By Madeleine Fuselier

Hi there! I am a life-long Orangeite who just moved to Paris. I am spending this year teaching English, improving my French, and exploring France (and some of its neighboring countries) before heading to college next fall. Keep reading to find out what’s been going on “Meanwhile With Madeleine.” Thanks for allowing me to share my adventures with you!

I went from wearing shorts to pulling out my warmest jacket seemingly overnight. And just as I was becoming convinced that we had skipped fall and headed straight into winter, Paris decided to give us three perfect days of weather. Now, the leaves have started to turn beautiful shades of red and yellow, and it finally looks like autumn.

Walking around, sometimes all I can think is “Wow, I actually get to live here.” One of my favorite things is to just wander the streets. I always find something new. From quaint cafés to stunning restaurants, huge markets to tiny specialty shops, hidden parks to exquisite gardens, and magnificent churches to commanding monuments, I could live in Paris for the rest of my life and still not have time to see it all.

I’m always so excited when I’m able to get through a conversation in French, no matter how ridiculous I’m sure I sound. If I’m able to get my point across without resorting to English, I count it as a win. I’m almost equally as proud when people approach me for directions or for help finding the right metro to take. I take it as a sign that I’m successfully “looking French.” It’s on the days my hair looks extra messy that I tend to get asked for help the most.

Between work and class, my schedule has been pretty packed lately. I have a break from work coming up, so I’m looking forward to slowing down and being able to knock a few touristy things off my list. Fingers crossed that this nice weather sticks around while I have some time to enjoy it!