Greetings from Geneva! I intended to post while I was in Paris, but my internet connexions have been rather spotty. And I've been too busy looking at cool things; eating delicious foods; and nodding, smiling, and pretending to understand what the heck people are saying to me to actually write anything.
I'll hurry, because I understand today is some kind of American holiday where people blow things up and shoot Roman Candles under their Granny's lawn chair, catch pastures on fire, and eat copious amounts of food cooked over an open flame. Weird. Anyway, on to the observations portion of my programme.
One of the first things I learned about the French is that the rumors are true -- many of them are not as familiar with the business end of a stick of deodorant as they should be. I learned this when I got into my taxi at the airport. My driver was a nice man in his early 50s or so. He looked clean. He was wearing a starched shirt. And he smelled worse than a bikram studio in New Orleans in July.
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| From Day 2 in Paris |
I did not verify other grooming stereotypes, however. In a misguided attempt to fit in (slash, I am incredibly lazy), I had eased up on my shaving routines. My first day in Paris, I was the hairiest woman on the Metro. Good thing I packed a razor.
And speaking of the Metro, it is awesome. Paris really gets the public transportation job done. I'd like to say that I navigated it like a champ because I am just naturally a genius of transportation, but many of you know that is not true. But it is very user friendly. I didn't get lost a single time (on the Metro. Walking around was another story). And my 2 day metro pass was probably my best investment in Paris. I went all over the place very efficiently and inexpensively.
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| From Day 2 in Paris |
My Metro stop. When you're wandering around lost and see one of these, all becomes right with the world again.
More Metro stop
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| From Day 2 in Paris |
Another misconception -- Bad French/no French does not necessarily equal a bad time. Maybe it's that French people like to show off their lingual superiority, which is fair, since many of them speak at least twice as many languages as I do, but they were usually quick to recognize that I didn't speak (much) French, and would switch to whatever English they had. I did find that a little Bonjour, Pardon (okay, so I bump into people A LOT), Merci and Je voudrais (I would like) go a long way.
I also apparently look French-ish.** Several people asked me for directions. In French. Talk about the blind leading the blind! But I felt very accomplished when I was able to help one guy.
Anyway, you guys aren't here to listen to me babble. You're here for the pictures!!!
So here are some highlights:
When the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle, it took my breath away. Everyone claps and cheers. It is the most wonderful sight!
These little markets are everywhere and I am obsessed with them! They're so cute!
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| From Day 2 in Paris |
The Jardin des Tuileries was probably my favorite place in Paris, due in large part to these chairs. It is a beautiful formal garden, with wide, shady paths that are lined with these chairs. They recline just enough and are airy. Even though it was quite hot that day, I sat in one in the shade for a few hours and read my book and watched people and loved every minute of it. I would probably still be sitting there, if a chocolate crepe hadn't started calling my name.
I also visited the Notre Dame Cathedral. Since I'm not Catholic, I didn't feel compelled to go in, and instead spent more time exploring the island on which it is situated. But here it is. I wish I'd been better able to capture the gargoyles, because they were the best part.
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| From Day 2 in Paris |
I ate all sorts of delicious things while I was there. The plan was to go out for a nice dinner on my last night in Paris. I got all dressed up and beautiful-ed for it and everything. Then it started to rain as I was figuring out which Metro stops I needed. So I went to a place close to my hotel, which was quite good. The waiter's English was about as good as my French, so I stuck to safe-ish things on the menu, but had a very good beef stew with turnips and potatoes and things. (Morsehead, I took a photo of my stew for you) The waiter was able to gesture at me until I figured out I was supposed to put the marrow from the soup bones on my toasted bread and then put the gray salt on and eat that. It was yummier than I dared to hope. Anyway, here's how glamorous I was looking. Since this is relatively unusual, I will share.
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| From Day 2 in Paris |
Then the next day, I was on a train to Geneva. After hanging out for quite some time in this completely overwhelming train station.
And my train was late, so I was a little bit freaking out. I made a new friend, though. A very nice old guy, who used to live in Peoria, and who lives in Geneva but works in Paris, so he commutes to Geneva on the weekends. He showed me where to go and where to put my huge bags and made sure I didn't get off at the wrong station.
But all is well that ends well. I made it to Geneva last night. Just as my classmates were leaving for dinner. I loved Paris, but it was nice to be with people I know again. Not speaking the same language as everyone else is very isolating, particularly for someone as chatty as I am.
Anyway, you can visit my pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/LDEarls
And I posted a video of the Eiffel Tower sparkling here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st2Tt-5kNUE
And here I am, signing off.
Happy Independence Day!
love,
Lindsay
*sorry, I haven't learned to say "friends" in French yet.
** I think the trick is to NOT carry a backpack. It is TOO HOT, unless you want perpetual back-sweat, especially in the Metro. I put my Metro map, Lonely Planet book and bottle of eau in a little tote bag that I brought for grocery shopping, and had my important documents and euros and things in my little purse. And when I bought a baguette, I felt VERY French with it sticking out of my shopping bag.
4 comments:
Oh baby Earls, you are fitting in so well. Becoming such a little Euro. I cannot wait to arrive so you can show me around everywhere there. I knew you would love Paris.
I love Paris (insert song lyrics here) and the next time I go there (insert fervent prayer here) I will remember not to wear colorful athletic footwear and an MTV hat and not to revert to speaking high school Spanish in stressful situations. The Parisians were wonderfully kind and helpful but I sensed that they were not always laughing WITH me. I will never forget that city and I will never stop hoping to go back. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
My dear little Robin, I'm not really the best Euro ever, but I'm doing okay. By the time you arrive, I should be an expert. And bring swim wear. I didn't and really wish I had, because we are right on the river that is very popular with young swimmers.
Karen, I'm glad you enjoy my little blog! Paris was wonderful! I'm glad I could remind you. :) I hope you checked out my photo albums.
Quelle merveille!
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