beef, and served it with linguini and a baguette.

Tomorrow I’m seeing my American friend, Jennifer. She and I met at Alliance Française and can’t wait to reconnect. We may picnic by the Seine, or just sit at a café. We’ll have to see what the weather offers.

Art museums are next on the list, but I didn’t want to do that over the weekend – especially a holiday weekend as this is. Too crowded and since I’m not in class yet, I’d much rather go during the week when it’s quieter.

Confession: I bought a pain au chocolate for morning.