Paris Trip Day 16

Leave a comment November 23, 2016 Elsa Fridl

Wednesday. I woke up feeling happy. I savored breakfast, had a shower, and simply started to walk. I walked for a mile or two taking pictures and enjoying the moment; and, once again, I followed signs and walked to Champs-Elysees, where I spent just a moment in Sephora to see how much Dior Skin costs. I found a cape I like at a nearby shop…oh my goodness…since working at Garfinckel’s (my store!), I’ve had a secret, life-long desire to buy a cape in Paris! I’ll have to think about it.

I ducked into McDonald’s to use the bathroom. Sometimes I feel a little like George Costanza, always knowing and thinking about where the public restrooms are. I was tired from walking again. I thought long and hard about whether I should buy the cape while I was on my way back to the hostel. I was too tired to exercise.

It pays to know where the McDonald’s restaurants are in Paris since they have public restrooms.

Salut !

Photographer image by Can Stock Photo. McDonald’s image on the Champs-Elysees by Shunsuke Kobayashi, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Paris Trip Day 15

Leave a comment November 22, 2016 Elsa Fridl

Abbesses Metro entrance. Most metro entrances have an awning in Art Deco style, such as this one.

Tuesday. I had a great day today. I ended up making the chamber maid happy for stripping the bed of a roommate’s who had checked out. Then I went to Grand Boulevards Metro using different Metro lines I’ve taken so far to go to Hard Rock Cafe. It was so funny, I asked the guy at the desk for directions, and he told me to go to Abbesses Metro (the other close-by metro; I’ve always taken Blanche) and then follow signs to keep walking, that I would be essentially walking to another metro station, though never leaving underground. He also said he almost hated to tell me that because he didn’t want me to get confused. I looked at the metro map, looked at him, then back at the map, and told him, “Okay, but if I don’t come back, please send a search party for me because I’m probably lost underground somewhere.” And I just started to laugh. He looked concerned, which made it all the funnier. I couldn’t get over it: I think of myself as an intrepid traveler and then I balk at walking underground for an extended time. Who am I kidding?

Paris Metro has many more twists and turns underground than the metro in Washington, D.C.

I found Hard Rock Café without any trouble. I couldn’t wait to have a burger lunch. I thought I might get faster service by sitting in the bar area; I was mistaken, for they messed up my order. The inside was gorgeous, and the seating beckoned patrons to sit and enjoy themselves. But as I ate my hamburger and took in the ambiance, I realized I am a lot older than I used to be. When I was younger, going to Hard Rock Café was all the rage (and getting a T-shirt with “Hard Rock Café Paris” and the like, to go with it). But I didn’t feel the same way about it: instead of hearing familiar rock and roll in the background, I heard hard rock blasting in my ears. Hard rock videos played all around the place and I found myself feeling a little out of place. Not a bad thing: it’s okay to realize I’ve changed. It just took me by surprise. I bought a T-shirt before I left since I no longer have my Hard Rock Café Paris shirt that I bought the last time I was in Paris. I also took a few pictures of the exterior.

The Hard Rock Cafe in Paris has a beautiful interior.

The Hard Rock Cafe in Paris has an unmistakable exterior and a beautiful interior to go with it.

From there, I just started to walk, and since I saw signs to Charles de Gaulle Etoille, a.k.a. Champs-Elysees, I kept walking. Paris during the day is beautiful, but at night, it is simply breathtaking. I ducked into the Galeries Lafayette just to window shop. The interior design of the place and the seasonal decorations were simply breathtakingly beautiful. I just stood in this massive space and took in the beauty of my surroundings. The French do everything with such style and class. Such beauty makes me glad to be alive. Do the French people know how extraordinarily beautiful their surroundings are? When you live here, do you take it for granted? I don’t think I ever would.

A Christmas decoration at the Galeries Lafayette.

I bought a few magnets of rue signs at sidewalk kiosks. I told Nicdadya about my adventures and how gorgeous the Galeries Lafayette were. She just smiled. I’m tired from walking, and very, very happy – especially since I found my way back to the hostel without any trouble. They won’t have to send a search party for me tonight after all!

Salut!

Abbesses Metro image by Can Stock Photo. All other images by Elsa L. Fridl.

Paris Trip Day 13

Leave a comment November 20, 2016 Elsa Fridl

The Eiffel Tower is viewed by the world-over as a symbol of France. I have come to view it as also a catalyst for joy.

Sunday. I walked along the Seine River after taking the #30 bus to Trocedero again. I soaked up the energy near the Eiffel Tower and had a take-away sandwich. I love watching people in their excitement being at the Eiffel Tower: they all have such joy on their faces. There are now large stones in front of E.T. that people can stand on and take selfies (what a word!) or regular pictures. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower again. (!) It never gets boring. It is so awe-inspiring. The views are so gorgeous.

An aerial view of the City of Paris as seen from the Eiffel Tower.

After the Eiffel Tower, I started my journey to the slip of my dinner cruise. I looked and looked and looked and didn’t see what the gentleman from Le Capitaine Fracasse spoke of, a part jutting out from the Seine River, meaning their slip. A French couple saw my distress and offered to help me find the slip. We found it in plenty of time and I waited in line. I struck up a conversation with an American couple. They were here on business and decided to take some vacation time to see Paris. One thing I’ve noticed: Paris brings out the joy in people, because the tourists I speak to all seem to be in great moods, even serene. The line started to get lonnngggggggg; glad I got there early. When I was asked where I wanted to sit I said that I wanted to sit near a window, and I was told it would be an extra 10 euros for a better view. I said no thanks, as I reflected on Rick Steves’ description of the dinner cruise in which he said to “get there early for good seating;” there was no mention of paying more for a good seat. Then I was seated by myself in full view of a rowdy party, and patrons were using my table as a shortcut to get to their table. I nearly left. After all, a dinner cruise isn’t just about the food: the atmosphere is part of what you pay for. First I moved my table next to the table next to me, and a server smiled in recognition of how I was keeping patrons from brushing past me. (Since he saw my distress, why didn’t he seat me somewhere else?) Then I asked if I could sit farther in the back since there was so much space available. (The ship was at most half-full.) I sat next to a French couple who didn’t take their eyes off of each other. I could not believe that this petite woman ate EVERYTHING presented to her, as thin as she was. She ate basically what I did: a tray of 3 appetizers, (including Foie des Grais, which I didn’t eat), fish with potatoes in a light sauce, a tray of 3 desserts, including a puff pastry that was out of this world, and wine and espresso. Culinary heaven.

A Capitaine Fracasse dinner cruise is an elegant way to experience the views along the Seine River.

A dinner cruise is an elegant way to experience the views along the Seine River.

When I disembarked and started to walk, I felt so alive! I happened to exclaim to no one in particular what a beautiful night it was. The response of a French couple who got off the same dinner cruise: “Of course, you’re in Paris!”

I got back to the hostel and found I had a new roommate. I floated off to sleep.

Salut !

Images of Eiffel Tower and Eiffel Tower view by Elsa L. Fridl. Image of dinner cruise on Seine River by Can Stock Photo.

Paris Trip Day 6

Leave a comment November 13, 2016 Elsa Fridl

The Champs-Elysee is framed by the Ferris wheel of Paris (Roue de Paris) at one end, and the Arc de Triomphe is at the other. Beautiful by day, magnificent at night.

The Champs-Elysee is framed by the Ferris Wheel of Paris (Roue de Paris) at one end, and the Arc de Triomphe at the other. Both are beautiful by day, magnificent at night.

Sunday. I had a great day today. I came back from Gold Hotel with little trouble, put my things down, and went and had a leisurely brunch at Cafe Bruant, near Plug-Inn. While there, I met a Parisian named Emile. We talked a lot, such as about the differences between Paris and L.A. He told me liked Paris much better: like many French people I’ve met, he said Americans only seem to be interested in making money – not enjoying life and the relationships we have with others. He also told me about his father’s business making luxury sheets and other things for the bedroom. He told me he is a writer. He spoke very good English, yet apologized for it. I wondered if he was angling for us to spend some time together, when all of a sudden his demeanor changed and he said he had to go. (What did the woman sitting next to me do? Why did it seem in my peripheral vision like she shook her head ‘no’?) He gave me directions to get to a gym, and I wondered if I can follow them. Before he left, he reminded me to go to the photography exhibit today at Grand Musee.

Parisians sit outside to eat and talk regardless of the weather. Relationships are what matter, not the weather.

The exhibit was huge! I saw what I could in 2 ½ hours. I was exhausted from concentrating. I decided to go walking along the Champs-Elysees and look at the Christmas exhibits, where people sell their wares in outdoor kiosks. In French I ordered a crepe with Grand Marnier. I hate to toot my own horn, but it felt great to see the woman’s eyes light up when I was able to order in French. On the other side of the street, I talked with a Moscovite about the lacquer boxes that he was displaying. I told him about the lacquer boxes I saw while I was in Moscow. He talked to me at length about where and how they are made. He seemed to enjoy talking about his homeland. He smiled when I said “spasibo” as I parted, and as I walked away I knew if I could have a superpower it would be to speak any language at any given moment. It makes people feel so validated to speak to them in their own language.

The Grand Musee, also called the Musee du Grand Palais, where the Photography Exhibit was held.

I walked some more along Champs-Elysees. I finally took the Metro back to the hostel, and grabbed some take-away chicken and rice from a Japanese restaurant nearby that I just know I’m going to be a regular at while I’m here. I’m exhausted. I want to remember to read about dinner cruises to see if I really want to go to the one I picked out before my trip; regardless of which one, I’ll need to book it online. I also want to read over how to get to London in Rick Steves’ book.

I have to remember to be unafraid to be true to who I am here. At home, I feel pressured not to be as feminine as I feel inside; Parisians aren’t like that. They accept my best self here. I love being here. I also need to remember my prayer time in the A.M.

Salut !

All images by Can Stock Photo.

Paris Trip Day 5

Leave a comment November 12, 2016 Elsa Fridl

Breakfast is always my favorite meal, but it is even better in Paris.

Saturday. Saturday already! I had my usual breakfast with ½ banana and some (very expensive) cherries that I bought. No croissant. I shouldn’t eat one every day since I am not subject to the French paradox of eating mega calories and not gain weight. Not anymore, anyway. Those were the days!

I got my things ready to go to the hotel. Then I walked a lot and took some pictures. I found a supermarket at which to buy some food (down the street from the theatre near Pigalle Metro), took some pictures, and found that Monoprix is a lot like Target, only classier: They sell EVERYTHING, including some grab-n-go food, like lentils in a delicious sauce. Mmmmmmmmmmmm. I want to eat well while I am here, but cheaply sometimes, too. I will likely have lentils tonight. I had Bruschetta for lunch at a Bistro just on the other side of the street from the Gold Hotel, followed by a cappuccino at a café.

A statue of Charles de Gaulle.

Later: Now I am sitting on my huge bed at Gold Hotel (with a French nature program on), and am reading my guidebook to see if there is anything additional I want to do.

Salut !

Image of coffee by Can Stock Photo. Image of statue by Elsa L. Fridl.

Paris Trip Day 3

Leave a comment November 10, 2016 Elsa Fridl

I love travelling, but sometimes…

Thursday. I am super-tired. One of my roommates elbowed my bunk bed several times and crinkled her essentially-empty water bottle numerous times during the night. Miss Irritating. It’s times like these I have to remind myself that it was my choice to stay in a hostel so I wouldn’t be alone so much. It wouldn’t be so hard to take if she didn’t seem so negative all the time. She complained about the lack of space. She complained about the breakfast, which I loved, telling me how she has seen “much better spreads” in hostels where there are 20 people to a dorm room, when we have four people to a room here. In fact, she complained so much I asked her why she was staying here: It’s not like anyone is forcing her to stay here. She said she was staying here because her friends were staying here. She seemed nice enough when I met her, but she’s turned into Miss Irritating. I wish I could tell her, PLEASE KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. I won’t.

The Sephora on the Champs-Elysees is absolutely gorgeous.

I had a pretty good day. I went to Sephora (and Monoprix) to replace the items that went missing; I haven’t decided whether to get Bumble & Bumble hair products. Monoprix is very close by. They’re like a Target in the States, only classier. They sell many types of items. I bought L’Oreal moisturizer, an eye cream, baby lotion. I took the Metro from Blanche to Champs-Elysees to go to Sephora. I admit I had more jitters using the Metro than I did before (probably because of all I have been through), but I know I have to learn to be gentler with myself. I’ve been through a lot. I’m here to recuperate and enjoy Paris. The Sephora on the Champs-Elysees is HUGE – it must be at least 10 times the size of the one in Montgomery Mall! And gorgeous! I couldn’t get over how busy they were…like the day after Thanksgiving, every day. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had close to 100 people working. What a nightmare it must be to write a schedule that large. But all the employees were so nice…and they helped me find what I needed.

After Sephora I went walking. I walked so much that I later took a hop-on, hop-off bus tour for 2 hours just to get off my feet. I didn’t have to pay the full price – it was late, and I told the driver I only wanted to get on for an hour or two. We negotiated the price and he told me I could get off in 2 hours. Thirty-nine euros seemed like a lot to pay for a bus ride no matter how long or how many days it was for. I’m so tired I’ll wait to get my free weights another day. I made a list of people to send postcards to. I want to remember Nicdadya’s name at the hostel and get Irene’s LA Fitness address for her souvenir. I’ll bet she’ll be surprised.

T-shirt souvenirs are always a good gift.

I need to get a little fruit at the market and spend the heavy change I have. One- and 2-euros weigh A LOT. Maybe carrying all that change helps to keep French women thin! (If only, right?) I also need to organize my money and put it all in my locker. And pray. And reorganize my stuff. And work on my CV and set up my account for possible teaching jobs. And write Wells Fargo’s international number in my luggage and keep it with my passport.

Let’s hope Miss Irritating doesn’t crinkle her water bottle again tonight. Notes to self: I LOVE TRAVELLING. I’VE LEARNED TO TAKE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD. A BAD DAY IN PARIS IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAY ANYWHERE ELSE. I like the last statement the best.

Salut !

Image of Sephora on the Champs-Ellysees by the author. All other images by Can Stock Photo.

Paris Trip Day 2

Leave a comment November 9, 2016 Elsa Fridl

The first picture I took when I went sightseeing in Montmartre.

Wednesday. I slept and stayed in bed until just after 2:00 P.M. At 10:00 A.M. I was roused by a roommate who told me I had just missed breakfast! I didn’t want to get out of bed, I was so wiped out from leaving at night and travelling. (I’m not much of a night person.) After showering I went walking to see the neighborhood and take some pictures. I decided I was so hungry I didn’t want to walk around too much before I ate. I found Le Basilic on a strip of land quite close to Plug-Inn Hostel. I was the only patron there it was so early: the French tend to eat fairly late. The food was so good: 2 appetizers, one being salmon with avocado, bread, wine, Perrier, salad, and Cappuccino. All to the tunes of Barbara Streisand and French music playing sweetly in the background. It was fantastic! My first real meal in Paris for this trip, and one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to eat at Le Basilic again.

Inside Le Basilic in Montmartre.

Le Basilic in Montmartre serves the best food I’ve ever had. I ate there six times during my month-long stay in Paris.

I went walking around Montmartre, Pigalle and Clignancourt. Right across the street from the Moulin Rouge I saw a sign peeking through scaffolding for the Gold Hotel. When I walked in, the man at the desk was on the phone. Nonchalantly, I gazed up at a framed piece of paper, and noticed it was a posting of their room rates. I tried not to react when I noticed that a single room was 140 euros. I knew it was the slow season so I might be able to get a better rate. After he hung up the phone and we greeted each other in French (and then I asked him if he spoke English, which he did), in my best confident yet feminine voice, I told him I would like a room for Saturday, since the place I’m staying at for a month doesn’t have room for me for one night. We talked about what I wanted in an une chamber (room), though I honestly don’t remember if I asked for a King- or Queen-sized bed. I asked whether une chamber avec douche et WC (the room had a full bathroom), and he said “Yes, of course.” (Some don’t.) We talked about everything except price. Finally, I could tell he was weighing how much he was going to charge me. Being the good negotiator I am, I allowed him to bring it up and I didn’t rush him. He noticed I didn’t have luggage with me so he couldn’t determine my socio-economic status by the price of my luggage. He gave a good look at me and said, “Seventy euros for the night.” I told him that was acceptable, though inwardly I was celebrating. He then asked if I wanted breakfast for an additional 10 Euros. I told him no, thank you, since I knew I could get back to the hostel for my free breakfast or grab something on the way back for half that price. He told me he didn’t require me to pay up front and I could cancel if I wanted to. He gave me a piece of paper that said I had a reservation and how much the room was, but it didn’t have the Gold Hotel logo on it; he said I would get that when I checked in. (How odd is that?) I walked out feeling pretty confident, since I was going to stay in a 3-Star Hotel (according to the literature I saw on the wall) for half price.

One of my roommates is here for the Photography Conference & Exhibition I read about before I left the U.S. Great! I told her I would love to come with her, or at least go to the exhibit. She said she might have to stick with her group which is being led by her instructor. I also met a French guy who visited one of the staff; he told me an organization is looking for people to teach English. (!) I need to think of all the things I’ve done that relate to teaching English (like substitute teaching, editing, writing, I’m a published author, I created the Essay Pyramid for international students). Unfortunately, when I went to take a shower I found out that my personal care items weren’t in my backpack…when did they go missing? I’m not happy having to spend money again for my personal care items, but I can’t believe I told myself not to skimp on security and then I did just that. I didn’t want to spend another $10 on a lock, and now I have to spend a small fortune re-buying personal care items. How many times do I have to ignore my own advice before I’ll learn?

I need to remind myself to change $200 to Euros tomorrow before I go shopping.

Salut !

Image of exterior of Le Basilic by Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0. Other images by the author.