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Paris, Paris, Paris. The city which was so beautiful and full of culture that it made me feel like a different person just being there. Hard to describe how this feeling comes about of course, but is a direct symptom of eating hazelnut crepes, sipping on fine coffee and wine, listening to classic French music, all under the ubiquitous Eiffel tower. Arrived there in the evening and found my hostel easy enough. Booked the place last minute and was subsequently punished for it with the steep charge and lacking security. Second night there a Brazilian student had 500 euro taken from his locked luggage. Most likely the cleaning staff who were immediatly defended by the rest of the staff....kid couldn't get the police to even come take a look. First night there I had planned to catch up on sleep but was caught up in conversation before I could eat my grocery store bought dinner. Turned out that the hostel was only a ten minute walk from sacre couer, a chapel on top of the only hill in Paris. Not about to turn down a chance to see the eiffel tower for the first time, I went with a group to sit on the steps. The view wasn't a perfect one, but did offer a good glimpse of the red light district and surrounding area. If you've ever seen ratatoile then you know the view
I was hoping for. Anyhow I listened to some traitional African music with the hostel group for a while but walked back early by myself. Next day I met a guy and two girls, all of which I convinced to come to Versailles with me. Thanks college works, those sales skills are paying off. The place is probably most known because of marie Antoinette and her enormous inheritance. All kinds of lavish and completely unnecessary demonstrations of wealth make up a large palace and residence. Paid 18 euros to get in the place and use and audioguide. Unfortunatly the audio tour was so expansive that once I got to the interesting, revolutionary information I was tired of listening. Just an okay experience I'd say. Too structured and time demanding for the style I've been trying to travel with. That evening totally made up for the expensive and bland day. Once back at the hostel I met up with some people I'd met before and we all headed out to grab some drinks at the supermarket. I grabbed a bottle of Bordeaux, some ritz crackers, and a healthy portion of goat cheese. Thought I might as well try it at the counter and regretted it later. Too strong to eat with crackers only. Anyhow once out of the store we spotted the tower and headed out on a mission. Half hour or so later and we were laying in the lawn with nothing in view but the enormous eiffel tower. One of those moments that was so surreal it was difficult to bring myself in the moment. People around us just came and sat in the circle and soon we had a really diverse group. Even a few people from Iceland still trying to explain the volcano name. Around two or so the tower shut off and we hopped taxis back. b****** overcharged us and a drunk hairdresser from Leeds was set on hitting him. We ended up just paying, not worth ruining the great evening. Next day I slept in a little and set out on my own to see a few of the sites. Moulin Rouge was neat, but I was once again slightly dissappointed because of previous conceptions. The entire red light area was really unbelievable and economically flummoxing. How fifty almost connected sex shops selling the same exact shafts, lubes, and videos can turn a profit is beyond me. Horny Parisians I suppose. Thought I would be fine since it was three o clock but a nasty old hooker grabbed me by the arm and tried pulling me into an ally. Yay to hand sanitizer. The area around the arc du triumph was ritzy and beautiful. Saw some concept cars and even lance armstrong's return to glory bike. Been really exhausted lately so I snuck a nap under the arc on the warm marble. Little excitement came later that night when I was nearly pickpocketed. Two guys followed me on the metro and tugged my iPod out of my pocket by the cord. My iPod, which I was LISTENING TO!! Reached back for it when I felt it come out of my pocket and then turned around. Didn't have time to slug one of them before they had stepped back off the metro. Doors slammed shut and they were gone. Did't totally sink in for a few minutes but I became very angry and very angry only. Such a nice place can be so easily ruined by a rotten few. Think I experienced quite a bit of Paris, but am not so naive to think I tasted much of the culture. The city has a very dynamic set of sights, tastes, and experiences to offer, and cannot be covered in a few days like some. The completion of the city will have to come later for me because I'm off to brussels!
- comments
Mom Did you know that your cousin was engaged at the foot of the tower....Kelly...Uncle Bill's daughter. In that setting you have to say YES! I hope that your close calls are over for this trip. Good job with the quick grab...you need that Ipod!
Anita Well, you experienced the good and bad of a big, wonderful city. I am glad you want to go back. Probably best experienced with lots of $$$ safely in your pocket!