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Published: July 28th 2006
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Basilique du Sacré Coeur
Built in the late 19th century, this Romano-Byzantine style basilica sits at the top of the Montmartre hill and has stunning views, stretching 30 km wide, of Paris. Bonjour!
So for those of who have been harassing us about the lack of updates on our travel blog, we will not make excuses, and rather, start from our first day in Paris.
Lindsey is laughing at me right now because I am typing at a maximum of 20 words per minute, because keyboards in Paris are impossible. Apparently semi-colons are more important than periods, and all the letters are scattered randomly on the keyboard. It is like learning to type all over again.
We just booked our next hostel in Münich, where we are heading in the morning, so we decided we better take a moment to share at least a few of our Parisian experiences with you.
On Sunday, after our overnight flight to Paris, we had some troubles finding out how to get to our hotel. Desperate for help, and with way too much luggage, we decided to take a cab. Lindsey was so grateful towards the cab driver that she thanked him in three different languages, because she didn't know which was the correct term for "thank you" in French. We now know it is "merci."
When we stepped out of the
Diana's Wounds
I know it doesn't look like too deep of a wound, in fact it wasn't at all, but falling down the steps of the Basilique du Sacré Coeur has given me a permanent scar on my left leg. Note to self: Do not wear heels on cobblestone or when walking up or down many steps. train station to hail a cab, we were literally speechless, and remained so for the entire cab ride to our hotel. Paris looks just like you would imagine it and more; it is simply beautiful. Couples really do kiss on the street, and it's the most passionate kisses you will ever see. It makes you want to be madly in love in Paris. Everyone here lives their lives with such passion; it's really inspiring.
What is not as inspiring is the cockroach we saw last night outside of the window of the restaurant we were dining at. I can deal with the crazies in the Metro, even the Crazy Man who grabbed my ass, but not the cockroaches; I will never be okay with the cockroaches. I made Lindsey check underneath the bed last night so I would have a chance of sleeping.
Sleep. That's a concept we aren't too familiar with. What does it feel like? We've been walking zombies, but that's okay because Paris is amazing. You just have to suck it up and keep going; even though your feet feel like they are on fire and your whole body has heat stroke, because Europeans don't
Montmartre
One of the many, many pictures I took of teal apartment buildings. believe in air conditioning... however, what they do believe in is singing. They sing at all times of the day, especially late at night or early in the morning. This morning we heard a "unique version" of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and, a few mornings back an ever more "unique" version of an Italian singing "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley. I would say it was in a more classical style... if you will. Unfortunately if we close our windows there is a chance we will not wake up the next morning; because of the heat, so we have no choice but to be serenaded every morning.
Anyways, about our hotel room... it is charming, but ridiculously small. Our double bed is more like a single; and I have become well acquainted with Lindsey's incessant need for cuddling while she's asleep. She now sleeps with a blanket in between her legs, because I'm not too keen on her sea urchin tactics that involve her right leg to wrap around me like a Cirque du Soleil performer or an overly keen octopus.
We don't want to bore you with all the details of what we have done here in Paris,
Opéra National de Paris
This is where "Phantom of the Opera" is set and it actually does have an underground lake. After visiting, Lindsey and I considered becoming opera singers, so we could sing at places like this. but we will summarize.
We were and still are surprised by how nice Parisians are. 99 out of 100 people we speak to disprove the rude French stereotype, and trust me we have spoken to at least 100 Parisians, mostly for directions. Also, the four different guys that work the front desk at our hotel have been so wonderful.
Lindsey wanted me to mention that one of their names is Pepe.
Our favourite is Vincent, the sarcastic, blunt one who is amused by our foolishness, as well as Thierry, who told me that I have beautiful eyes, and is also much amused by our "Canadianness." Last night I told him to guarantee me that there were no cockroaches in our hotel even if he had to lie to me... he said nothing, just smiled slightly. He also spent a good 20 minutes trying to find us a restaurant that is open after 9 pm. Everything in Paris closes so early; it's really wierd.
We mentioned earlier how often we've asked Parisians for directions... these are our favourite responses. Both responses sound like they are helping us on a quest.
1) "You are near!" (response from
Can I live here?
Don't quote me on this, but I think this is an exhibit at the Louvre that replicated Napoleon's old apartments. (I was too cheap to rent the audio guide). Regardless of who's apartments these were, the detailing is absolutely exquisite. I can't even imagine what the originals looked like. a cute Parisian business man whose enthusiam to help us sounded like we had nearly found the Holy Grail.)
2) "It is difficult, but you will succeed!"
I (Diana) decided that I am no longer going to find an Irish husband, but a Parisian husband, a Parisian business man to be specific. I have never seen so much male beauty in such a small proximity in my life. Lindsey has only noticed a few of the beauties, and that's only because I told her to look for me. They are so well-dressed and carry themselves with such a graceful, yet confident manner.
We have tried to stay away from tourist areas, but it's unavoidable. On our first day in Paris we visited the Sacre Coeur (which is right by where we're staying in the Montmartre district), where I fell down the stairs after turning around to thank two young French gentlemen for complimenting my skirt. It was pretty embarassing. I took a picture of my wounds. Just after that experience, a charming, incredibly thoughtful, young gentleman commented on Lindsey's "who-whos" then proceeded to say a genuinely grotesque comment including the phrase "hakuna mattata." Nice one.
On
Monday morning we went to the department store La Fayatte which looks like a castle or an opera house as opposed to a department store. We didn't buy anything, because prices are ridiculous in Paris, but we did discover the miracle that is the La Fayatte gourmet food market where we shared brie, bread, wine and an eclair for lunch.
After that we went to WHERE Paris and met the Publisher and the Contributing Editor. They gave us some great tips on where to go.
The next day we went to Paris' National Opera House, which is where "The Phantom of the Opera" is set. It was breathtaking. Such attention to detail... even the floor is a work of art. Actually all of Paris is a work of art. Art is necessary here; it's as essential as water.
We will have to stop typing now because the internet cafe just closed. We will write more tomorrow once we reach Münich.
Hope all is well and we would love to hear from you.
Bon nuit!!!
Love, the European Songstresses
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Jenna Frost
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ouch
The other day I hit my head on the underside of a low balcony in front of a group of gawking construction workers. Not quite as exciting or humorous, but that's the way we get by outside heaven and paris. Enjoy the beauty, I'll bet you both blend in smashingly. Loves.