It doesn't really get dark until about 10:30pm here. It feels so weird to still be so bright at 9:30 at night, I don't really feel hungry because my body is telling me it's too early to eat....
And it makes it worse that we walk everywhere, and use up so much energy, not eating really doesn't replenish our energies.
There are so many stairs to walk up and then walk down, there are so many bridges to walk over, there are so many doors to walk through, there are so many metros to run after, so many cars and bikes to avoid, if I don't have buns of steel by the end of this holiday, I'd be really disappointed.
Things I'd like to remember:
- Making our way to the apartment at 10pm at night, and trying to lift our somewhat heavy luggage down some steep stairs to the metro station, one kind lady decided to help me lift mine down the stairs for me. My luggage was perhaps the lightest and smallest compared to the other 3 girls, but I was the one that got assistance, I feel special :)
That happened to me last time I was here as well. I must look really weak... oh well, whatever gets me sympathy assistance :)
- We all got a 5 day metro pass to use, but mine decided to stop working earlier than the others, so I kept getting stuck behind the gates :(
The last time, this kind old man, one who looks remarkably like Morgan Freeman from his Shawshank Redemption days, offered me to take me through with him, so I took his arm and we squeezed through the gates together. All he wanted in return was a peck on the cheek, what a life saver (I'm easily impressed).
On our second day here, we went to Montmatre and Sacre Coeur (made famous in the movie, Amelie). It was a lovely Sunday, and probably good and bad for us because it was Sunday. There were a whole lot more people than the last time I was here, but that was Winter, and I'm quite sure wasn't a Sunday either.
I forgot that there would be Sunday Mass at Sacre Coeur, but this magnificent lady is still jawdroppingly beautiful, even with the mass of people there. If I was a worshipper, I don't think I'd like to go to mass with so many dumbass tourists around making noises and taking photos, even though you're not supposed to. It's a place of respect but some people just don't understand that.
Those nasty looking African slave kidnappers were still there scaring tourists, but this time I don't have my street smart lil sister here to protect me, I had to look out for myself. I'm smarter this time, a firm NON! seemed to do the trick and I walk on by assertively and keep my arms to myself and not flaying about like a tourist. I did feel about safer this time round though cos there were thousands more other people around so I knew they really couldn't do anything to us because there were other people to harrass.
That's the only thing that really mars the beauty of the Sacre Coeur, otherwise I do like it without the people and tourists, it almost feels like I own the place.
The headed off to the other lady, La Tour Eiffel.
What can I say.... OMG! There are SOO SOOO SOOOOO many people there. I hate crowds, I hate queueing, I hate waiting, I hate stupid tourists, and I hate crowds. Oh, did I mention I hate crowds??? Last time I had the entire floor to myself. It was awesome.
This time I had to share (I don't like sharing either) with a billion other people, and unfortunately, none that I care too much about. I found myself a quiet place to myself, contemplating why I was here alone - again, when I was rudely disturbed by 2 young girls, no more than 11 or 12 years old.... this is their story:
Girl 1: my boyfriend wants to buy me a present, it's gonna cost 15 quid, what should I do?
Girl 2: really? well, just say yes!
Boyfriend: Now, would you like chocolates or (something something, it was mumbled....boys...)
Girl 1: ummm.....
Girl 2: (*whispers to Girl 1*) chocolates, choose the chocolates
Girl 1: Chocolates
Boyfriend: ok, wait here for me
Me: *sigh* (*walks away from this depressing scene*)
An 11 y.o. girl was there at the Eiffel Tower with her boyfriend who got her chocolates...... that never happened when I was 11, and probably won't happen to me anytime soon :(
A.n.y.w.a.y.s, onto the next day.
The next day, we headed to the Louvre. If I haven't mentioned it to you before, I will mention it again here, the Louvre is one of my most favourite places in Paris. I love it there.
Once again, crowds of people absolutely everywhere. I'm really no good in crowds, I used to always have someone I can grab onto to but here, that may be just a little too weird for the person standing next to me... why is strange lady holding onto my hand????Anyways, I couldn't breathe with all the people around me, so I had to make my way quickly to some other place with less people, and from previous experience, First floor, Denon Wing will always be crowded because of the Lady with the mysterious smile. She's the one that attracts the most attention and as I've said previously, Mona Lisa = Over-Rated. There are many more paintings far more beautiful and far more deserving of attention than that living at the Louvre (lucky paintings!).
so I left the other 3 girls behind and went exploring on my own for a few hours.
I love this place so much. I went straight to see my favourite painting, a gorgeous Charles Le Brun piece, and I discovered that Charles Le Brun was King Louis XIV's (I think) favourite painter, I can see why :)
For someone who doesn't like crowds, I do enjoy watching people though.
I walked into this room and there was one lone priest reading from the bible in front of a picture of Mary, (La Pentecote - Restout) it was a peaceful sight. And a refreshing change from the noisy tourists. I watched him for about 10 mins before deciding I had to take a picture of it, and just as I did, a stupid (American) tourist walks into the room and right into my shot! Dumbass!!
Then, walking through an exhibit about Napoleon's house, there was a really cute old man staring at some metal coins or badges or something. I watched him for about 10 mins also, and he didn't move a muscle, he even brought in his own stool so he could sit at this cabinet and stare at these coins..... so I decided to take a picture, and just as I was about to, he moved!
Luckily, I have lightening fast reactions, and pretended to take a photo of something else in the room..... and quickly snapped him when he settled into a different position. What a funny man. I'll try and upload some pics of this another time.
Before I knew it, I had spent 4 hours exploring this place on my own, and had even forgotten to eat.
I will tell you about the rude French waiter we had on the Champs Elysees, but that's just to be expected from French service.... but dumbass waiter that he was, he forgot to charge us for the crepes that Marisa and I had ordered, so that saved us 13 euros, so I ain't complaining.
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