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Published: November 24th 2010
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Hopes to make love with a French man at his Chateau’ in the country side were not full filled, however the weekend was still spectacular. I was fortunate enough to have clear blue skies for my Eiffel Tower visit, the tower loomed in the distance and my heart skipped a beat as I stole my first look. I was early enough to avoid long lines, however I was unable to escape the street sellers thrusting their cheap merchandise in my face.
I rode 2 elevators to reach to summit, the view was breath taking and I took my time as I drank in the awe inspiring 360 degree view. There was a slight pang of wistfulness as I realised the moment would be better appreciated shared with a loved one, though the thought was momentary as the sheer beauty of all that surrounded me was over powering.
Walking along the River Seine was surreal. Everything was beautiful. Stopping at the Louvre Museum and standing humbled in front of the Mona Lisa and other majestic pieces. From being engulfed by Notre Dames shadow, sipping espressos, and simply watch the world pass me by, Paris exceeded my expectations.
Hugo –
a friend I had met a few years earlier in South East Asia was kind to let me stay, I was able to join his house party where the red wine flowed, cigarette smoke swirled and the Hashish was passed from mouth to mouth. His apartment was small and homely, decorated in treasures collected from places as Morocco and India, his apartment building was shaped in a square with a hollow in the middle, so that there was plenty of fresh air flowing through and interesting views from both sides.
Arriving at the Moulin Rouge the next day, I held my breath with excitement, as a lover of live theatre, this was THE cabaret. I ignored the high prices and felt confident in my new navy dress and cream ankle boots. I was the only single person to arrive and I noticed the curious looks the others were giving me. The staff were amazing and perhaps a little too sympathetic to my alone status, which I was entirely comfortable with. The looks and whispers continues as I took my seat at a small table and sipped my champagne, eventually a women who was encouraged by her friends, approached me,
she shook my hand and spoke in French, when I advised that I was Australian and only spoke English her excitement was barely contained, she relayed my nationality to her friends and then asked me if I was a dancer. Classic.
Accepting the invitation to sit with my new friends, I spent the afternoon with eyes wide as I did my best to take in everything that was happening on stage, from a women swimming in a pool with 4 pythons, to incredible displays of strength, all done with breast and behinds displayed with pride. The show did not disappoint. We left and did our best to communicate over an Espresso after the show, language did not seem to be a huge barrier though a few comments were lost in translation, especially when I attempted to ask her age and mistakenly asked if she would like a threesome with her friend. With allot of laughs, we parted ways and I was invited to come and stay with her family in Lille, an offer I will definitely take them up on.
To show my appreciation for his hospitality, I took Hugo for dinner. Delicious red wine, Escargots which melted in my mouth and roast Rooster. All amazing. The entire weekend. I had left my calorie counting mind in England and did not hesitate to indulge in buttery croissants, fine chocolates and scrumptiously filled baguette’s . How the Parisians are all so thin fables me.
A cheerful farewell and I jumped back on the bus with the intention to catch some sleep during the 8 hour journey, I had planned to try to be as fresh as possible for work. However let it be a lesson to never presume a friendly fellow passenger will not offer you beers and proceed to talk all night to you, though I have to admit, I was easily tempted. I’ll sleep later.
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virginia wemyss
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Pari-ee
Love reading your adventure Cate. Isn't Paris just the most romantic city????? Gavin and I only stayed there for 4 days. Walked everywhere and took it all in. I'd return tomorrow. Keep on having a great time and look forward to more stories. I'm sure you wouldn't be homesick. Europe is somethig else. Love Virginia