Francing-The episode in which I try to be a papillon de societe

I went to my first French party! It is true. I did it.
Lea's friend was having a small dinner party to which I was invited and at which I practiced my French (I pause in my typing to give myself a pat on the back).
I learned that the French kiss each other (and you) on the cheek when they first arrive at a party. If you haven't met before, they say their name while they do it and, if you aren't too surprised, you say your name back. This kissing also occurs when you leave the party, even with the people who you didn't speak to at all. I am attending a larger party tomorrow night, and am interested to see if this pattern still prevails.

In other news, the French have a lot of dogs. They also have little containers on the streets of Paris where you can put your dog poop when you are walking your dog.

In yet other news, next to Lea's apartment is the Jardin d'Acclimation, which reminds me a bit of the nature center in Long Beach (it even has a little train driven by a man who reads his text messages and couldn't seem to care less). It was beautiful out today so I went for a walk in the park and had to make my way through a bustling street market! There was seafood, fruit, crafts, all sorts of things! I want to explore that more later. I would also like to use the bike share program (there are several bikes right next to the apartment) to explore Neuilly-sur-Seine some more. Maybe I will take a picnic from the Boulangerie du Parc which is right across the street...what's French for "nom nom nom"?