Tren Nocturno a Paris

As soon as I got onto the train yesterday, I went to the WC (commonly known as the bathroom; WC stands for water closet and is a common abbreviation every where but the US) and there was no soap. I had immediately had a flashback of me and Chelsea on the train from Jackson, MS to Chicago - a terrible experience. But things got better, thankfully.

I made a Canadian friend on the train who is traveling for a month. We laughed as people started snoring, scowled when someone's phone (or computer) played Lady Gaga at four or so in the morning, and felt bad for the guy from Bangladesh that got taken off the train for illegally crossing EU borders. Needless to say, the sleep was not the best I have ever had, and I am exhausted. Combine that with the relief of being in a quiet apartment versus a hostel and cool, rainy weather, and it is obvious why I did not see the Eiffel Tower yet.

I arrived around 9:30 or 10:00 this morning and met the maid as she came in. To not disturb her, I dropped my luggage, grabbed my Paris books and headed toward the Pompidou, which is an art museum. I sat around in a courtyard-like area, people (and pigeon) watched and studied Paris attractions. Next I came back to the apartment, began laundry and took a nice bath. Aah.

living room/dining room/bedroom/office

same room.

kitchen/laundry room. note my clothes in the floor.

While some Europeans have traded their washers for a washer/dryer, I'm not sure I am sold on the idea. The owner's instructions say to only dry half a load at a time. I dried one pair of jeans (skinny jeans, at that) and it took over an hour. Really? I became quite frustrated with this machine. At least you know that clothes aren't going to be dry for a while with a washer, but they should dry quickly if it's a washer/dryer. Gee. Second bad experience with one of these in the last month.

After enough laundry was done and I was nice and warm, I headed out into the city. I am staying in the Marais district, literally three blocks from the Pompidou. Not bad at all. 

this is south of the Pompidou. a typical European scene:

kids playing soccer, man sketching a mural, fountain spewing water, 

locals enjoying the view. oh, so nice.

I walked around a bit, stopped for coffee and a croissant and realized I was quite hungry. I haven't been eating dinner until 10 or 11 at night, and today I was hungry at 5! That night train has thrown me for a loop. 

Colonne de Juillet monument in Place de la Bastille - "Spirit of Liberty" tops the column.

Instead of buying dinner, I decided to do some shopping. First, a book from an Franco/Anglo book shop. Second, necessities: toothpaste and lotion at the pharmacy. Next, fruits and juice from a veggie stand. Then, bread, meat, pasta, yogurt, and milk from a supermarket. And, when I thought I was done, I passed a shop with wine for €3. Yes, please. My arms were so full that I could barely reach for the key. I finally made it to the door and unloaded. Whew. I had a nice dinner and will be able to make a picnic for tomorrow. Yay!

I have read about a city tour by bike for tomorrow, but that largely depends on the weather, which doesn't look hopeful. They still have the tours in the rain.. not sure it's that important to me. Get excited, you never know what my tomorrow will bring! Besides coffee and more pastries.. hahahah.