The Gates of Hell

Since my last blog, I have basically been shopping, going to school, and eating all the wonderful food Paris has to offer!

On Saturday (yesterday), I vowed I would finally get up and go early to Notre Dame to climb the bell towers. Although I was there early, I didn’t beat the tourists and waited in line for an hour! But, at last it was an onward march up the stairs. The Bell Tower Tour is not for the fat or for those who get dizzy quickly. I felt as though I fell into both categories, because this ex-athlete needed an inhaler break! Embarrassing… I know. The pictures I got were incredible and I wish I would have made the Patton’s wait in line, because they would have been blown away. The view was spectacular and is just another reason why Patrick is going to have to rip me away from this city when we head to Germany. I love this city and all that it has to offer, and after being here for a month it still fascinates me.

After the bell tower it was off to eat Crepe Suzette at “Crepe Suzette.” It is a Crepe that has Grand Marnier poured over the top and then is lit on fire. MMMM delicious! Crepe Suzette’s are a very well know dessert to Paris, but Ana had to search high and low to find it.  

Then it was off to find a hair salon, because home-girl (that’s me) was in desperate need for her hair to be colored. Sorry to all the tourists for ruining your shots as I romp around the city with that color combo on my head! It took forever to get there because the metro we needed (that had 7 entrances) was closed and we had to go one by one to see which passage was open. I think we got lucky after the 4^th one? Once arriving, I just felt like a change and cut 10 inches off! The whole salon stood behind me watching the lady cut my hair as if I was a circus animal. (Corie: I don’t want to hear your comment to that last sentence)The woman cutting my hair made me promise not to cry. I didn’t and I really do like it, but it will take some getting used to. Mom and Dad: it will grow back and I promise not to cut again until after graduation.

Later, we headed for the Arc de Triumph! Two things are very sad in this equation: I have been in Paris for a month and haven’t seen it, and once again I am out of shape. The stairs were worse than Notre Dame! (Good thing I had less hair to weigh me down). Once again, I was spoiled with breathtaking views of a town I am truly going to miss! 

Stairs... lots of them

After the Arc de Triumph, it was off to walk down Champs Elysees! Problem: the guys wanted to run across the street! If any of you have been to Paris, the circle around the Arc de Triumph is a busy road and a “Circle of Death” for pedestrians. They crossed successfully, but I could not because every part of my body told me: you promised your parents not to do anything dumb and after cutting my hair I knew I was treading on thin ice. So, Ana and I chickened out and took the long, underground route to the street.

Sunday came early again, because on the first Sunday of every most museums in Paris are free. Ana hadn’t been to the Musee d’Orsay so I promised I would go with here. WRONG! The line was ridiculous. So, we detoured to the flea market. I LOVED THE FLEA MARKET! Well, the furniture and vintage area that is. I saw a Chanel Purse I had to have. But, couldn’t because after that charge I would have seen The Gates of Hell (You’ll understand that joke later). As we walked around the furniture area Ana sat down while I browsed a store and started conversation with a man. I walked up and the man said, “You live off Rue du Four.” Ana asked him “How did you know we lived off Rue du Four.” And here comes the weird part: He replied “Because I recognize you (pointing to me) from your kitchen window.” I wanted to crawl inside my body. This guy is the one who smokes by his window and stares at our kitchen window. I have gone so far as not to be in my kitchen when he is there, because it’s just awkward. He acted like “Hey, nice to finally meet you neighbor” and I wanted to run… back to America.

After that little adventure, we were off to the Musée Rodin. Auguste Rodin was regarded as the greatest 19^th century French sculptor. His famous pieces include The Gates of Hell, The Kiss, and The Thinker. The garden was (as all Parisian gardens) beautiful and it was nice to be outside while viewing art. I was a little confused by The Gates of Hell, because I thought that was my dad’s closet that housed the belt used for spankings. Although, this one was much more artistic, my dads is hand down (no pun intended) more terrifying.  As I tried to snap a photo, I waited patiently for all the tourists to get up close and look at the piece of work, but my and other people’s patience wore thin when a couple decided to take 15 minutes in the way of our photos. This woman would wander like she was going to leave and then wander back in the middle, throwing us all off. Needless to say, I was about to show her the other side of that door! 

Lady who wouldn't move...

After leaving the Museum, we came home to where I am writing to you now. Now, I have to write a report on Volkswagen and fix dinner before my neighbor comes home. So, you understand why I need all my concentration.  AND, most importantly, I need to lay my outfit out for the 4^th of July! Thanks France for funding that war for us!