Friday in Paris

Arriving in Paris Thursday evening at midnight was the best way that I could have spent my first holiday away from my family. I had to work all day Thursday and I traveled with two other TASIS teachers to Paris that evening. I drank a good amount of wine in the airport, slept on the plane through take off and landing and made my way to 17 Rue Monge, Lisa's apartment. In all reality, it could have been any other three day weekend and that is what needed to happen in order for me to be able to get through it.

Friday morning, I woke up leisurely and putzed around Lisa's apartment until I finally ventured out into the rain to explore Paris. I very little idea as to where I was and where I was going. I knew that I had to find Notre Dame and then I would be heading in the right direction for the majority of the sights I was suppose to see according to one of my students who had made an itinerary for me before I left.

I stopped at the local bakery where the croissant nazi works and successfully ordered / pointed at the raisin aux panne that I wanted. Paid quickly and moved on my way, juggling my umbrella, purse and now breakfast. As I was walking down Rue Monge I saw the Pantheon to my left and I figured I should see it while I was here. It was beautiful. There was also quite an impressive church behind it that I explored for some time. While I was looking around I was able to help an elderly women whose umbrella had turned inside out and take a picture of a couple of English college kids who were trying to do the outstretched arm thing. At this point I was telling myself that it was going to be a good day, wondering, not having direction and just exploring what Paris had to offer. I figured I would find my way eventually.

Well, eventually was about 2 hours later. I walked through the Latin Quarter, unknowing at the time. There were many cute stores and restaurants along the street that I peaked into. As I continued walking the atmosphere of the street changed a little and I began to question if I was truly heading where I wanted to go. I could no longer see the eiffel tower which was my beacon of sorts, so I turned down another cute street where I came upon a bakery. I stopped and had another raisin aux panne and asked for directions. In French I was told how to get to Notre Dame. Not so much help. However, three people later and walking by the coolest looking firefighters I found my destination. I was excited, so I took a picture.

The rest of the day was just not that exciting. I wonder through Notre Dame where I met a very chatty teacher from Naples, Italy. Within five minutes she was offering up her couch to me if I ever wanted to visit and gave me her name, phone numbers and e-mail address. I am going to save it because I never know when it will come in handy. From Notre Dame I walked Rue di Rivoli, a major shopping street, with the destination of Galleries Lafayette. No luck on the shopping end so I turned around and went back to the Louvre to meet up with Brody and Joanna to see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue. They were both quite amazing.