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Remembrances and Retail Anxiety

A truly ominous stairwell in one of my school's buildings
Bonjour!

I got my study abroad card! Thank you to all of the people who signed my card. You are all so amazing and thoughtful! I am having a great time on study abroad, but sometimes I wish that I could be back at Soka with all of you.


I feel much more adapted to my life in Paris. This experience has been peppered with worries that I am not taking full advantage of this opportunity. I feel like I should be doing more, seeing more, and spending more. I have had to remind myself that all of the experiences that feel normal now--from taking the metro to climbing up a spiral staircase--were entirely new to me less than two months ago. I am growing and changing, all while gaining a better sense of myself.

With that being said, living here has really taken a toll on both me and my physical possessions. The first casualty was a shirt that my mom tie-dyed for me when I was in ninth grade, which tore while I was adjusting it in the metro station. Right after my visit to the Musée d'Orsay, my virtually brand new puffy coat snagged on the metro entry point and tore. I had to roll up the bottom to avoid leaking polyester stuffing until I obtained the sewing supplies needed to patch it up. Most recently, the sensible black purse that I purchased specifically for this trip has been slowly falling apart for a few weeks, and the strap finally gave out yesterday.

My tragically broken purse (Not pictured: torn stitching on the right side of the purse)

The timing of this occurrence was inconvenient, because I spent yesterday booking my spring break trip to Italy. After resolving to live on a tight budget so that I could have some leeway on the trip, I was disappointed to have a sudden new expense. After less than twenty-four inconvenient hours without a purse, I was fully convinced that a purse is necessary for my Parisian life.

This is how I found myself at Forum des Halles, a giant shopping mall, frantically trying to find a suitable purse. As much as I hate malls, I resigned myself to this option after going to BHV and finding no bags within the highest possible price limit. After floundering around a bit, I bought the first bag that met all of my criteria. It doesn't quite fit the A5 binder that I've been bullet journaling in, but it does hold the corresponding A5 folder that can carry any pages that I need on the go. My new bag doesn't have quite as many pockets as the old bag, but it is more structured (which hopefully will result in fewer crushed snacks) and I think it looks much nicer.

My new (and hopefully sturdier) purse. I was happy to find one within budget that met all of my criteria.

After I purchased my new bag, I realized that Friday night atmosphere outside Forum de Halles reminds me a little of home. It was just a bit cold with a light breeze. Skateboarders wound through groups of people absorbed in happy conversation. The ambiance was joyous and relaxed, with a diverse crowd of people my age celebrating the weekend's arrival. The night brought back memories of walking around Riverview Park with my family back in Arizona, and it made the exhaustion of purchasing a purse feel worthwhile.

Despite my resolution to save money, a cheap and unsatisfying sandwich led to me buying some gelato.

Au revoir,
Lydia
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