19 November 2009. LAX airport.
Turns out, I am not very good at drawing Lazlo. But I am GREAT at drawing airport seats and ceiling lights.
20 November 2009. Air France 777
If you haven't listened to Mika's "Life in Cartoon Vision," I recommend you do so. ALSO (most importantly), you can never know if your TV screen is going to work. (Mine didn't. =[) Air France also seems to have the best Economy Class food. mmmm. They had delicious salmon salad that was delicious. xD
Later-
First day in Paris. We had a really nice driver named Jean who told us a lot of interesting things about Paris. We drove to Sue's apartment building in a square-shaped van, that looked a lot like a Honda Pilot that dines six times a day at McDonald's. Paris looks a lot like New York city combined with a little bit of forest and a lot of French-ness.
When we got to the apartment, we met Yetunde (the manager) who was incredibly kind and very helpful. Her English also kicked some serious butt. The apartment's interior is awesome. Even though it only has one bathroom, it's got a yellow toaster, an orange coffee and tea pot, a really comfy pull-out sofa, and this pull-out shelf in the kitchen that is just awesome.
After chilling out for awhile (and checking facebook, of course,) we all walked to "Marche Franprix" to buy groceries. It was fun to look at all the French products, that looked totally American (well, some of them didn't, but...) The supermarket itself was interesting, too. (it's only about half the size of Vons or Ralphs, but it still has everything. =] ) I got bored watching my mom shop, so I went outside with my dad and brother to take photographs.

Observations of Paris when I took photos with my dad:
1. A lot of the guys are really skinny and look like they could be related to Edward Cullen
2. There are amazing art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques in Paris (that should really be a given)
3. The eiffel tower is incredible, even from far away.
4. French ambulances have blue lights
5. There are no traffic lights (which is a little scary)
6. There are quite a few stray dogs, which are super cute!

After dropping off groceries, we walked together to "Lui...Linsolent" for dinner. I have only nice things to say. They had superb service I think it was the head chef, who helped us pick things out. He helped us navigate the all-French menu and helped us all choose entrees (appetizers) and Plats (main dishes.) A waitress with spectacular English helped us choose desserts. I ordered a smoked salmon salad (SOOOO good), a white fish with olives and rice (the best rice I have ever tasted), and something that might be called a "Charlotte" which was like a parfait in a pastry, but better. They gave us Evian water (which was exciting because, you know, Evian is french. lol.) and I got to try the wine without worrying about somebody catching me. . They had fancy salt and pepper shakers as well. They were black cylinders, with a clear section (where you can see the salt/pepper) and had grey buttons on the side. When you pushed the grey button, not only would the shaker light up, but it would also grind you salt/pepper for you!!! Those pepper/salt shakers are totally the reason why you should come to Paris. haha.
It is now that I really wish I had taken someone like Erin Weldon with me to speak French for me (my parents' french is pretty amazing, however) or that I had paid more attention to the language tapes. And whenever I try to use my limited French skills, I almost answer in German, which is aggravating. I am SO taking French in highschool. (The French teacher at Mira Costa night was right. ooo dat rhymes. haha)
I don't really know why, but I really love it here in Paris. Everything about it. The streets, the art, the people, the language...All of them are beautiful. (to think that I was sure that I'd never feel myself say that) I feel totally at home here, even though I'm very, very far away from Hermosa.