I couldn't possibly sum up today in a few paragraphs but I wish you were there. At the same time, it was important that you, who is reading this because you must be either family or a friend, were not there only because I needed to accomplish today alone. Well, not alone, but only with the resources that I have in Paris. To begin, I found a french pool and for an hour, the world stood still. It was amazing and I forgot how wonderful swimming can be. Like an addict,I can't wait until the next time that I go again.
Then, I did my laundry and I took photographic proof of how ridiculous French washing machines are! My cloths are still hanging and probably will be for awhile because French people don't use dryers! As much as I love how energy efficient the French are, I do miss certain American comforts like endless napkins at food places,simple but wasteful washing machines, going up and down dark stairways without fumbling for the light switches, and heaters that actually warm you up, to name just a few! Overall, I understand why they are so stingy about our natural resources, but unfortunately I am spoiled, and so it will take time to adjust.
I had to buy another "mobicarte "for my cell phone because apparently I cannot use the minutes that I already bought. I didn't know what to look for when I bought it and the numbers that I needed to call were rubbed out! What a waste of 25 Euros, which is quite a lot these days. Anyway, you live you learn. I found a Tobac to try again because this time I knew to make sure that I could read all 14 digits on the flimsy receipt. Yay. I figured how hard can it be to recharge your phone?! Right, well I couldn't understand the French voice options and I didn't even know which options to choose when I did, so I went back home to ask the Monsieur if he could help. When I got back I almost died because I put my key in a different place and I was warned that loosing your key is terrible in Paris because of the insurance companies! Basically, loosing a key costs thousands of Euros because they have to replace the lock, otherwise the insurance company for the house will not cover them if they get broken in to. I am not sure exactly how it works but regardless, I did not want to be "that girl!" Luckily, I found my key and clumsily asked for help in French. Of course, he had no idea how to do it but tried desperately for at least 40 minutes until he decided that there was something wrong with my phone. He told me to go to the store where I got it and ask them. IT was already pretty late in the afternoon so I had to hurry! Most stores close around 7 and aren't open Sundays or Mondays! Yikes! Another French thing to get used to! Great, Hayley gets to speak more french.
Luckily, when I got there the lady helped me and in about 3 seconds she figured it out. Wow! How many times have I felt like an idiot today, well it gets worse.
I finally was able to call my friends and find out what they were up to because I didn't want to be alone on a Saturday night. Of course, they were in one of the shadier districts to be in at night, Monmartre, but I was determined to meet them. It took awhile on the metro and I had to go to the bathroom, big surprise, but I eventually got to the metro stop and sneakily peed in the Mc Donalds, which is now my official bathroom hit-up spot. They are too big and generic to notice that you aren't a customer!
My friend said to take the bus to the top, which seemed easy enough until I realized that there were a ton and I had no idea which one! So I hopped on a bus that was jam -packed and it took me back where I had came from in the first place. IT took me about five minutes and I probably smacked thirty people trying to get off the bus, and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to.
Now I had to walk further in the "red light district," where my natural instincts had already warned me that it was not the safest place for a young girl at night. I realized that the only way that I was going to get to the top was to walk, since there is an obvious incline and there was no obvious bus to take. I generally love walking, but once again, not the best neighborhood and tons of narrow, dark streets. I probably shouldn't be admitting to this, but I denied my instincts and made myself walk up, as long I felt comfortable and there were people and lights close by. I promise, however, that if there was not a man, wife and childlike group within eye-sight I would have stopped, but luckily I was able to follow people and stay in well-lit areas. I knew I was going the right way because I had been there before and there is a HUGE incline!At so many points I thought of just grabbing dinner by myself because it would be easier and I didn't even know if my friends were still there. That is what I feel like I would have done in the past, however, I am working on being more open to new things. Plus, I had already come so far and I felt safe. I was amongst a crowd of tourists and restaurants so I knew that I was as safe as I will ever be alone. No, I had to keep going, at least to the top. Like the public pool, the washing machine, and the cell phone, I would conquer Montmontre, and I did.
Finally I made it to the top and found my friends. The view was gorgeous and they were listening to a man singing a Jason Mraz song. It made me think of Julie and I felt like she was there with me.I am proud of myself because so many times I wanted to cry and give up, but I didn't. If I learn one thing in Paris it is that I am not stupid, even though I feel like it almost every other second here in Paris and that I am perfectly capable of handling any situation. I am coyote.
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