Well, as you've no doubt noticed, you shouldn't hold your breath between posts here. Maybe I would/could update nightly if I was one of those tech-savvy gadget people, but I'm working with very limited Internet time where I can steal a moment here or there (it's free at the hostel, but awfully busy in the evening hours - and I'm usually out during the day). So far the trip is going well. The weather has been beautiful every day, which has put a cheery face on most of the city. For the last two days my routine has been to sleep in until about 9 am, eat breakfqst at the hostel, then follow my guidebooks and trains to the get-away destination of the day. Come back to Paris in the evening, walk the city, savor the sunset and lights of the city at night, and return to the hostel to journal while eating trail mix qnd gummi bears for dinner (I know - that ended after two days). Today I went for a jog around the city monuments in the morning, then explored my neighborhood in Montmatre looking for an adaptor and a grocery store. After I send this I'll be off to the Orangerie, then out for dinner with a hosteling friend.
This is the first trip of my life that I think I've taken completely and utterly solo - no travel partners, no friends to greet me on the other side, no groups or itineraries to follow. It's been quite lonely the first couple of days, but I'm starting to get used to it. I was having serious doubts the first day or two about the brilliance of this whole hop-across-the-ocean-to-a-country-where-you-don't-know-the-language-and-have-a-go-at-it-for-a-whole-month, but now I'm starting to relax a little. I think I expected the first days to be an adrenaline rush of iconic streets and the life and for all of that to slowly die down to something more realistic over the coming days, but it's actually been the opposite. Paris (at least the center of Paris) has the same car exhaust and crowded streets and tacky tourist stalls and lack of dog poop clean-up that I've found common to many major metropolitan cities, no magic there. But, over time, I'm noticing the little things that I think make it a special city; lots of small bakeries and cheeseries and pastry shops (with BEAUTIFUL window displays), for example. People really do buy their morning or afternoon baguette and walk around with their long skinny loaf of bread; some of them even nibble at it while they walk, it's as normal as walking around with a cheeseburger and french fries in the States. (ironically enough, I don't think I have seen any french fries yet).
30 minutes goes fast with a slow Internet connection and constant re-typing (the a, w, and m keys are all rearranged on this keyboard, as well as all of the symbols). I'm fine, but wish my family and friends could be here with me!! Au revoir!
Awesome Angie!
ReplyDeleteTraveling alone is undoubtly scary. I only got a taste of REAL backpacking without a plan for 48 hours while I was in Europe. (ran off to budapest b/c i missed the train my friend was on, then arrived in the city not knowing where she was or how to contact her or where the hostel was!)
But, Paris has plenty of Tourist from English speaking countries so when in doubt, you can usually find a english speaker.
I remember Paris being very iconic, but dirty and rude. It really just depends on the day and which direction you're looking at. The Notre Dame at night with the street performers I remember being my favorite moment in the city. Light a candle in the Cathedral for our grandpas- that's what I did, and they seemed guide my travels and protect me from homesickness, worry, and allowed me to savor every moment of a new world. Wish I could be with you! Jake and I are still praying to get enough money to travel to Germany again (oh how i miss it!).
Be safe and savvy!