My Arrival Day

Sunday, September 28, 2025

My Arrival Day-

I arrived at 10 am and got to my apartment in the 15th arrondissement around noon. That went brilliantly, even though I took public transportation from the airport for the first time. After exiting my flight and going through customs, I managed to purchase my train ticket with only a little confusion at the electronic ticket machine. I then followed signs and my map app to go downstairs to the platform. There were many people waiting for the trip to Paris. I think one train didn’t come, so by the time the next train came and everyone got on board, the train was very FULL. I don’t know whether to call it a train or not, but it looked and moved like a train- so voila!

I had a window seat and even though I felt cramped and I could barely breathe, I still enjoyed the view. It was mainly industrial. At every stop one or two people might get off and as many people as possible fit would press in. One time the conductor had to give a stern warning over the loudspeaker to make some people get out. One thing I noticed was how many immobile trains we passed. I was thinking of Nico, my grandson, and how much he would love to see all those trains!

I was able to make a successful transfer to the Metro at one point. Pretty good since I was very tired after a 10-hour relatively sleepless flight. All in all the journey took about 1.5 hours (including the waiting).

I got off the Metro at Segur in the 15th arrondissement. I walked out into sunshine and warmth, onto a lovely large boulevard lined with trees. It was like heaven on earth. And to make it even better, my apartment was ¼ block away.

The apartment is amazing. It’s in a Haussman building on a small side street. When I walk to the main boulevards on each side, I can see the Eiffel Tower!