Parisians are not afraid of cars. Where in Toronto pedestrians will wait for the light to change to green indicating that they can cross  even if there are no signs of cars coming anywhere, the Parisian pedestrian will walk across as though she is a car waiting her turn for example. I have to be extra careful here because I may get into an accident though I will be a pedestrian throughout my time here. The sad part is that it would probably be my fault if something happens. I'll definitely be extra careful.

I almost got lost going to work today! I am glad to emphasize the ALMOST...  And I didn't even need the security map I have in my purse.

I was able to take some pictures from work. It has a wonderful view from my desk, too. I took the following picture from the comfort of my own desk. This part of the building was made with the same concept and materials that were used to make the Eiffel Tower. Leave it to the French to make something beautiful out of steel!

Here's a quick picture of me from today.

Also very interesting is the areas designated for smoking.  I am sure that some Canadians would absolutely LOVE this at their work places- especially in the cold.

During lunch today, Julie, Celine, Helene, and I went to a Sushi restaurant. It was nice to be able to recognize the names of the different items on the menu, but it made me miss the all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants in Hamilton- Sapparo, August 8. If anyone is going there in the next few days/weeks, please think of me while you enjoy a Salmon Rose. I would really appreciate it. Nonetheless, the company was wonderful and I am proud to say that the conversation was mostly in French. I did not understand all of it, but I hope I soon will!

I got lost leaving work today. It got to the level where I was going East when I needed to be going South. To make things worse,  I was late to a bank appointment, AND I took out that awkward-looking map! Zeina, sorry to disappoint you. I'll be better with these directions when you visit.

Anyway, I finally got to the bank half an hour late to my appointment, only to find that they don't give accounts to people who are staying here less than a year, and that credit cards are tied to these accounts. Both are inaccessible!  The lady that was assigned to me was quite wonderful because she called her husband who works at another bank to ask if they would accept me. She reassured me that they would and set up an appointment for me. It's set for Friday so I'll let you know how it goes.

I decided to take an early night with a movie while I enjoyed a good friend's gift to me of Tea from Teaopia. Thanks so much, Nancy!

Till the next,

Viva