DECEMBER 12, 2003
DECEMBER 28, 2003
Again another travel day from Bayonne to Paris. Our seats were strange. It was at the end of the train and there were seven seats that went in a semi-circle. The rest of the train was not like that and I wasn't sure why this was unless it is used for groups.
We arrived in Paris about 1:45. Don gave me the directions to his apartment. We had to get a subway to St. Michael stop. His apartment is right next to Notre Dame.
Don came down to let us in. His apartment is on the third floor of a building that was built in the middle 1600's. It is very spacious with high ceilings and wooden beams across the ceiling. It has large, almost ceiling to floor windows; the floors are a brick red hexagon shaped tile which are covered with rugs that he has collected. The walls all have bookshelves filled with books on art, history, travel, and so many other things. It is a very comfortable place and I feel very lucky to be here.
Laurie and I settled in and then Don took us for a short walk around his neighborhood. We stopped into the Notre Dame and went to the island St. Lans which is in the center of the Seine. It doesn't seem like an island because there are so many bridges. We then went to a Thai restaurant.
I had received a call from a woman from Habitat for Humanity. I had sent them an application to volunteer for them in the summer in Georgia. It was exciting to think of working there. The woman asked me some questions. Boy, I haven't been on an interview in a very long time. I am not really good putting thoughts together and expressing them.
One question was where I think I will be in three years. I would like to have said I wish I could work less and enjoy more. I really don't have thoughts so far away. I guess I just like to live one day at a time. I like having a goal because it gets me excited for each day, but nothing long term. People get so wrapped in the future they forget to live and enjoy the moment.
December 13, 2003
Laurie and I had breakfast with Don and his friend Jean Pierre. We then set out in the subway to find the best price on getting to London for the end of the month. We did find a good price on a bus. It was only 23 euros compared to 99 euros on the train. Of course it takes like four hours longer, but we have the time.
We then took the subway back and got off by the ArcdeTriomphe. It is the second most famous landmark in Paris with the Eiffel tower being the first. Around the Arc de Triomphe there is a large rotary with 12 roads coming into it. They are doing work on the Arc de Triomphe which was completed originally in the 1830's. An unknown soldier is buried there from WW I and it has a memorial flame burning there.
We could see the Eiffel Tower, but we didn't go there. We were saving it for another day. We walked down Champ-Elysees, through the Tuileres gardens, passed the museum d'Orsay, and close to the Louvre and then back home.
We had a nice dinner that Jean Pierre cooked for us and we sat talking for a long time. I was tired so I went to bed about 10:00. I was going to get up at 1:00 am to call back home. My hiking club was having their Christmas Party and I wanted to say hello and wish them a Merry Christmas.
December 14, 2003
Today was a very leisurely Sunday. I got up to say goodbye to Jean Pierre as he was leaving to go on vacation to the Canary Islands. I then went back and laid down.
When I got up I read some books on Paris and the surrounding area. In the afternoon Don, Laurie, and I took a walk to Bon La Marche, a large grocery store. On the way, Don was like a tour guide, explaining the area and buildings. It was terrific. It is nice to have someone so knowledgeable to show us around.
Before we went into Bon La Marche, we stopped at a cafe. We had a sandwich which was bread, ham, and bread. Then on top it was melted cheese tomato, and a fried egg. Certainly different, but good.
We walked back to the apartment and relaxed. Don is having another guest for dinner tonight. We are just waiting for her to arrive.
December 15, 2003
Today was a pleasant and relaxing day. It is the last day that Don will be with us. He is leaving for the states tomorrow.
In the morning, we took a walk to the post office, pharmacy, and grocery store. Later on Don took us for a walk through the Marais area. This area was originally swamp land and then built up. It had the oldest square in Paris. Victor Hugo lived in one of the homes here. It is now a museum, but it was closed today.
Don took us to a nice place for lunch. It was rather chilly, so we wanted to sit inside, but there wasn't any room so we sat outside. They have these large heaters on stands and it heats up the whole spot. It was nice. I had a lamb stew. It was very good. Don treated which was very nice. I feel guilty, because he is so generous to us for letting us stay at his place and I feel that is certainly enough. Laurie and I told him that we would take him out for dinner tonight.
We went back to the apartment. It felt good to be in because it was really nippy out.
