Back To Reality....

It's a harsh truth, but eventually we must all return to reality. After spending 10 days wandering and enjoying the company of my free will, it was difficult to return today to my domesticated routine. Add to that my severe case of jet lag and it made for one very very long day. I finally made it home last night at 8:00pm that means (given the time change) that I had been traveling for 18 hours. I was exhausted. My flights were comfortable and remarkably on time. I watched three movies on the 8hr first flight (soul surfer, Red Riding Hood, and Rio) and after changing plane in Pittsburgh (where I had to endure extra security for some reason) I read a book for most of the 1hr flight to JFK. NY was a mess from the storm over the weekend. Not just the airport but the roads as well. A major highway (87) southbound was completly closed off and there was tons of traffic in and around the NYC area. It took the Chauffer almost 2 hours to get me home (and even then I left my phone in his car, it now has to be mailed back to me). Once I got home it was so nice to hear all the commotion and voices of the three musketeers, they had to tell me every single thing they had done while I was gone. It was nice, but when I retreated to the solitude of my basement room I longed for the space of the apartment. I miss Paris already, and can't wait to return to see all the other secrets I can reveal of that mysterious city. My spirit is already yearning for my next trip. One of the best parts of traveling is choosing where to go next. I have always wanted to go to Istanbul, but I think London might be my next destination. At least they speak English there!

Goodbye, Farewell, Until We Meet Again.....

It was my last day in Paris. I spent it wondering around the city in idle fashion. Searching for the perfect souvenior. I walked to and fro around this city. I saw one of the things I had missed the last time I was near the Place De La Concord. This is the exact place where Marie Antoniette as they say "became a foot shorter on the top".  Here are some observations I have made about the French:

1. I never see French woman wearing tennis shoes. It's always flats or heels.

2. That said this whole time I have never seen a French woman running, it's always men.

3. French men dress like they just walked out of an Abercrombie and Fitch add. They wear tight pants (which I am not complaining about) and pointy shoes (which I am, those suckers hurt when they step on your toes in the Metro)

4. The French like to have things done a certain way, the same way it has always been done, they love their traditions.

5. They love to sit and chat over long lunches and even longer Cafe breaks

6. They will line up  and wait for hours to get bread from their favorite bakery.

There are pro's and con's to traveling alone. Pro; I get to sightsee at my own pace, go where I want and do what I feel like. The Con's; I have no one else to rely on but my own wit and cunning. Pro; I choose what and where and when I eat, stop for the potty, and go back to rest. Con; I only have all these weird head shots of myself . I must admit, that I am ready to go home. I have enjoyed my week here. I have seen alot and done alot, and learned even more. Not just about the history of Paris but (perhaps more importantly) I have learned alot about myself. I learned that no matter the circumstances, I can and will survive. No matter the misadventures I've had I still love to travel. Even saying the word out loud brings to mind exotic destinations and worlds unexplored. Travel has a way of opening your eyes to new and exciting things, to show you a way of living that you might not have know existed, to introduce you to situations outside your comfort zone and make you a better person because of it. Travel gives you the opportunity to learn things about yourself that might have otherwise stayed dormant deep within your soul. For me traveling satisfys a longing deep within me, a yearning to see new things and experience new things. It dosent have to be haftway across the world, it could be discovering something new about my own home town. The point is to get out there and SEE it. All week I haven't been able to shake the feeling that I have been here before, I tried to put a name to that feeling and had otherwise been unsuccessful, until today. Walking the streets of this beautiful city I realized it feels like home. And tonight I say goodbye. But to quote a very talented actor in what is perhaps the greatest film every made "I'm not going home, not really" (Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter)

What a Hectic Morning

I awoke early to finish packing and head for my new digs. Lugging two rolling suitcases behind me (one medium sized one, and one carry-on size) I made my way down to the metro and hoped beyond hope that it would'nt be busy. It was, I can't even count the number of toes I ran over or the number of calves I ran into with my big suitcases. I avoided making eye contact with anyone in the hopes that they would take pity on me, and not rip the suitcases out of my hands and begin beating me with them. Finally I reached my stop and made my way slowly towards street level. Only to have to walk 3 blocks (which is actually not that far here in Paris), I walked 6 blocks and couldn't find my hotel. I must have missed it, I turned around and walked back in the direction I had come. Finally I spotted it. After checking in, an agonizing long process here in France, I was given the key to my room. I should say closet not room. The room is tiny. With my suitcases on the floor I have to climb over the bed to get to the door. To get in the bathroom I have to pick up my suitcase and set it on the bed. The view, is of a paint peeling inter alleyway. I miss the apartment already. But it's only for one night and I can handle it for that long. Today I am headed out to do some shopping. Some serious shopping!

* I turned CNN on while I was getting ready and they are talking non stop about Irene. It looks very dangerous, and I hope all my friends and family in NY stay safe and dry.

Star Light Star Bright.....

I have to admit, I was a little nervous to leave the apartment today. After last night, I admit it, I was fearful. And I hate to feel that way. After spending the morning and most of the early afternoon trying to rearrange my flight (I finally had to call my mommy and ask her to help me because I simply couldn't do it alone, isn't it wonderful to be able to do that sometimes, to be able to rely on someone else to take care of you for a little whille) and find a hotel for tomorrow night I stalled going out, puttering around the apartment, starting to pack up my things, cleaning up a little bit, before finally admitting that I wasn't going to let one night ruin the rest of my vacation. I geared up and hit the streets to do some shopping around my neighborhood for things I wanted to bring home. I was uneasy however, looking over my shoulder and glancing down alleyways. It was raining so I was wearing my jacket with the hood up and used it to sheild my face from anyone passing by. Suddenly the sun broke through the clouds, I stood in the middle of the sidewalk and let it wash over me, I decided then and there that I was going to return to my old self. I stood up a little straighter and strode with purpose down the sidewalk. Feeling better with every step I took. I spent an hour or two drifing in and out of little shops and simply partaking in the vibrancy of the neighborhood. I had reservations to once again go up the Eiffel Tower (thinking that would be a wonderful way to say good-bye to Paris, little did I know) at 7:30 so I returned to get ready and head to the metro. I arrived at 7:15, just as it fully stopped raining, and the sun was beginning to set. The view from the Third (summit) was spectacular.

But the real reason I had come was to see the light show. Once the sun sets, 9:00 here in Paris, the Eiffel Tower puts on a little show for all that can view her. I headed down to the second floor for the best view, that way I could see the Eiffel Tower and the city at the same time.

I stood and waited, and viewed the city, the whole of Paris was at my feet. Suddenly the sky was filled with thousands of glittering lights, like shooting stars preparing to take off. I couldn't speak, I couldn't think, I could barely breath. It was something I had dreamed of seeing for so long, and here I was viewing it. It filled me with such joy. Everyone in the vicinity of the Tower stops when she puts on her show, to give her the due attention she deserves. It lasts for a mear five minutes but the memory of it, will last me a lifetime. The first time I saw the lights of the Eiffel Tower. I meandered around the Eiffel Tower for another 45 minutes or so and then made my way slowly down to ground level again. Hoping to watch the lights again, this time from the ground level. There were people everywhere, and not just tourists but Parisians as well, this is a weekend hangout, they bring a picnic and some wine and sit and wait for the show. 



The second time was just as wonderful. But I will forever remember the first time I saw the lights of the Eiffel Tower as the night I felt anything was possible.

And We Start Again...

I awoke this morning determined to put the agony of last night out of my mind. The sun was shinning and that seemed like a good omen to me. I puttered around getting together a light breakfast, and sat down at my computer to check my email. Only to discover that my flight home tomorrow had been cancelled. I burried my hands in my head, dismayed. But then a thought struck me, perhaps Paris was trying to make amends for the argument we had last night. Perhaps she was giving me a second chance to remember what I love about this city. And so I eagerly accepted the offer (not that I have any other choice). I must now rebook my flight, a task proving difficult since everyone is trying to do the same thing (a what must be the exact same time, since the system keeps crashing) and find a Hotel to stay at for tomorrow night, since there is a new person coming to occupy my wonderful apartment (and steal from me my awesome view). But perhaps I will stay in a hotel that allows me to view the Eiffel Tower in all her glittering goodness!

Don't Ask Cuz I Won't Tell....

Tonight was the worst night of my life. Worse than any breakup, worse than any hangover, worse than being locked out of your apartment in a foreign country for two hours. The worst, enough said.

A little Panoramic view....

I stepped out of my apartment building 20 minutes ago, ready to walk to the metro. Only to have my face almost ripped off my the wind. It's nasty out there. So I retreated back into my apartment to change my plans for the day and, hopefully, wait for the wind to die down. I started going through my pictures and decided to share with you guys some of the panoramic shots I have taken (one of my favorite things my camera does!) Enjoy!