Life is just so great sometimes. :) So, Wednesday I was kicked to the curb. Well, I had some time to sort things out with my living situation, but it certainly wasn't a very happy atmosphere in the Cornanguer residence. I have a feeling something is going on that doesn't even involve me.
The apartment quest began with a whimper but ended with a bang. The only replies I received from my craigslist inquiries were scams to deposit money in sketchy accounts to prove my "genuine interest" in the apartment. There was one apartment that was real, but I wouldn't say it was legit. I showed up and a girl my age showed me around. Quite, ahem, below my usual standards, but I was feeling desperate. Then she introduced me to one the roomies: a 60+ year old man!!! He SLEPT ON A BED IN THE KITCHEN!!!! It was his friends place, he was subleasing, and then renting out the two closet-sized bedrooms for 630 euros/month. Creeptastic is all I have to say.
I was feeling pretty blue after the visit, and my friends really pulled through for me. My two American friends were ready to lend me their pull-out couch near Bastille for an indefinite amount of time, and 3 other friends volunteered spare beds and couches. As much as I'm ok with couch surfing, it's easier when I can live out of my car as I did in Iowa City. As it is in Paris, I have about 4 large suitcases full of stuff. It's hard to surf with baggage.
By chance I happened to lunch with a new gal pal on Friday who recommended I check out the BDE (a student organization at science po) website, and she gave me her log-on information. A phone call in the morning, a call back in the evening, a visit this afternoon and voila voilou, I have an apartment!
It's soooo pretty. The couple that owns it lives in the building and they own one of the former maids chambers on the 6th floor. If you don't know about classical French architecture, here's a brief explanation. The first floor (our 2nd floor) is the prime real estate because back in the days before elevators it was the most accessible and still elevated from the grime of the street. French Haussmannian style (named after the architect Haussmann active in the latter half of the 19th century) style usually consists of 5-7 stories, of which the last one or two stories were normally reserved for "the help". Many buildings have tiny hallways and separate entrances to access all of the floors and the uppermost floors so that the help didn't intrude in daily life.
Now these little lofts are being refurbished and turned into studios for students and artists. Access to elevators has improved (I won't have to use the service stairs) and the quality of the lodging has been upgraded in some cases (Although I've seen a few that make you wonder if you wouldn't be better off under a bridge).
My new landlady is an architect, so my apartment is immaculate. I will take pictures when I move in Thursday. I can't move in yet because they have yet to hook up the electricity, install some shelving, move in more furniture and hang curtains.
The best part of my place is the lighting. I have a skylight! I was afraid I would end up living in a cave, which makes Paris living quite depressing, but that will not be the problem at this place.
For those of you curious enough to check out my locale on Google Earth, type in Metro Segur, Paris 75007, France. I'm right next to the metro on Avenue de Suffren. The neighborhood is very residential, quite calm (from what I can tell) and about 5 min from school by metro (30 min walking). I can't wait to move in!
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