Mussels in Brussels

Last Sunday, we went to Claude Monet’s garden. Thank the Lord my mother wasn’t with me, because she would have wanted to complexly replant the back yard and turn the pool into a lily pond.  I was so in love with the place. And the house that he lived in was my style. Growing up we had a Sesame Street book that had a house where every room was a different color. That’s how Monet’s was. I cannot wait to be a home owner and get the paint out! I did get my mom some seeds that came from the garden, so hopefully they can grow in the Texas heat! Here are a few pictures of the beautiful garden:

On Tuesday, it was the “Fete de la musique,” meaning there is music in the streets all over Paris! I was so excited for my mid-terms to be over! Wrong! On the way to my tests, the metros were jam backed with people. I has sweat running down my legs, and a ride that should have taken 10 minutes took 30, because people kept trying to cram more people in the cars. I was smashed in a corner while a lady’s faux fur bag rubbed my sweaty leg. I will NEVER own faux fur as long as I shall live! I still get chills thinking about how it felt like straw and I couldn’t escape that bag! I was so flustered getting to class and so hot that I am praying for a good grade on my first one! After my exams, I had to walk back home because the metros were even worse than before my tests. My favorite bands were the Brazilians with their drums. I recorded it on my camera, until figuring out that my camera had been on mute the ENTIRE time. Ana and I got cotton candy that as has big as my head! Around 12 it was time to head home, and Ana and I tried to brave the metro. We looked at one another and swore no matter what we were getting on. HAHA… the funniest thing happened that entire night. Some American kid had a freak out because he needed to pee and there was nowhere to go. His friends were no help as they sat there making “sssssss,” sounds in order to make him more furious. Ana and I sat there giggling the whole time.

After class on Wednesday, we went on a boat trip of the Seine River, and it was pretty cool. I didn’t see anything new, just from a different angle. What annoys me is how everyone on the boat felt the need to wave at everyone on the bridges, banks, and other boats. It really got in the way of some of my snapshots!

Thrusday night was a “chill night” because we all had to be up at the crack of dawn on Friday for train to Brussels. We went to a fondue restaurant and it was okay, but I have definitely had better food in Paris.

Friday morning came early! Especially because I kept waking up thinking I was going to miss my train. We had to be there at 6:30am. Once we got there I bought a few cups of coffee and “Boom” I was ready to go. I was going to Brussels with my school, and we were going to be visiting the EU. My favorite part was our speaker from Denmark. His English was very good, but his accent made me laugh. It was very to the point and at the end of his sentences his voice would go higher for some reason. The two girls I had sat with, Erin and Laura, and I had the giggles for some of the presentation, because some girl fell asleep and her hand kept her head up and her jaw looked like it had been unhinged from her head! The entire class took notice and our teacher quickly had her woken up. 

After the meeting, we were off to a grocery store for some booze. (I love how liquor is sold in grocery stores here because it is so convenient) What I didn’t like was that I had to pay for plastic bags! Then it was off to shower and hurry to get ready for dinner. Yes, I had mussels in Brussels! It was my first time to eat them and my table taught me how to eat them. I still have mixed reviews, because I couldn’t handle eating bits of sand in some of them. AND, the guy gave me no broth! After dinner it was off the bars! I had a lot of fun meeting new people, and there were 5 from Texas! 

The next morning Ana, Fernando (her brother), Jonathan and I were off to Amsterdam for the day. We arrived around 4 to a very cold and rainy Amsterdam. In other words: The weather was perfect! We visited the Anne Frank Museum, and it was very touching. I highly recommend seeing that if you are in Amsterdam, but buy your tickets online so that you can skip the line. OR, you will wait over an hour like us in the “perfect weather.” After Anne Frank, we had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and I ate so much! Then we were off to explore the city. I really thought Amsterdam was beautiful. And, the people are so incredibly nice! We walked down the infamous “Red Light District,” and it was an experience to say the least. I checked it off my list and kept walking. We found a bar, and started drinking the local beer: Heineken. Still can’t wait to find a Miller Light somewhere in this continent. 

The next morning it was back to Paris we go: on a bus. I loved how our bus driver literally pulled over in a parking lot and went somewhere with the police and then came back 30 minutes later as if nothing had happened. We got back around 10pm and we went straight to bed.

This morning I met my new friend, Erin, at Sacré-Coeur to see the beautiful church on the hill. Its dome it the second highest point in Paris, next to the Eiffel Tower. Today’s weather was 95 degrees, so a slight difference in the weather from my previous day. I wore a very thin dress and it still didn’t help. After sweating all the way up the hill to see the church it was off to find some lunch. We stopped at a souvenir shop, where I walked too close to a fan and it blew up my dress. I barely caught it in time, but the man working there saw it and kept insisting that I look at the ash trays behind the fan to get me to get close to it again. After insisting the fourth time I wanted to slap the guy! I put down the items I had wanted and walked out! JERK! Also, beware of men who try to braid bracelets on your wrist. They tell you, “for you because you are so pretty,” and then they request money AFTER they have tied the thing to you! He wanted 5 Euros and I gave him two and stormed off! I was so mad I fell for that!

 View of the Eiffel Tower From Sacre-Coeur

Class was miserable, because we had no AC! I was literally sitting in a puddle of my own sweat! Erin and I are in the same class and the heat brought on the giggles. I asked my teacher if there were any rooms that had air conditioning and he acted a bit offended by my “American-ness.” I wanted to shout off that in Texas this would be considered borderline torture!

After class is was back home where I made dinner, and then Ana I went to the Eiffel Tower to see it at night. At 1am the lights change and they go all crazy! I loved it! What I didn’t love was how some knuckle head proceeded to hit on me after I told him I had a boyfriend. He was so nosey, and wanted to know how long I had been dating him and if he could just buy me “one drink.” I told him no thank you, again, and then told him I had been dating my boy friend for two years. Once again, home boy didn’t get it and needed to tell me that 2 years is not a long time. I finally turned around and told him, “NO!” Idiot...

After taking pictures of the Tower, we hopped in a Taxi and were headed home to where I am currently typing this blog.Its off to bed for me, because after eating so much food this weekend a workout out tomorrow is MANDATORY for this little Faux Parisian! Bonne Nuit!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOB!

Monday was a school holiday, so lucky me! AND an old teammate of mine, Mandy, was backpacking through Europe and was in Paris. I met up with her in front of Notre Dame, and I am starting to feel like a tour guide with that place! After that it was off to the Eiffel Tower to see the staple of Paris. If you didn’t know, many Parisians thought that the Eiffel Tower was an eye sore and even called it the metal asparagus.

Then, we all wanted to see Moulin Rouge and it was an adventure to get there. First off, when we got off the metro we looked at each other like “Where are we?” Paris is a melting pot and sometime you feel like you stepped into another country. This time we were in India and Africa… yup a two for one special! And we stuck out! We found our way on the map and stopped at McDonalds (its hard trusting street food sometimes and so we needed a legitimate place for nourishment) on our adventure to Moulin Rouge. SISTA! Can I tell you that I felt so awkward walking down the road that leads to the Moulin Rouge, because it is FULL of adult stores and strip clubs?! And what is more awkward is how kids with their families are eating at restaurants right next to them. I am no parent, but I think that is a little much for children’s eyes. We came, we saw, we conquered. The Moulin Rouge is neat to see, but not worth the hassle of getting there. If you are pressed for time in Paris, avoid it.  After saying goodbye to Mandy and her friend, it was back home I went to get ready for a busy week of school.

Class on Tuesday started at 9:30 and its neat how Americans are very timely and the French stroll in 10-15 minutes later. A debate started between the French students and a Spanish student over if the Spanish President was a “President or a Prime Minister.” The girl I sit with, Erin, and I had our heads on a swivel listening to them argue about it. AND THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ARGUING! Both sides settled on not agreeing and the lesson went on. Erin and I are the only blondes and when the discussion started about Germany, guess which two girls were nominated for the part?

That night we went to a restaurant that boasts cheap dinners. I had the hamburger tartar, and I paid for not having my translator because I was served a raw hamburger patty that was toasted on the outside. I vowed to try it, and I paid for it later. Apparently the menu forgot to inform me that eating a hamburger tartar required a metal stomach.  

On Wednesday, I once again was reminded how homeless people here can be utterly disgusting. I was leaving my school and a homeless guy lives about half a block away, and he was throwing his own fecal matter into the street and it was BARE HANDED! I was gagging, and gagged all the way to the metro stop. I know only walk on the other side of the street, because I can’t be around him.

After class it was off to the Louvre! Kind of pathetic I have been here for almost 3 weeks and had yet to do that! BUT, I did. My favorite room was the one with royal jewels. Louis XV’s crown was my dream! I am super jealous; because I feel like that I could rock that thing better than he could! I passed by the Mona Lisa, because THERE ARE FREAKING MOBS TO SEE IT! I love the Greek sculptures, but I felt like I was walking down the street near Moulin Rouge with all the nudity of display! French Students get in free, so I’ll be back to take on more of the crowd. After leaving the Louvre, I got a call from a college teammate, Amanda Lackey, was also by the Louvre. It was so good to see her! Her and her boyfriend, Nils, walked us home because the metros were not running due to a “suspicious package.”

Before class on Thursday, Amanda and I met up for breakfast. I was so nice to catch up! This cute little Finch kept coming over to our table, so Amanda held out a piece of her almond and the bird took it! He did it the entire time we were there!

After class on Thursday, it was off to start scoping out clothes for the big sale coming next Wednesday. People take their shopping seriously, and I needed to map out my plan of attack. Then it was off the BHV to get a couple of things for the house. I wasn’t aware that the BHV is like a Neiman Marcus and that is where I went to find a pillow: A €26 PILLOW!  I’m still a little bitter that I didn’t know what I got myself into.

That night, all the Texans were craving some Margaritas. So, it was off to the Tennessee Restaurant to kill the craving for Happy Hour! AND, I had chips and guacamole… it was pure bliss! Then, Ana and I went down by the river to watch some locals dance to French music. I felt like I was watching Pride and Prejudice. Everyone knew the routines! I wish Americans had something comparable. Upon, leaving I had to pee like a racehorse! BUT, there were no bathrooms and I refused to set up shop in some bushes. The metro’s we closed so I had to walk home… walk for 20 minutes. By the time I reached the last street, I was running down St. Germaine as people stared at me! Just in case you were wondering: I made it home in time.

I didn’t have class on Friday, so I slept in. My room has a shade that you pull down, so I never know what time it is! After waking up at 12pm, I got ready and went on a run at a park by the Eiffel Tower. I went with John and David, and once again I got lost when we all got separated. Not to mention it was raining and I was freezing! After David found me it was home I went to get warm and nap. When I woke up I got ready and we went to meet Amanda for drinks. We ended up going to a friend of their friend’s apartment. The apartment was so cool. I was jealous! Once again, Amanda and I caught up and it nice to have a conversation with her boyfriend. I loved hearing about his visit to America. The fact that “Big Gulps” from 711 are only 89cents, or that he had never had a cinnamon roll!

When Ana and I got home, I called home because it was my dad’s birthday! I love how when we gave him his present the family was still together. I was watching on Skype and Corie was on speaker phone. I want to keep that moment private, but let’s just say no matter where we go in life we all “remember where we came from.” Happy Birthday Dad! I am so thankful and privileged to have such an incredible man to call my father. I love you and I cannot wait to hug you when I step off the plane in Dallas.  

Patton's in Paris: Part 2

Patton’s Part 2

I know I am a TERRIBLE blogger but I will catch everyone up!

The next day, Corie had to be up early in the morning to head out. I woke up, and headed over to the hotel to meet them.  CORIE WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH THE METRO THIS TIME! HAHA! Meanwhile, Emery and I headed to an American Restaurant for breakfast. I thought it was funny that scrambled eggs here are fried eggs chopped up. Whatever the case it was nice to have a little touch of home.

Emery had washed some clothes at the guy’s apartment, and the dryer broke so he and I were off to find a laundry mat.  (My washer wasn’t working and had almost snapped my finger off the day before) We got lost finding it and went into a dry cleaner to ask for help. As we approached the door a man walked out and I asked if he spoke English and he responded that he did and he was American. We struck up conversation and come to find out it was Jack McGraw (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569079/ ), the actor from The Fighter. He played Mark Walberg’s dad in the film. I haven’t seen the movie but I will back in the States, because this guy was one of the nicest people I had met in Paris. I could kick myself for not asking for a photo.

After drying Emery’s clothes, we headed back to my apartment (because Emery had checked out) so that he could get ready to leave on his flight. Emery did brave the metro again and I took him all the way to where he needed to get on the train. I wasn’t expected that right when we arrived on the platform the train came and it was a rushed goodbye. I don’t know what came over me but I just felt a huge rush of “Oh my gosh, I no longer have family in Paris” and started bawling. I had such a wonderful time with the Patton’s and I loved knowing that if something went wrong, I had family a few (hot and sticky) metro stops away. In a city where I am constantly lost in translation there is there is no translating how much I loved uncovering bits of Paris with the Patton’s. I was quite the scene leaving the metro; trying to wipe the tears as soon as they fell, but if anyone has seen me cry I looked tragic.

Patton's in Paris: Pictures

 View from The Marriot

 Clearly this guy has missed a few workouts...

 St. Michele Fountain

 Mom: Corie can never get onto you about pictures bc she is just like you

Patton's in Paris Part 1

Whew where to start! Ah I know… Corie and Emery are here!

Corie and Emery both arrived on Saturday afternoon, so I was going to take the metro to pick them up. I soon found out that the RER B (train to the airport) resembled more of a box car with seats than an actual train. Five minutes into my trip I knew the Red Haired Princess was going to be ticked when she rode back with me. DING DING DING… I was right. There is nothing like sitting in your very own puddle of sweat to welcome somebody to Paris. Clearly she missed the fact that I was trying to culture her on the Parisian Street Life. After lugging our bags around the metro we arrived at their hotel, and we had to shower to get the rancid stench that had been fermenting from other people’s lack of soap and water. I consider my first cultural lesson a success!

                                                          

Viola! We were now showered and ready to explore Paris beyond the underground! First, we walked around the Louvre, while Emery and Corie took pictures. And then it was off to the Palais Royal to show them where the most expensive apartments in Paris exist. The garden in the center is very beautiful! If you are visiting the Louvre, take the 5 minute walk and explore the garden.

Next we were headed along the Seine River to Notre Dame. It was neat to see the Patton’s taking in the beauty, as I did just a week before. After leaving Notre Dame, we were headed to the Latin Quarter to see all the restaurants. We picked a restaurant along St. Germain and had a lovely meal. However, what wasn’t lovely was the lack of suggestion that Corie took from her younger sister over footwear! To all of you reading: if you travel to Paris, make sure that you have comfortable shoes or you will pay with say… 4 blisters was it Corie?

Lucky for Corie and Emery, this weekend was the first Sunday of the month meaning that on the first Sunday of every month all the Museums in Paris are free. So, we woke up early and headed to the Musee d’Orsay (http://www.musee-orsay.fr/) to see works by van Gogh, Manet, and Monet… just to name a few. 

After seeing all the pictures we really wanted to see it was a mad dash to Notre Dame for Mass. We went to the International Mass, so they spoke French, English, and Spanish throughout the service. 

 After Mass, we headed to a street that is over the bridge behind Notre Dame for lunch. We found a treasure of a restaurant! Then it was back around the corner to an ice cream shop at the end of the bridge called Le Flore de L’Ele (I hope I remembered that right) for an amazing dessert. I am going to warn you about the Chocolate with Orange bits flavor, because your inner fat person will come out and you will crave it … daily. Mango, Mocha, and Raspberry are also wonderful flavors.

After ice cream we went to St. Severin Church in the Latin Quarter before making our way to the Jardin du Luxembourg. We sat by the main fountain, and watched the children sail their tiny boats. One particular child caught our eye, because it is the first person I have ever seen that had the same hair color as Corie’s! God Bless her mother!

 

Saint Severin

Corie at Jardin du Luxembourg

Now Monday was an adventure. I had orientation at my University, and got very lost in a pretty sketchy part of town. I thought I was supposed to exit Gare de Norde, when it was really Gare de l’est. So, you can see why it was an easy mistake! But, there was no mistaking the fact that after 30 minutes trying to wander around and find my University I started crying and called my adviser for help. This was the first time I was shaking with pure fear over where I was. He walked me through where I needed to be and in no time I was back on track, and very late.

After orientation, I headed to the Patton’s hotel room where the graciously let me crash until they arrived back from Champagne. My apartment does not have air conditioning (like most apartments here) and so I slept in pure bliss! I needed a good nap after my ordeal that morning.

Then it was home where Ana and I went for some Onion Soup and wine!

Tuesday was a VERY VERY LONG DAY! My morning started at 6am so that I could be up and ready at the Patton’s hotel at 7:30, because we were going to Versailles! Ek… I was like a kid in a candy shop… until it came the RER C Train that was so confusing that I almost lost my marbles. Corie and Emery were sure to let me know what a wonderful tour guide I was, BUT I got us there! Versailles was breathtaking! It is incredible to think that people lived there day in and day out. I am starting to understand why the French were so upset at their monarchs… they lived like Gods. If you are visiting Versailles: DO NOT GO ON TUESDAY! The crowds are terrible! I have never wanted to smack a lady for walking in my photos more than on Tuesday. I think a lady underestimated Corie’s “Wrecking Crew” strength until she bounced off of her into a door. Corie-1 Lady-0. The castle doesn’t look that big, because the gardens are gigantic and INCREDIBLE! We rented a cart after I got us lost trying to find the bikes (insert Emery and Corie’s tour guide comments here) and we were on our way to Marie Antoinette’s Le Petit Trianon. Good thing we rented the cart, because it started raining as we left and we would have been soaked! My favorite part driving was when Emery found the horn on the cart and proceeded to use it… a lot. On our way back we were freezing and needed to see some hot food and a place to sit. Viola: The Golden Arches! A double cheeseburger never came at a better time. 

 Versailles Garden

 In the back of the golf cart

After a long day, I went home to unwind. Around 10pm Ana I got an itch for the wonderful ice cream at Le Flore de L’Ele. We sat on the bridge where music played. We both agreed that tonight it really did feel like Paris.

 I had my first class on Wednesday, and got really lucky because the information in both my classes overlaps so I only had to go to one class. That night Corie, Emery, Ana, Fernando (Ana’s brother), John (Fernando’s roommate), and I went to a restaurant that was recommended by Ana’s professor. You can always tell when a restaurant is good when it is off the main road and crowded. Our waitress looked just like our Grandmother Barnes,

and Corie and I could not stop starring. The food was well worth the wait: Roast in tomato sauce with delicious mashed potatoes. It was my best meal in Paris yet! After our meal we headed a restaurant called Tennessee, where we had a round of drinks before bed.

Pathetic Parisians

Last night, Ana and I rallied and decided to try to go to this bar she had been once before. She had only been in the top part, and we quickly learned about the underground. Ah! We walked right into a little jewel. The walls had such old stone, low ceilings, two small rooms, and even an old well.  The bar had been around since the 60’s and the music never changed. After a beer, we stumbled onto some people that spoke English, and they warned us about how this place got crazy. It was such a wonderful scene: People in their twenties singing to music from the 60’s in French, Italian, and English. The fashion from the girls was so inspiring! We learned from a French guy, that the place used to be a hot bed for philosophers. Ana and I both agreed that we would be back!

This morning, I finally unpacked all of my things. I know it’s pretty pathetic that I have been here for almost a week and had yet to do that. After unpacking, Ana and I went for a bite to eat and I had my first éclair! Never had an éclair? Think of it as the Éclair is living on Park Avenue and the Twinkie is living in the slums. It took all my restraint not to gobble it up. No, éclairs are the refined Twinkie so I tried to act refined while eating it. I succeed… well done mom!

Our Metro passes started today, meaning we get to ride the Metro and buses as many times as we want and we vowed to get our money’s worth. So, we decided that we were going to see the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) today, and get there on the metro. First, we got on the wrong train and had to ask how in the world we get back. We found our way by having to ask the information booth, because we were still confused at the next metro intersection. Believe it or not, the hardest part about the metro is finding the exit. We look like complete tourists walking underground. BUT,  we will master it!

The Eiffel Tower is… well you’ve seen the pictures. We had barely taken our first picture when a person in gorilla costume came up and hugged Ana for a picture. I snapped the shot and then the damn monkey holds out a cup. HE CHARGED US FOR THE SHOT. Ana put 50cents in and then the monkey turned the cup to show 2Euros. She shook her head and we began to walk away until he tried to stop her, and I’ll give it to Ana because she shook her finger and declared, “Excusez-moi.” The monkey did not persist. I laughed for about 30 minutes. (I secretly wanted him to approach us while leaving, so I could get another laugh… sorry Ana)

We then took a nap in the garden in front of the Eiffel Tower! It doesn’t hit me until I write what a neat experience it is to nap in front of the Eiffel Tower! 

Thank goodness we napped; because little did we know we were going to need it! We got back on the metro and were home in a breeze. After, buying a hat and a sandwich we were headed home. WRONG WRONG WRONG! We got lost and spent over an hour trying to find our way back! It did have its fun when we finally had to sit down and just started laughing at our luck, and at the fact that we know people were looking at us like, “Ah, Americans.”  Seeing the green door to our apartment was so sweet! Ana and I agreed that we are “Pathetic Parisians.”