Patrick in Paris: Part 2 (Bastille Day)

We were able to peel ourselves away from the bed, and get on the metro late but still made it the Grand Army Parade. My friend from college, Micalea (a new Micalea), got into town and came with us to celebrate Bastille Day. We got a great spot near the Concorde UNTIL two oriental women decided to trick us into getting in front of us! They acted as if they needed to speak to the Police that were right next to us, and then stopped after we made room for them. Those little snakes! Ana and Micalea  pushed their way back in front of them, and I made the "I'm with them" move. However, the taller one was a total “b-word” and was not about budge. So, I just made her life miserable with bumps here and there to remind her of the consequences of her decision to cut people. Enjoy your blurry photos!The march was spectacular and I really wish that the USA would have something comparable. Every branch of the military marches down, chanting their platoons song, swinging their swords, and marching in unison! Also, there so many different planes that flew over the street. AND, they even had huge tanks and other military vehicles that were shown off. It made even an American prideful for the French Military and I wish the US would do the same to allow the great women and men of our country to be seen in a different light. The coolest part was that some soldiers got to march after just serving in Afganistan. I only knew this by my new found ability to listen around me (it was my way of trying to hear English at the drop of a hat) because a French man was telling his American girlfriend why everyone was clapping.

Note: On the Fourth of July, Americans always wear red, white, and blue. You look alien if you don’t. So, I got dressed thinking “better dress in red, white and blue so that I blend in with the French today.” WRONG! No one really wore red, white and blue unless you count the American girls I saw on the metro that got the same idea as me. I felt like an utter tourist.

After the parade it was back on the metro to Notre Dame. I have been so many times, but still find something new and magical! After that, we met up with Magen and Tyler and were going to head to Trocadero (a metro stop that has the best view of the Eiffel Tower). Wrong. Due to the festivities, they had blocked it off so we got a picture but nothing near what it could have been. We decided we would try to make it down around the Eiffel Tower, but were once again with countless road blocks as they prepared for the firework display that night. But, as a good tour guide I took them to the Alexander Parodi Bridge where it was “take your wedding photos day,” because there were a handful of brides (in gaudy dresses I might add) taking photos on the breathtaking bridge. HAHA the hairstyles on some of those brides were a bit odd (I’m being polite, because I am typing this on a Sunday).

That night, Patrick and I met up with some of my friends from my university to watch the fireworks behind the Eiffel Tower! We were starving and went to get some food, but the lines were never ending! I looked over and saw watermelon and cantaloupe for sale and Patrick and I immediately bought some… we instantly felt rejuvenated.  The fireworks were unbelievable! Every year they theme the fireworks display and this year I am assuming it was famous plays. They played so many American songs (New York New York and Chicago to name a few) and I was very confused as to what was happening. Had we been in American and they played French songs, the country would be livid. BUT, it was magical and I felt extremely blessed to have witnessed it! AND it made up for me missing the fireworks on Julth 4th. AND I got to sing along!

Since there were a zillion people at the Eiffel Tower, Patrick and I were not about to take the metro (hahaha I should have just to see his face again). So we took my handy dandy map and walked home… in a sea of people. I felt like I was in a massive school of fish.  Patrick was in shock at how crowded the streets were. After getting back to the apartment we HAD to get a bite to eat, and then we were off to bed because Versailles awaited us early in the morning!

Patrick In Paris: Part 1

So. I know. I am a TERRIBLE BLOGGER. Good thing I am not getting paid to do this. BUT, it is all for good reason. I have been super busy with the last week of school, Patrick arriving in Paris, friends arriving in Paris, and Bastille Day.

 My weekend was a slow one, because it was the one prior to exams.  On Saturday, I went to the Invalides to see the Musee d’Army and it is now my favorite museum in Paris! My mind was thoroughly captured looking at the progression of weaponry and armor. I even got to see the armor worn by Knights! I felt like I was in the movie “A Knights Tale” and I wanted to quote “It’s called a lance, hello!” After that we went to see the Napoleons Tomb and I now have filled my head with extravagant ideas about my own funeral. Even in all the excitement of what I was seeing, I did get a little chocked up. Growing up, mom would always take pictures of us girls on the cannons at The Battery in Charleston. It has become almost a slideshow of how we have grown. There were so many cannons at the Military Museum that it made me really miss my family. Ana asked if I wanted a picture with one, but with the Barnes girls it is very much “one for all and all for one.” So, I just took in a moment where I felt like my mom and sisters were there. I was waiting to hear her voice telling me to stop making funny faces and to quit messing with Randi. I decided to spend my entire Sunday in my apartment to relax and really prepare myself for exams. Pathetic, but I was preparing myself for the week ahead of me:

On Monday, I did get to see more the city that I love. My classmate and friend, Erin, and I went to study in the Luxembourg Garden. We felt trés cool sitting out there amongst all the Parisians, acting not as a tourist but as a student (It’s like being bumped up a class on an airplane… nothing to brag about but something worth noting).  This past Tuesday, after rocking my exam my friend Micalea and I went to St. Chappell, and after waiting in a short line were very shocked at what we came into. St. Chappell as the most amazing stain glass! We sat down and just stared at the walls in utter amazement. We both came unprepared without our cameras, but my iPhone did do a lot of justice. I then took her to St. Severin and St. Sulpice.

Wednesday was finally here! It was the day Patrick would arrive, I would finish my last exam, my friend Magen would be in town, and the festivities for Bastille Day would start. After again rocking my 2^nd exam, I was running to the metro to get to the airport. However, the metro stood in my way by closing the lines for metro tickets and thus making me stand in a line with train tickets and taking an hour! BUT, I made it to the airport and found Patrick for a very long overdue kiss! Then it was a mad dash to my apartment to drop off the luggage, change (because I was wearing shorts and FREEZING… yup I walked around Paris looking like “that girl” who didn’t look at the weather). Then it was off to meet my friend, Magen, and her brother-in-law, Tyler, in front of Notre Dame. Poor Patrick was starring at Notre Dame with ants in his pants wanting to go inside, but we had other plans to go to St. Chappell (which is just around the corner).  They loved it and I loved listening to Magen and Tyler’s stories of their travels as they backpacked through Europe.  

After St. Chappell it was off to the Luxembourg Garden, but took a slight detour so I could show Magen, and avid lover of books, the famous bookstore: Shakespeare and Co. Her eyes got huge walking around, and I felt like a great tour guide helping uncover pieces of Paris that can go un-noticed in the rest of all the excitement of the monuments. Arriving at the Luxembourg Garden, we all were in for a BIG SHOCK of two homeless people performing pretty risqué acts. The biggest shocker is that no one was doing anything about it. I wasn’t even prepared for that “scene.” As always, Luxembourg was awe-inspiring, and after asking a couple of old men where the original Statue of Liberty was in perfect French (My French isn’t that good, but I like to brag when I get it right) we found it! We parted ways after the Luxembourg Garden, and Patrick and I were off to explore more of the city.

I think the ants in Patrick’s pants had become unbearable because he wanted to go back to Notre Dame. The look on his face was unforgettable, as he wandered around inside trying to wrap his head around what he was seeing. Two months ago, I was that girl. I reminded me just how close I was to leaving the city, and how incredibly lucky I was to have been on this amazing adventure in my life. After, Notre Dame we decided to take the metro to The Louvre. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I now welcome you to Patrick’s first experience with a crowded metro. You should have seen his face, and we missed 4 trains due to his fear with that many people around him. After the fourth missed metro, we were back on foot walking our way to the Louvre. We stopped to eat, where Patrick got his first bowl of Onion Soup.

At the Louvre, we went to see the Mona Lisa, the Greek Sculptors, and a real treat for me (because I had yet to see it): Napoleon II’s Apartments. Walking around you get lost in how in must have been to lived there back then. I think I day dreamed the entire time.

That night, the festivities for Bastille Day started. We started the night at our favorite bar off Rude de Canettes. In Paris, on the night before Bastille Day all the firehouses throw huge parties to raise money for their firehouse. We however, got there late and were not about to stand in line for 2 hours to get inside. So, it was off to an Irish Pub for more drinks! Then it was off to another bar, before getting home around 3am. We had to be up around 8 in order to get ready for the Grand Army March on the Champs Elysees.

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!

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.