KT exclusive: A first person account of Paris attacks

Shock and disbelief is how Fayrouz Tawfik described the Paris attacks speaking to Khaleejtimes.com.

"I'm safe," I've confirmed to concerned friends around the world on Facebook.
A friend picked me up last night from Charles De Gualle airport and we passed through the horrific traffic around Paris Stadium where there where three explosions. Nothing was yet on the radio and we thought it was just the rush hour traffic getting worse in Paris.
We got to know from calls and messages from friends and families around the world, who started asking about how we are doing. We were in total shock.
Also read: Paris under attack: Live updates
Unfortunately, my friend could not drop me home, in the fifth district, because down town Paris was closed and even on foot some streets were condemned. Subways too were closed and no buses in circulation. There was no way home without passing through the heart of Paris where the terrorist attacks took place. So I asked my friend to drop me and rush back to his place because his wife was panicking.
A friend who lives alone near the Bataclan theatre, where hundreds were killed and hostages taken, was scared and called to check on me and asked me to stay with her. I was on foot anyways, trying to find opened streets to walk through until I reached her place in the eleventh district where all the action was.
Also read: Highlights of the Paris terror attack
She had her curtained closed when I arrived, fearing terrorists' random shooting from any neighbouring building. And we spent the night scotched to the TV following the news on every channel.
We are both journalists and were called to join the editorial room, but unfortunately, there was no way to reach, as police started tightening circulation after the French president's televised speech.
President Francois Hollande announced a State of Emergency and asked people to stay home only to go out if absolutely necessary. Most people obliged. Some went to the Republic Square to light candles and put a sign saying "Not Afraid".
This morning streets are not busy as usual, all schools and universities and many shops are closed. No cars circulating, but ambulance and police sirens could be heard every now and then, fewer than last night though.
Also read: French expats in the UAE react to Paris attacks 
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