Looking for Langston...

Wednesday...

I woke up feeling pretty good.  I slept like a log and I had a huge list of things I needed to do so that I could get to the business at hand.  First thing on the list...organize the space and find a way to make living out of my suitcase for the next month not such a chore.  Once I got the apartment squared away.  It was time to hit the streets.  I needed to get keys for the apartment, find a grocery store, and become familiar with my immediate surroundings.  I found a place to make keys.  Eight euro for two keys...wow.  I happened upon a nice market called Carrefour City where I was able to buy plenty of staples for the apartment.  I realize that certain "staples" change depending on location.  In Paris...it would be unthinkable for me not to have French Bread, Brie, Fig Preserves, Quiche and of course Pate in the apartment.  A few of my "American" must haves also were easy to find.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I like to keep an assortment of cookies biscuits and cereal with Almond Milk on tap.

When I got home I was relaxing...minding my own little business and I checked my Facebook page to see if I had any messages.  (It's my primary way of staying in contact with my folks in the states)  Well my girl Vasha,  Love Childe Online Boutique owner, sent me a message hoping that I was having a good time and staying away from the Eiffel Tower due to bomb threats.  I was sitting on the couch eating French Bread with Brie and Figs...feeling very french and very safe.  After a while I decided that perhaps I should leave the crash spot and see what I could find out in the streets of Paris.  It was still early...just a little after 10PM.  I started walking towards this cool Arc that I saw up the block...low and behold...it was the Arc De Triomphe at Place de l'Etoile at the top of the Champs-Elysees.  It was so dope!  The only problem is that you have to play chicken to get to the darn thing.  Technically....you're not supposed to go over to it...it's a giant roundabout that makes the ones in DC seem like nothing.  The roundabout is about 8 or 12 lanes wide with cars, motorcycles and scooters zooming at unheard of speeds that would test the limits of the most speediest of American demon.  Well...I had to cross it.  


I now know EXACTLY how the chicken crossed the road.  He had guts, a wing and a prayer.  


Halfway through running for my life I realized that perhaps this wasn't the smartest move ever.  I thought perhaps the unknown soldier would now have an American bedfellow.  Yikes.  It was close.  But I survived...I can only thank GOD.  As you can see...I made it safely.  It was worth it.  When I got there, I saw the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the beauty of it all.  Dare say, I felt triumphant myself.

After I risked my life AGAIN to get off the island...I kept thinking that the Eiffel Tower looked relatively close (less than 2 miles) and safe.  After dodging 12 lanes of traffic, I figured I could definitely out run a bomb...if necessary.

It was about 11 when I set out that way.  Along the way, I stopped to have a chocolate crepe just because it's France. I played on the cool bikes that are located all along the streets of Paris.  I even found a great PHO and a Merry Go Round.  It's one of my favorite things about Paris.  They have them everywhere.  I ride them all every time.  Even when they're closed.  This one was no exception.  I gently persuaded the owner to let me have a ride and to take pics of me too. 

When I reached the Eiffel Tower I was happy.  I walked across the Seine River and stopped on the bridge...you know, right where Carrie stood after she broke up with the Russian and then BIG got out of the cab and said I'm taking you back to NY.  What?  I'm a girl.  I have my moments. =)  It was pretty.

I've been to Paris before, but I'm usually content to see the landmarks from a distance while I do other non-tourist things.  Thanks Vasha!  Without your warning to stay away from it, I probably wouldn't have gone.  Now...I may actually make it my business to see Notre Dame again (this time I'll go inside), and The Louvre too.  I might even do the Da Vinci Code walking tour...not.  

I took a few pics, and then everyone started running!  They were all yelling, "Hurry, hurry!!!"  I noticed that they had smiles on their faces and that their stride was more of a happy frolic than a crazed panic.  Then it happened.  Midnight.  They light up the  Eiffel Tower with enough bling to please Jacob The Jeweler.

View from underneath

Blinging on and off

I took the train back home.  It was well past 1AM and I didn't necessarily feel like retracing my steps home.  I jumped in the Metro.  I had to take about 4 trains...but it took me only a total of 15 minutes to get home.  The trains are extremely efficient.  After living in Los Angeles where the subway system and bus system is a joke...it feels good to be in a city where public transportation isn't so limited.  

I also saw the cutest of little French boys.  They dress so much better than their American counterparts...au revoir.