One year later...

The 21st of August, 2007, an innocent Swede embarks the unknown land, totally unawares of what to come. Yes, today it has been a year since I arrived at Roissy Charles de Gaulle. Even though time indeed has passed with tremendous speed, events have been numerous and significant aswell. Every now and then I've asked myself "will it ever stop, will I ever get a brake"? Wether it was a next of kin getting seriously ill, an unexpected bill dropping in my lap or all my possessions stolen and lost, it all was a bit overwhelming. Luckily, I've had tons of support to help me get through the rough patches, from near and far, so I'd like to think I've risen from this a stronger person.
Naturally, not only bad things has happened to me this year. It's been quite a ride, I've met some extraordinary people and learnt tons of French. Mission complete! Paris still blows my mind, I find new things every day to explore and to be amazed by. Would love to expand my horizons even more and travel the country, me and some friends are talking about a road trip to Val de Loire, going castle-hunting (I mean, they're there... we wouldn't have to chase them or anything).
My flat's still a bit run down, haven't had the means to give it a go yet, decorating-wise. But I will, as soon as. Have other priorities first, like food, tooth-paste, boring stuff. As I said before, keep getting unexpected bills thrown at me. The adorable CSN has finally decided to put me under the radar, first bill's been sent and is due at the end of the month, 1000kr already. Yikes! So I dread next week, bill week. Rent week. Sigh and cry.
Work's going really well though, I like it a lot! Lots of spacey people around, never a dull moment, and I keep getting asked out every other day by random men. Hmm... I don't know. Boosts the ego though, so where's the harm, as long as they're kept at an arm's length. Today I had a funny moment with some Hare Krishna monks, they chanted up and down the street outside of the shop, wanted to drop their suitcase behind my counter (as if I looked like a safe-keep), and I was scared to death they'd blow the place up. But they turned out to be rather harmless, just wanted to sing and hand out books about meditation. Oh well. Tomorrow I'll work at Gymboree, do some chanting of my own. Me and my grand voice, try to keep your knickers on!! Speaking of knickers, me and Josefin will take on Showcase tomorrow night, and I'll try to hang on to my belongings...
What else is new? I went to Holland to see my grandma last week, was really really nice. I miss Holland so much, it felt so good to be back there, however short the stay. See everyone again... did me good. Maybe I'll get some visitors from England in two weeks (which also happens to be my B-day, oh dear....)! Yay!

Ok, since I now have an internet connection (which actually works) AND a landline (if you ask me nicely you might get the number even), I promise I'll keep my blog more updated.

Lots of love, C