I don't feel like making 2 separate posts, so I will just make one long post of the 2 stories I want to tell.
First, and these are not in chronological order, today I was in Place des Vosges all day. It's my favorite place in Paris. It's the oldest square in Paris, and where Victor Hugo used to live. I love it. The day I found it in January was really the day I fell in love with Le Marais, because I did a walking tour of part of the neighborhood and saw some of the great shops, etc. that were there. But that's not the point.
So I was in Place des Vosges all day, just writing and reading and relaxing in the sun. Keyword: sun. Well, you see, in Paris the sun isn't very strong and doesn't usually stay out often, we have a lot of clouds. I guess just the fact that I was out all day contributed. So yes, I got sunburned. Not bad, at all. Really it probably wouldn't even register on a regular summer day in Texas, but it's just that I'm so pale over here (think Casper/vampires). Also I was wearing a skirt with (gasp) no tights, sandals (!), and I had taken off my cardigan and scarf so I just had a tank top on (for shame). Sorry, over here we really don't show skin, like at all. You're pegged as an American if you wear flip-flops, which I thankfully don't have, or bare your legs or shoulders. That's changing a little for the few warm days we get now, but still, I get looks. I'm used to them at this point though. Anyways, so yes, I should have some real cute tan lines tomorrow or the next day when this turns in- backs of my calves and shoulders (think leotard/Spartie tan). Awesome. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me when I get back to Texas.
Oh, so the point of the title of that story should be obvious- only would happen to me, the redhead. I also now have about 200 new freckles, just from today. Great.
And for story numéro deux (minding that I can't tell a short story):
Last night I was walking home and decided to stop into Monop' to get a bottle of wine. Monop' is like Monoprix, but just food. Best comparison would be a gourmet quickie-mart (kindof). Anyways, so I go to check out and we say "bonsoir" and then she rings me up. All the card machines here are fitted for the chip and pin cards, which I don't have, so I have to swipe and sign, which always takes longer and frustrates everyone (tangent). Right, so I swipe my card, and I'm still holding it, waiting because the machine still says Patientez. She looks at me and goes "It's good." Then, immediately, she corrected herself, and said "C'est bon." And she turned to the guy next to her, and said (in French), something like, I don't know why I just spoke English, haha.
I just laughed and put my card away. Then, she handed me the receipt and a pen and goes "sign here," and then again says "desole, svp signez" and makes another comment to her coworker about how why she keeps doing that. I just smile and laugh with her, sign the receipt, and then say "au revoir, bonne soiree," and walk out of the store, never letting on that I totally speak English. I know it's stupid, and I can see your faces now (Jonah, Josh), that I think I'm so cool and I am so French. But I don't care, it's the little things that count and I got excited. It topped of an excellent day yesterday.
And even a sunburn today couldn't ruin how perfect today was: slept in, went to the park, walked around Le Marais, got falafel and ran into friends while getting it, gelato and Jewish bakery with said friends, wine and movie at home :) Like I said, perfection. Let's do it again tomorrow!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Ummm....
So it's disgusting outside- cold and cloudy. It's been cold for the past few days, but at least sunny. I really do not feel like venturing out much today since all the places I would go on a day like this (museums) are closed. I am going out this afternoon/tonight, but might be a bum during the day.
Or try to get things accomplished, like cleaning my apartment and packing my stuff up. The only problem is, I have started to do that, and it's going to be interesting to see if I can fit everything in the suitcases. And by interesting, I mean almost impossible. Some of my clothes I don't want to wear anymore might be making Paris a permanent home.
This should be fun...
Or try to get things accomplished, like cleaning my apartment and packing my stuff up. The only problem is, I have started to do that, and it's going to be interesting to see if I can fit everything in the suitcases. And by interesting, I mean almost impossible. Some of my clothes I don't want to wear anymore might be making Paris a permanent home.
This should be fun...
Friday, May 1, 2009
It's absolutely gorgeous outside, and I love life!!
Yep, it's probably the prettiest day we've had yet. We're going to the park in about 10 minutes to play, read, drink wine, etc. Probably with the rest of Paris, because it's Labour Day here, so no work. I can't believe it's actually May 1. Like stunned. But it's so beautiful outside, and Syd and I had a wonderful lunch at our favorite little cafe in our neighborhood (which is an old man hang out), so I can't complain about anything. I really don't think it can get better than this.
That is all.
That is all.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
It's rainy outside, and I'm bored
Therefore, I was playing around on my computer and found some quotes I really like. I also have some written down in a notebook in the room, but everyone's asleep in there and I don't get internet unless I'm in the reception area (currently in Venice). So here are some randoms:
“If we are not happy and joyous at this season,for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?” Abdul-Baha
"Did you know...that when you walk past a flower, whether it be insomebody's garden or on a vacant hillside, the flower will always smile at you. The most polite way to respond, I've been told, is to cheerfully return the smile." Ron Atchison
"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good."
"Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine" Buddha
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."
Friedrich Nietzsche
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Corinthians 13:13
“If we are not happy and joyous at this season,for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?” Abdul-Baha
"Did you know...that when you walk past a flower, whether it be insomebody's garden or on a vacant hillside, the flower will always smile at you. The most polite way to respond, I've been told, is to cheerfully return the smile." Ron Atchison
"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good."
"Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine" Buddha
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."
Friedrich Nietzsche
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Corinthians 13:13
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Breaking Dawn...
Ok, I just had to with the title. It was so appropriate. On the way to Rome, I was reading out of a tour book and one lady was saying how she went to the Trevi Fountain early in the morning when there were only 5 other people there. So Jess and I decided this would be a really good idea and we would do the same thing today. We got up actually before the break of dawn, at 5 am, so that we could get to the Trevi around 6:30, when it was scheduled for sunrise. Turns out it was raining so that didn't matter, which was actually good because we showed up late anyways.
Still, when we got there, there was nobody there except a police officer walking around. It was simply stunning. We had walked by it a few days ago when there were a 1000 and 1 people there, and so seeing it so empty was awesome. It was so pure, serene, and just gorgeous. I do particularly like fountains though, so this was great for me!
We took pictures all around, and then it was oh, 7:15. Nothing's open, what to do? We still hadn't seen the Spanish Steps yet (though we had walked by them the day before without realizing, oops), so we walked there. And still, no one out but the cleaning crew. These were also wonderful, especially because there were beautiful, bright-colored flowers lining the stairs. And another fountain! Bernini's Sunken Boat Fountain. Fantastic, but I'm not sure I got a good pic. I think Jess did, so I might just steal that from her. Also, walking up the stairs was not too bad after a semester of a 5th floor walkup apartment!
And now, it's 8:00. Woohoo, so late! We walked back to the Piazza del Popolo where there is a church from Angels and Demons (I think). Anyways, we walked into a wonderful church there. It was awesome to see the Romans just coming in before work or the start of there day just to pray. The feeling in there was very cool. There is another church from the book, Santa Maria della Vittoria, that we pass by on the walk back to our hostel. Inside is a statue by Bernini, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa. Probably my fave church I've been in. It's so unique. Everything inside is ornate, but it is actually a very small church. Something about this little church having a Bernini inside and the intense quiet inside is powerful. There is also the juxtaposition of the few tourists taking pictures along with the old ladies holding their rosaries and praying.
Well, so after the Piazza del Popolo we headed back to the hostel for a nap before we went and toured the Villa Borghese and the Borghese Museum. I actually had to leave early to come back and register (there are scheduled times for the museum). Jess got to tour the gardens and then went and walked around the city some more while I was dealing with UT stuff. I've pretty much been in since then because I'm exhausted. I think our trip to Rome should be called Rome 2009:Fit Camp. We have walked everywhere. Literally, all day every day. Up stairs, down stairs, up the hills, over the cobblestones. The only times we sit down are to eat, and that's not that long. It's great, because I'm used to walking a lot from Paris and it's good exercise, but it's dang tiring! Each night I fall into my bed and don't want to get up again.
Tomorrow we head to Florence for a few days, we are going to spend 2 days doing side trips. One day we are going to do the hike in Cinque Terra, and then another day we are going to hit up Pisa and Volterra. Yep, it's a real place, and since it's only a little ways outside Florence, we couldn't not go. They are actually filming there for the 2nd movie, but not till the end of May- just our luck, right? Maybe they'll already be setting up or something. Still, it'll be really cool to see, and it's supposed to be really pretty. After that, possibly Milan, and then Venice! I'm most excited about Venice, just because it's supposed to be amazingly beautiful with all the canals. Ok, and also because it's in the movies. I'm just saying...
Still, when we got there, there was nobody there except a police officer walking around. It was simply stunning. We had walked by it a few days ago when there were a 1000 and 1 people there, and so seeing it so empty was awesome. It was so pure, serene, and just gorgeous. I do particularly like fountains though, so this was great for me!
We took pictures all around, and then it was oh, 7:15. Nothing's open, what to do? We still hadn't seen the Spanish Steps yet (though we had walked by them the day before without realizing, oops), so we walked there. And still, no one out but the cleaning crew. These were also wonderful, especially because there were beautiful, bright-colored flowers lining the stairs. And another fountain! Bernini's Sunken Boat Fountain. Fantastic, but I'm not sure I got a good pic. I think Jess did, so I might just steal that from her. Also, walking up the stairs was not too bad after a semester of a 5th floor walkup apartment!
And now, it's 8:00. Woohoo, so late! We walked back to the Piazza del Popolo where there is a church from Angels and Demons (I think). Anyways, we walked into a wonderful church there. It was awesome to see the Romans just coming in before work or the start of there day just to pray. The feeling in there was very cool. There is another church from the book, Santa Maria della Vittoria, that we pass by on the walk back to our hostel. Inside is a statue by Bernini, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa. Probably my fave church I've been in. It's so unique. Everything inside is ornate, but it is actually a very small church. Something about this little church having a Bernini inside and the intense quiet inside is powerful. There is also the juxtaposition of the few tourists taking pictures along with the old ladies holding their rosaries and praying.
Well, so after the Piazza del Popolo we headed back to the hostel for a nap before we went and toured the Villa Borghese and the Borghese Museum. I actually had to leave early to come back and register (there are scheduled times for the museum). Jess got to tour the gardens and then went and walked around the city some more while I was dealing with UT stuff. I've pretty much been in since then because I'm exhausted. I think our trip to Rome should be called Rome 2009:Fit Camp. We have walked everywhere. Literally, all day every day. Up stairs, down stairs, up the hills, over the cobblestones. The only times we sit down are to eat, and that's not that long. It's great, because I'm used to walking a lot from Paris and it's good exercise, but it's dang tiring! Each night I fall into my bed and don't want to get up again.
Tomorrow we head to Florence for a few days, we are going to spend 2 days doing side trips. One day we are going to do the hike in Cinque Terra, and then another day we are going to hit up Pisa and Volterra. Yep, it's a real place, and since it's only a little ways outside Florence, we couldn't not go. They are actually filming there for the 2nd movie, but not till the end of May- just our luck, right? Maybe they'll already be setting up or something. Still, it'll be really cool to see, and it's supposed to be really pretty. After that, possibly Milan, and then Venice! I'm most excited about Venice, just because it's supposed to be amazingly beautiful with all the canals. Ok, and also because it's in the movies. I'm just saying...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Texas? Oh! Like Johnny Cash!
Hahaha. No. Last night Jessica and I stopped by a cute little Italian cafe for dinner by the Piazza Navona, and split some lasagna and salad. Yummy! It was funny though, because when the waiter asked us where we were from and we said Texas, he got really excited- as in "Texas! You're from Texas? Hey Johnny Cash! You know Johnny Cash!" Then he proceeded to go back into the restaurant and play some Johnny Cash music. We both acted like this was the coolest thing ever, like yes, Johnny Cash and Texas go hand-in-hand. False. Usually, mostly, we get George Bush, bang bang, Cowboys, Dallas (the show). I was literally asked once if I knew who shot JR. Nope, sorry, I guess I missed that one while I crawling around my playpen. Anyways, it was funny.
Today we went to Naples and got some pizza for lunch, probably the best pizza I have ever had and will ever have. We were going to go to Capri, but couldn't swing the 40e price to ferry to the island and into the Blue Grotto. So then we were going to go by Sorrento and take some pictures, but there weren't any trains there in our time range. So we came back to Rome. So yes, I spent 5 1/2 hours today commuting for a meal. Best time I ever spent.
Tomorrow we are going to tour the Vatican and accompanying areas, then do some more touristy things. I think we are going to try and go to all the places in Angels and Demons. We still have 2 full days in Rome, so we should be able to go see everything we want to.
Otherwise, everything's going great! We've had a few cloudy/semi-rainy days, but nothing too bad, and were going to have great weather in Florence, so I'm really excited for that! Also, we still haven't decided if we're going to Milan or not. Basically we'd just go to see the Last Supper. We have reservations, but we're not sure if we can get to Milan in time to see it. We might just go onto Venice and spend an extra few hours there. I'm not worried. Whatever happens will be just fine!
Arrivederci!
Today we went to Naples and got some pizza for lunch, probably the best pizza I have ever had and will ever have. We were going to go to Capri, but couldn't swing the 40e price to ferry to the island and into the Blue Grotto. So then we were going to go by Sorrento and take some pictures, but there weren't any trains there in our time range. So we came back to Rome. So yes, I spent 5 1/2 hours today commuting for a meal. Best time I ever spent.
Tomorrow we are going to tour the Vatican and accompanying areas, then do some more touristy things. I think we are going to try and go to all the places in Angels and Demons. We still have 2 full days in Rome, so we should be able to go see everything we want to.
Otherwise, everything's going great! We've had a few cloudy/semi-rainy days, but nothing too bad, and were going to have great weather in Florence, so I'm really excited for that! Also, we still haven't decided if we're going to Milan or not. Basically we'd just go to see the Last Supper. We have reservations, but we're not sure if we can get to Milan in time to see it. We might just go onto Venice and spend an extra few hours there. I'm not worried. Whatever happens will be just fine!
Arrivederci!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
OH MY GOODNESS
OK, first of all, I've probably had 5 panic attacks in the past 2 days. It is now a forbidden subject to talk about dates around the middle of May, how much time we have left, etc. I just refuse to accept the fact that I actually have to leave.
On a happier note- I went to Disneyland Paris today! So much fun!!!! I went with Jessica and her mom, and they are Disney park pros. I think Jessica said she has been to Disneyland at least 40 times, and Disneyworld 5 or so times. Seriously. It was AWESOME! I felt like such a kid and such a tourist at the same time. There is no way not to be happy in Disneyland. We got there at 10 when the park opened and left at 8 when it closed. The roller coasters were awesome, I think Rockin' Roller Coaster avec Aerosmith was my favorite (the line was short so Jess and I went on it twice). I also liked one called Crush's Coaster, it's only at the park in Paris. For that one, the line was the longest, about an hour, but it was worth it. It was cool to see the Nemo stuff and the ride was actually good for a roller coaster (medium level intensity).
We hit most of the main rides: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean (which was very cool to see after seeing the movies), and then the other two. Also, one of the coolest things we did was go to a character lunch. It's a buffet and all the characters come out at different intervals and make their way around the room for children (OK, and yes adults) to get excited over and take pictures with. I now have pictures with Mickey, Chip (of Chip and Dale), Pluto (who copped a feel), and Tigger! I realized that my fascination with Tigger as a child was completely unfounded as I have never seen Winnie the Pooh. But yes, the lunch was great- it was so surreal to see the characters walking around right near me! Also, the food was pretty good! Later on, we saw Minnie in the park and got pictures with her, and Jess's mom got a pic with Donald Duck while we were on a ride.
Randomly, we saw one of the shows today was a High School Musical: Party! showing at all different times throughout the day, so we stopped to watch the show around 5. It was hilarious and cool at the same time, they sang around one song from each movie, plus some extras. Definitely an experience. And all the little kids loved it. Oh, it was so great to see all the cute little girls and boys running around today in their costumes; so many princesses, a lot of Mickey ears and capes, and tons of HSM outfits and Hannah Montana memorabilia. Kindof ridiculous, but so presh at the same time. And it was awesome to see the French people and everyone who was visiting from all over really get into the Disney scene.
Basically, I'm so excited I went, it was definitely worth the money and the whole day. I can't wait til the next time I go to a Disney park in the States; I will be a much more experience visitor! It was just so cool because Jessica and her mom are really into the Disney thing, and got really excited about everything we did too.
So yes, I am working on staying busy and being more of a Parisian tourist, as I have negleted that aspect of my time here somewhat. I still have yet to go up the Eiffel Tower, although that's not my fault anymore; the workers are on strike (like I said, a national pasttime). I have made a bucket list of all the things I need to do and see before I go, and I have just started to tick them off. Next Thursday I go to Italy for 2 weeks, but I will still have time when I get back to enjoy the spring weather. I am really excited about Italy- the pasta, pizza, gelato, sunshine-y weather. It all sounds amazing, plus all the awesome sights we get to see!
So for now, ciao and au revoir!
On a happier note- I went to Disneyland Paris today! So much fun!!!! I went with Jessica and her mom, and they are Disney park pros. I think Jessica said she has been to Disneyland at least 40 times, and Disneyworld 5 or so times. Seriously. It was AWESOME! I felt like such a kid and such a tourist at the same time. There is no way not to be happy in Disneyland. We got there at 10 when the park opened and left at 8 when it closed. The roller coasters were awesome, I think Rockin' Roller Coaster avec Aerosmith was my favorite (the line was short so Jess and I went on it twice). I also liked one called Crush's Coaster, it's only at the park in Paris. For that one, the line was the longest, about an hour, but it was worth it. It was cool to see the Nemo stuff and the ride was actually good for a roller coaster (medium level intensity).
We hit most of the main rides: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean (which was very cool to see after seeing the movies), and then the other two. Also, one of the coolest things we did was go to a character lunch. It's a buffet and all the characters come out at different intervals and make their way around the room for children (OK, and yes adults) to get excited over and take pictures with. I now have pictures with Mickey, Chip (of Chip and Dale), Pluto (who copped a feel), and Tigger! I realized that my fascination with Tigger as a child was completely unfounded as I have never seen Winnie the Pooh. But yes, the lunch was great- it was so surreal to see the characters walking around right near me! Also, the food was pretty good! Later on, we saw Minnie in the park and got pictures with her, and Jess's mom got a pic with Donald Duck while we were on a ride.
Randomly, we saw one of the shows today was a High School Musical: Party! showing at all different times throughout the day, so we stopped to watch the show around 5. It was hilarious and cool at the same time, they sang around one song from each movie, plus some extras. Definitely an experience. And all the little kids loved it. Oh, it was so great to see all the cute little girls and boys running around today in their costumes; so many princesses, a lot of Mickey ears and capes, and tons of HSM outfits and Hannah Montana memorabilia. Kindof ridiculous, but so presh at the same time. And it was awesome to see the French people and everyone who was visiting from all over really get into the Disney scene.
Basically, I'm so excited I went, it was definitely worth the money and the whole day. I can't wait til the next time I go to a Disney park in the States; I will be a much more experience visitor! It was just so cool because Jessica and her mom are really into the Disney thing, and got really excited about everything we did too.
So yes, I am working on staying busy and being more of a Parisian tourist, as I have negleted that aspect of my time here somewhat. I still have yet to go up the Eiffel Tower, although that's not my fault anymore; the workers are on strike (like I said, a national pasttime). I have made a bucket list of all the things I need to do and see before I go, and I have just started to tick them off. Next Thursday I go to Italy for 2 weeks, but I will still have time when I get back to enjoy the spring weather. I am really excited about Italy- the pasta, pizza, gelato, sunshine-y weather. It all sounds amazing, plus all the awesome sights we get to see!
So for now, ciao and au revoir!
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