6 Hours In Paris

     As I said in the last post, I arrived in Paris at around 11 am and my flight to Abu Dhabi was leaving at 10 pm. So I had a few hours in Paris.  I have never been to Paris before and the Eiffel Tower as always been a dream of mine. I had to wait in line to clear customs and that took about an hour. The first thing I did was exchange some money to euros. I then emptied my huge purse into my carry on and checked it into this locker for 6 hours for 6 euros.

     I then asked how to get to the Eiffel Tower, I was given directions and a map. I bought two, one way tickets and took the train to the Eiffel Tower. I had to change trains, but after an hour I got there.  My friend had suggested that I walk up because it would be faster, she was right.  The line was much shorter.  I walked about half way up because the line to the top was too long and I was really on a time crunch.  The view was breathtaking.

     I was sweating like a mofo, but it was so beautiful.  I never want to see another set of stairs for awhile.   When I got down, I made my way across the street to the one hour boat tour.  I had to wait about 20 minutes , in the mean time bought a chicken and cheese crepe ( delicious).  The tour was amazing, cruising on the Seine so relaxing.  I saw the Notre Dame cathedral, the Sorbonne and even the place that marks the location of Princess Diana's death.  I was so tired that I kept nodding off and missed a bit of the tour because I haven't slept in over 24 hours. 

I headed back to the airport , collected my luggage and ate the best chocolate macaroon that I have ever had in my life (and a chocolate croissant, how are Parisians not a million pounds???).

I had about 2 hours to kill before boarding so I bought an hour and a half of wifi ( the Paris airport only gives 15 minutes of free wifi, really Paris!!!???).  I also called my mom from my iPad app and told her I was ok and got to see the Eiffel Tower. I then boarded the plane did I mention it is Etihad Airlines?

  I ended up being in the the section above economy (not first, but a super nice in between). Tremendous leg room, personal screen.  I swear this trip has been amazing so far, I have really been blessed. 

I cannot believe in less than an hour I will be landing in Abu Dhabi.

The Journey Begins!

     On Wednesday August 29th, I headed to the Montreal airport ready to start my adventure.  The day had finally arrived, I was moving to Abu Dhabi to teach for two years.  I was supposed to fly American Airlines from Montreal to JFK, then I was supposed To head to Abu Dhabi via Etihad Air.  The flight from JFK was supposed to be 13 hours.  I headed to the airport with my three 50ish pound bags ( two were included and I was going to pay 150$ for the third), my 8 kg (supposed to be 7) carry on and my handbag (note it weighed about 20 pounds, shhhhh).

                 

When I get to the counter, the American Airlines guy informs me the flight is late and I will not make my JFK flight (note-- it was later cancelled)  I suggest going through Toronto. He calls Air Canada to put me on the next flight to Toronto, there is no room.  He then suggests Air France, they have room.  I am now travelling Montreal to Paris to Abu Dhabi.  Please note that I have a 11 hour lay over in Paris.

       We head to the Air France gate to find out that I am only allowed ONE (WTF!!????) suitcase for free, so I have to pay for the other two, 275$ later my bags are on their way to Abu Dhabi and I am on my way to Paris.

     First thing I do is email the travel agent in Abu Dhabi and alert them of the change, I am hoping SOMEONE will be at the airport Friday morning at 7am to pick me up.  I also sent out a Facebook message asking my friends if I can see the Eiffel Tower in the time that I have in Paris.  I have NEVER been to Paris and have always wanted to go to the Eiffel tower, my dream is going to come true, I am beyond ecstatic, I fell like I have won the lottery.

     This is the plan; change money and get about 100 euros. Empty purse as much as possible and put my carry on in a locker.  Take the metro as close as possible to the Eiffel Tower.  Walk up, yes I said walk up. My friend said the line is shorter and it should take me an hour.  When I am done, I would like to go on an hour boat tour, eat a croissant and a crepe and then head back to the airport, get my bag and check in.  Sounds easy right??????  I really hope this plan works...

     I am writing this post on the plan, so far the flight is ok. The meal was great; wine,port, bread, cheese, red wine chicken with noodles, a small dessert and water.  We have individual tv s, I watched a bit if The Wiz ( I just wanted to see Michael Jackson 'Ease On Down The Road').  I have listened to a few CDs: Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake,Rihanna, Beyonce and now Bruno Mars.  We are landing in about an hour and a half. 

 Oh the are just about the serve breakfast.

You will hear from me soon!

Xoxo

Quickie

• My flight to JFK was cancelled.
• I am now on a flight from Mintreal to Paris to Abu Dhabi
• I have a 10 hour layover in Paris (I have never been there before)
• I am going to see the Eiffel Tower, do a boat ride, eat a crepe and a croissant and head back to the airport!

Until later!

Guess What???

    I am leaving TOMMORROW woooohooooo!

No News Is Not Always Good News

     I couldn't take it anymore, I called my travel agent in Abu Dhabi this morning to ask about my visa status and see if talking to him in person (as opposed to email) would shed any light on my situation.  Aftab was really nice and he really tried his best.  I asked if there was any possibility of me still travelling on Tuesday.  He said that if he gets the visa tomorrow and it is ok, there is still a chance I could travel on Tuesday.  I then asked If I do not get the visa tomorrow, will I travel later in the week or do I automatically get put in group 3 which leaves in mid-September. He didn't really answer that question, he just repeated that he will let me know as soon as he knows anything. 

Sigh.

   Tomorrow is moving day. I am moving the rest of my stuff back to my parents house.I feel so nervous about everything, but I am really trying to take each day hour at a time.

Thank you for all your kind words and support it is much appreciated.

P.s. Teachers in Abu Dhabi got their placements today! Shout out to my girl Noragolden who placed in Abu Dhabi city, woot woot! 

Coming To Terms

     I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably be in group 3 due to the typo on my visa. I will probably only be in Abu Fhabi in mid September.  I am ok with that.  I will not be living on the street, I will not starve and whenever I get to Abu Dhabi I will be taken care of and embrace whatever I am given.  

A Small Problem

Life would be too easy if everything went well, as I said in an earlier post I received my itinerary today.  My work visa was also issued.  I noticed a small typo in my visa; one of the letter's of my passport is printed in lower case, when it should be an upper case letter. I have notified the travel agent and all I can do is pray that it does not delay my travels.

I am sick to my stomach with fear that I am not going to be able to leave on Tuesday because of this.

So scared.