- We arrived in Paris at 8 in the morning. Right off the train we had to find our friend’s house in Antony, a suburb by Paris. By nine we found a McCafe (our other home away from home because of free internet) and contacted Jean Pierre. He came and picked us up from the subway station 5 minutes after we called!
- Jean Pierre is 60-something-retired-and-proud French man. He loves motorcycles and traveling the world. Though he struggled at first, his language skills in English grew tremendously while with us. The first day he asked if we wanted to see Paris through his eyes. Of course we agreed and loaded up in his car for the great city!
- Paris was gorgeous by day. Though I had been there before, I felt like I saw it in a new light with Jean Pierre; he showed us his favorite places as well as the tourist attractions and talked about the history and meaning these places had for him as a Parisian. I love people who have passion and pride in their lives; it shows conviction and helps people take advantage of the wonderful lives they have.
- After visiting Paris, we drove back to his flat where we met the amazing Catherine, or Cat. Cat is a singing-feminine-50-something-and-proud French woman. She was so spunky and full of life. I had so much fun getting to know her and talking about everything from 401K’s to French movies. We ate a delicious pizza and she whipped up a fresh salad and chocolate brownie. Yummmmmmm.
- At the end of the evening we watched half of the Big Blue and went to bed.
- The following day, Trent and I visited Versailles. I found it very ironic that the line was so large and they still charged 25 EU per person. It’s like the bourgeoisie all over again! But the trip was well worth it.
- Then we went to downtown Paris where I picked up a new backpack! Yay no more haulin' around a broken one!!! After that we went window shopping (Such a tease…ESPECIALLY IN PARIS).
- But we saved our money for the end of the day where we ate out at a delicious, authentic, and inexpensive French restaurant. They held up to Paris’ bad service reputation; but the food was UNBELIEVABLE!!! I was so sad when I finished the last bite of my chocolate mousse!
- For Sunday, Trent and I planned ahead and found the Latter-day Saint church in the area. It was actually only a 30-minute drive and there were well over 80 people in the ward! Though the whole meeting was in French, we could still feel the sweet spirit of the gospel along with the happy and strong members stronger than ever. The songs were awesome to sing and decipher since they are the same melody as the English ones. Trent and I hope one day to live in a small ward like this to serve our church in the area.
it's actually a scroll that sculpture's holding but we thought it was a thumb.
- Jean Pierre picked us up from the station again (him and Cat seriously were the best hosts EVER!) and took me to a pastry place close to their flat. I WAS IN HEAVEN. Trent and I may have bought too much for our stomachs to handle, but we’ll carry it onto our next city Brussels where we are headed to tonight!
What we are thinking right now: We’re so excited for Brussels. Or at least I am…hopefully Trent more than he thinks he will. Now that we’re about half way through I thought I would reflect on and review our travels thus far.
1. This trip is AWESOME. Trent and I are having a blast and loving being with each other through the crazy adventures, both good and bad. To anybody thinking about going backpacking, DO IT.
2. Couch Surfing is awesome and well worth the time and effort. A lot of people may think it’s a dangerous concept, connecting with people on the internet from abroad, meeting them for the first time at their house and sleeping there, but they have references on the internet that verify their safety. Also, meeting the people from various countries and learning about their way of life is the best
3. Trent and I like the EuroRail pass…but we don’t love it. Though they give you a straight fee for the 21 days and 22 countries, they also make you pay for the reservations for certain trains (like from country to country, overnights or fast trains). But honestly, I don’t know another way to travel to all the places we wanted to go for cheap enough. Maybe I should have looked more into Rick Steve’s.
4. All the places we have visited so far are FANTASTIC. If Trent and I had the choice, we would stay in those places for much longer and make our trip like 6 months long. There’s so much historic, stylish, ancient beauty which is just something you don’t get to see in the USA.
5. Although there are some cool things about Europe (that we have noticed so far) like the old architecture, delicious chocolate, great public transportation systems, and friendly people, Trent and I thoroughly miss certain parts of USA more. For instance:
· you have to pay .50 Eu in train station to go to the bathroom but dogs poop on the street wherever they please for free.
· Public displays of affection have nothing on the Europeans in Spain and France.
· Advertisements rarely make sense or target the right market. Usually they include exposure of inappropriate body parts
· Our family and friends are not here (that’s the hardest part)!
· A large car to a European is a Honda Civic.
· 1.48 USD = 1 EU
I don’t mean to complain, I think it just helps me appreciate the USA that much more. We look forward to our happy lifestyle and culture in America. I think it’s great to talk to people and understand how they enjoy their way of life because I enjoy mine so much too. It reminds me that there are many ways to be happy in this world.
There's so much more I could write and so many other stories to say. But the train is here and I need to sleep. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Miss you Sandy and Karen :)
I loved what you wrote at the end. You have such an open mind and are just such a happy person and I greatly admire that. That is why it is good to go and experience other cultures and countries because then you learn to appreciate what you have that much more. And I am getting some of that through your eyes. LOVE the pictures! I am so jealous! I want to go to France!!! I want to spend a week at the Louvre too.
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ReplyDeletewhat you're doing is awesome and amazing and i'm thoroughly jealous and i wish i could do it too and i miss you
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