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Published: February 14th 2009
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Oooh la la mon cheri...
Paris was really awesome. between the decadence of the city and the unique 'Mon Oncle' feel of my friend Xavier's house in Boulogne which I stayed at, my trip finished pleasantly. It must also be mentioned that I ate more Pate in my few days in Paris than I have in my entire life. Its just not something you can get very commonly in the U.S. (liverwurst or whatever they sell at the supermarket doesnt count).
A funny pate story: On the day of my departure I collected all my baggage and headed out the door to the metro. I realized halfway up the block that I had left a large slice of pate, which i purposely bought the day before to bring home to the States, in the fridge. Being short on time, i had to fight every urge to
go back for it. Fast forward many hours... arriving in NYC, I passed through U.S. Customs at which point an agent quizzes me on anything I may have brought back into the states, "Do you have any milk from Netherlands, or ham from Spain?" he said. "no" i replied. he responded with:
Front of the house
very modern and unique house. It was Xav's Grandfather's since the 50s. Reminds me of the house in Jacques Tati's Mon Oncle. "how about any pate from France?"... turns out it may have been a good thing... on second thought, I'd be willing to create an agriculture bio-hazard for the U.S. for another bite of that stuff...
On another note, after many macaroons (no coconut, just amazingness) and some great chocolates, throw in a salade nicoise, crepes, and some other goodies, I definitely got my culinary share. The museums were amazing in Paris as well. I continued my impressionist pursuit with a trip to the Orsay as well as the Orangerie for some Monet.
Final Thoughts On a trip of a lifetime
First and foremost, I am infinitely indebted to my Uncle Bob (really my second cousin) and my mother Barbara for their support. I could not have taken part on this trip if it wasnt for them.
Between the social nature and laid back life style of the Spaniards, the art and hedonism of the Dutch, the beer and chocolate of the Belgians, and the treats and romance of Paris, its hard to choose a favorite place. So i won't pick one. I plan on touching up my French and learning Spanish at some point. Hopefully
Xav's Grandfather's artwork
Xav's grandfather made this crazy psychadellic mechanical artwork. The colors and design all rotate on gears. It like a moving painting living in spain and France for a bit. I will only say that I hope to see all of them again and I recommend everyone backpacks through Europe at least once.
A few conclusions:
- A mid-day Siesta should be a law requirement in the USA. Hopefully i make it to office someday.
- Tapas is amazing and all foods should be allowed to be eaten with fingers
- Kebabs are the most universal food in the world. They can be found in any city.
- An arab bathhouse might just change your view
- Pate should be illegal (its too good)
- The Alhambra is the 9th wonder of the world
- whoever decided the Eiffel tower was only supposed to be temporary was a moron.
- Van Gogh is my favorite artist
- Picasso is the world's best artist and the most interdisciplinary talented
- Two crepes can be eaten ate once (one in each hand)
- Europeans have figured out the metro
- hosteling should be experienced by everyone
- dont stay in a hostel if you want a great night's sleep.
- Belgian might have more types of beer types than people
- Pancakes in
Amsterdam are not to be eaten for breakfast if you planned on having a productive day
- Gypsies are the original freestyle singers
- the Garden of Eden is actually in Grenada at the Alhambra
- French people don't like to speak to you in French unless you are good
- French style is a bit to serious
- the percentage of beautiful women in Spain is quite high
- The best street mimes are actually in Barcelona
- New Zealanders don't speak English
- Oxtail is delicious
- fresh squid from the Mercado is even better
- Plazas are everywhere in Spain
and EUROPE IS BEUTIFUL!!!!
I can unequivocally say that this was an awakening experience. Since I have returned to school, I have had tremendous resolve and inspiration from the culture i was able to experience; I can only hope that the best parts of it can assimilate into my lifestyle. I tried to appreciate every moment of my trip and balance social utility with cultural discovery. No regrets. I am also thankful to everyone who helped me on my way and lent me a hand. I met many wonderful and gracious people on my way, most
of whose physical presence will likely not be seen again, but whose spirit I hope I can carry on.
Talking to my father on the phone the last day in Paris really summed up an amazing voyage and culminated in a spiritually fulfilling finale. I had never talked to him before in my life and only had seen him in two old photos my mom has. I found his number in the French Yellow Pages and decided to give him a call. I didn't believe he would pick up. As such I wasn't prepared when he did. After proving to him that I wasnt a telemarketer, he realized I was the son of one of his old girlfriends and we had a nice talk for half an hour. I plan on writing to him soon. Hopefully we can begin a relationship and I might be able to visit him soon. He's 70, so time is of the essence... I am working on an essay about our conversation... If anyone is interested I'll have it soon.
Paris Calendar of Events
Tuesday 6th of january:
-Arrival to Paris11am
- Delirious travel through Metro to arrive at Xav's in Boulogne
- 3 hour nap
- shopping for food, lots of sweets & some great pate
- Dinner with Rosie, Xav, & Xav's friend Leah
- Hookah bar in Paris, then back home
Wednesday 7th:
- Late Start
- Musee D'Orsay
-Walk through Tullierie
- chicken Dinner at Xav's with friends
Thursday 8th:
- A day with Rosie (her last day)
- Walk through Luxemburg gardens
- Pastry time
- walked through the 6th to visit my father's apartment
- Cafe with Salade Nicoise
- Tullierie again, and Musee Orangerie
- Eiffel Tower visit
- Rosie goes to pack
- Montmarte & fondue
- Drinks at Xav's friends house
Friday 9th:
-Late wakeup
- computer all day
- Roger Malina comes home
- Xav and I go for a run
- Shower & sleep
Saturday 10th:
- Last Day in Europe
- Call Roland, my father in the morning. he picks up! we talk for half an hour
- out to Paris
- Visit the 6th again: Laduree, rue St. Benoit
- Park du Vert Volant
- Ile de France
- Centre Pompidou
- Crepes
- Bed time
Sunday 11th:
- 5 part, 20 hour journey
home: Paris Metro, Flight to London, London to JFK, Subway to Penn Station, Amtrak to Albany, Picked up from train station.
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