While Wilde Is on Mine

I did eventually manage to get my clothes out of the washing machine. It was a stubborn little guy, though, and refused to spin dry them even a little unless I let it begin the whole process over again. Ultimately, we reached a compromise and I was able to speed up the process by using the quick cycle.

Apart from goofy laundry-related fiascoes, the past few days have mostly been marked by my attempts to take care of bureaucratic Sciences Po business. I know how much the French love their red tape, so I've been, on the whole, quite patient with anything the requires any sort of paperwork, and it's worked out pretty well so far. I've managed to get a cell phone, register for classes, and even open a bank account. All that remains is to somehow resolve the Catch-22 that is getting a Sciences Po student card. Theoretically, applying for a student card is straightforward--all you have to do is print some documents, make some copies, and stop by the office to have your card made. The problem is that in order to print or to make any copies-- you need to have a student card. Conundrum. After several promising, but ultimately disappointing, conversations with library employees and a number of thwarted attempts to jerry-rig the Sciences Po printers/copiers, I've decided that my only hope is to venture outside the library in search of a copy center. Unfortunately, Google, for all of its omniscient creepiness, has been sort of unhelpful about locating anything practical in Paris (i.e. pillows), so I'll have to figure this one out on my own.

As far as FUN things are concerned, there have been more than a few. On Thursday I took a solo trip out to Pere Lachaise cemetery and wandered around for a few hours trivializing death with my camera. I felt that, as a part of the Roberts funeral legacy, this was the least I could do. I actually really enjoyed doing the tourist thing alone. I was able to take my time and as many annoying photos as I wanted without really bothering anyone. I did take extra care not to upset the hardcore Doors fans who had congregated around Jim Morrison's grave by looking profoundly moved for a few minutes before snapping a photo of his grave and moving on. I hate to say it, but I think the symbolism of graves is sort of lost on me. I did my best to be respectful, but I really didn't feel a particular presence or awe, even in front of the graves of people whose work or influence I really enjoy and respect. Graves are too physical and--this isn't a real adjective--"after-the-fact" to really have that effect for me, I think. Nevertheless, I really did enjoy the atmosphere of the cemetery and the idea that even the bodies of really cool people were all over the place (many a zombie fantasy was conceived). It was very peaceful and quiet and in places very beautiful. Here's one (click it to be taken to my Pere Lachaise album):

I've also spent a significant amount of social time near the Seine, which has, despite a few rat sitings, consistently proven itself to be a laid-back and fun place to hang out. What's nice is that it's free , relaxed fun, but at the same time inspiring in a "wow, I'm actually here" sort of way that makes it okay to be doing basically nothing.

I had my first class yesterday, which I managed to be 10 minutes late for even with a 45 minute headstart, and it went well enough. It's going to be an adjustment taking huge classes in big lecture halls, but I'm a flexible learner and the topic is interesting, so I'm not particularly worried. My biggest concern is really the 2-hour runtime. I think next week I'll test how strictly they enforce the no food/no drink policy (something I've historically advocated at Oberlin/in life) by bringing in a giant mug of tea to keep myself awake. The rest of my classes begin next week, and I'm looking forward to having a routine. So far, it's just felt like a very loooong summer.

Plans for tomorrow: register for an art class/realize a dream with the student arts organization and, possibly, visit Versailles? Also some nebulous evening plans with some girls from my Welcome Program methodology course.