Paris
Trip Start
Jan 03, 2008
1
3
38
Trip End
Apr ????
Paris,
France
Saturday, January 12, 2008
I didn't realize how easy I had it in those countries, I am glad I started in English speaking countries to begin my adventures. My plan on the morning of arrival was fine, I flew Ryan air, and for those who aren't familiar that is the economy way to travel Europe - very cheap flights. With Ryan air you go to the small airports and sacrifice some of the comfort that other air jets would typically offer. I get off my plane about an hour north of Paris in the smallest airport, I would have never guessed there was commercial flights here. I go through customs and realize my new watch has slipped off, I try to walk back and the police would not let me run back to the plane that individuals were still exiting from
Friends from the Young & Happy
. So I try to speak to everyone that works there and no-one spoke English to help me! Okay, I love this watch. I try again to sneak back through border control to get my point across and drew much attention and it worked. I got to pantomime where my seat was on the plane using my arms as wings and acting like a plane to indicate where on the watch would be located and when it went missing (during landing). A passenger then brought it out with him. Tanya, a friend I met in Dublin had suggested that there was this great hostel in Paris that I should stay at. All she said was get off the Metro (subway) at station 'Place de Monge' south end of Paris at 'Young and Happy Hostel'. I first travel to Place de Monge, walking the streets looking lost. I had not found the hostel so I go to the nearest internet café to look up another budget hostel. The next appealing was North end of Paris, so I am back on my feet to get lost on the north end of Paris getting pieces of information here and there from non English speaking partisans. Finally I reach the Hostel to find that the net was false and it was 50 Euro a night! Back to the trusty traveler book I have by Lonely Planet, I looked up the best rated / cheapest hostel in Paris - sure enough it said, Young and Happy Hostel off Place de Monge, this time with a map. It turns out I was 1 block away when I was searching earlier!
I spilled my shot - waste not.
During the several of hours in Paris looking for a hostel I checked out Arch de Triumph to get a better impression of Paris, this helped. But through this time I REALLY had to pee - I was making myself dehydrated so I wouldn't have to pay to use a restroom anywhere which is very common in France. I made my way into what seemed like a lower class, frequented business to ask for the 'restroom', they didn't understand. I then ask for the 'bathroom', still nothing. After several years of French in high school and I still don't know how to say bathroom! Lastly I proclaimed "Toilet!". "Oui", the innocent woman behind the counter replied and pointed upstairs. Upstairs I search every corner of this store looking for the bathroom just concentrating on holding the pee for 2 more minutes. I found myself standing in the middle of the store looking around at my surroundings, an extension cord, a hammer, keys, a hardware store?! My deduction put it all together at that moment, I turn around to see the throne of toilets on display behind me. Damn, they are pretty but would appear better looking down at them. As an employee passed me, I said to him, "toilet" and pointed at the toilets and myself. He didn't understand. I said, "pee" and he said,"Oui, Oui". Ugh! I proclaimed excitedly so he would understand, "Wee, Wee" while holding an air penis to my crotch and gyrating my hips in a circular motion. He now understood and directed me to the nearest café.
Some dude, Marty & Myself
I find out later they call it 'Water Closet' or WC. Later that evening at the hostel my roommates I met who were from Australia and the States went out and checked out the bar scene of Paris near our hostel and had a great time, as they were all leaving Paris the next morning. Also that day I had the best crepe I have ever tasted in my life!
The following day after my croissant breakfast, I went to the Eiffel Tower which was spectacular. Unfortunately the Eiffel was closed that day to lift to the top. Following the Eiffel was Notre Dame Cathedral and I made it just on time for an English tour, beautiful stain glass windows and centuries of history all over it. Actually when the revolution was going on in France, the people destroyed all the heads of all the kings represented on the statues which had to be restored in the 1800's. Following Notre Dame was the Louvre Museum. Great time, although I wish I had one of the audio translators because all the art was depicted in French therefore I didn't know what I was looking at 98% of the time unfortunately. As I walked outside it was well dark and the view of the Eiffel at night is amazing! Besides just being lit, it sparkles all over!
Before my Train to Madrid, which is a sleeper train I had the day in Paris to soak it all in
Arc De Triumph
. I had some great coffee, amazing lunch and headed out to the Modern Museum of Pompidou, where the inside of the structure is literally turned out. It wasn't long before I was off to Montematre Cathedral. The Cathedral requires climbing many flights of stairs although at the top is the most breathtaking view of all of Paris. I stayed at Montematre to watch the sunset to the west behind the Eiffel over Paris, really was breathtaking, unfortunate my camera died at sunset - I suppose it is one moment that will remain in my heart. After the sunset, behind Montematre is an artist quarter, where many artists hang out. It is said it was here at this quarter that Picasso spent much of his time (and life) doing art. And for the late night, down the hill was Moulin Rouge! Great red light district, although the Burlesque shows are far too expensive for my taste. On my train ride I have reflected upon my adventures from just 1 ˝ week ago, it is amazing how much I feel like I am growing.... No, no not in height, nor hair - but me as an individual in this giant world - I am starting to find joy in all the little things - words can't describe and this is only the beginning.
A votre sante!
Comments
Faraway, So Close!
Heh, now this is the Europe that I remember -- hopelessly wandering a block away from your destination, and the trauma of non-public toilets (sorry, WCs). I see you're headed to the warmer climes of Spain -- tenga una buena visita!