Je Suis Arrivée

I can't believe it. I'm in a slight state of shock/an alternate reality... i.e. I'm laying in my bed in Paris listening to my roommate's classical music, smelling cigarettes and stew from the neighbors, and looking at the clear blue sky peaking through my window. I AM HERE.
My night train was interesting, to say the least. I envisioned some romantic trip through the dark of night - the train speeding through small towns, cold French air blowing through open windows, interesting conversations with random Parisians... NO. No, I was in a crammed room with no windows, stale air, and 3 old ladies (one of which had some major snoring issues and BAD BREATH).
It was all worth it, though, because I was welcomed to this (all photos taken by my roomie):



My new French home, complete with the fattest cat I've ever seen in my life (he's also the sweetest that I've ever encountered). My roommate calls him "le chien", aka "the dog". When he comes out of hiding, I'll post a pic.
Now I'm off to explore and settle!