THE HOSTEL

June 10, 2009
THE HOSTEL
I am staying in a hostel here in Paris—l’Auberge de Jeunesse Jules Ferry. It’s a little small and antiquated, but cute in it’s own way. I am in a double room which I am sharing with a 22 year old French girl from Mulhouse, near Strasbourg. Her name is Emilie and she is here in Paris to go to 2 concerts—Social Distortion and UME@6. Today she is camping out at the concert hall to make sure she gets a spot up front at the concert. Crazy young people….lol. She is very cool and very funny. Last year she worked as a teacher’s assistant at an English high school in Suffolk, so her English is excellent. Together we speak Franglais—half English, half French. Her parents are from Martinique, but she was born in France.
Our room has bunk beds, a sink, 2 chairs, and a small table. It may not be pretty, but it’s comfortable enough, especially for 20 euros a night. The staircase is a small and spiral with murals painted on the walls. The restrooms are… INTERESTING….=0) Thereare 2 showers and 2 toilettes to share between 6-7 rooms on a flooor. There are both guys and girls sharing the restrooms. My room is on the 2e etage or 3rd floor. Downstairs is a little living room area and a kitchen/dining room where we eat breakfast.
Across the street is a park and there are lots of shops and cafes all around. It’s nice.