France - July 2017, Arrival

"and so the adventure begins" 

The plane landed at 10:06 a.m. local time. It has just come from America and sitting by the window behind the wings is me.  

'Attention,' the pilot begins his message, first in French, then in English. Our plane parking spot is currently unavailable. 

30 minutes later and we haven't moved an inch. 5 more minutes and the plane begins to go. 'Attention, as you may have noticed the aircraft is now moving and we can now park at the gate and get you all out.' His French accent noticable with each word. 

Finally through customs, finally have my baggage back. The new shoes upon my feet have rubbed my little toes raw. 

'Sortie' 'Exit this way' and this way I walk finding my host family waiting for me, their sign reads 'Bienvenue Bethany Jones.'

The usual questions are asked about flight and sleep and hunger. Mango is bought for me to snack on. 

One thing I learn on the way to the house is that when vacation starts for all the people, driving gets crazy. What are lanes to these people, turn signals and distance between cars are almost nonexistent. 

And yet, no one appears to have crashed. 

The car stops at a grocery market with labels like 'fruits et légumes biologiques.' Into the cart go apricots, watermelon, apples, oats, peaches, and bananas. 

Finally at the home that will be mine for the next couple weeks, finally can take off my shoes and shower. 

And finally, I have arrived.