1.5.11 (later that day)

Today was a pretty good day. After I got up and got ready I realized it doesn't get light for a long time here in the mornings. I kept wanting to leave, but it was dark, which made me nervous. I finally left around 8:15 and it was just barely getting light.

So weird. I saw a little cafe which looked great so I decided to stop for a good breakfast since I knew I had a long day ahead of me.

Breakfast.

The woman working didn't speak English, and no one else made attempts but I know enough French to order breakfast. This has been my only experience with the French acting rude. They weren't acting rude, just not friendly at all. But honestly, that's the only time I've experienced it so far and you can find rude people everywhere.

Then I was off to Versailles. It was relatively easy to figure out. Versailles was...MASSIVE.
Honestly so overwhelming. I guess the best thing to do would be to have a tour guide. I used an audio guide but found the information lengthy and most rooms were so crowded I couldn't see what number I was supposed to be listening to.

All the rooms were incredible.

I couldn't get a clear shot, but I loved walking through these rooms with the different colors.

Loved the pink room.

The Hall of Mirrors.

To be honest though, it was sort of one extravagent room after the next. I felt like you could see 25% of the rooms and feel like you had seen the whole thing.

Towards the end my foot was really hurting, I don't know why.

Behind the main palace.

About to start the trek to Marie Antoinette's. I took like six photos, trying to unfurrow my brow. No luck.

I made my way through the gardens and then to Marie Antoinette's estate. I was most excited about this. (To be fair, I'm not a history buff at all, so I'm sure others would take more interest in each room at the main palace.)

Marie Antoinette's house didn't open till noon so I was one of the first to get in. This was amazing because I saw a lot of rooms by myself.

Marie Antoinette's bedroom. She picked out the decor herself.

By the time I finished there my foot was killing me and I had a long walk back. As I walked through the garden I honestly wondered if I'd need medical attention because I was in so much pain. I was so glad I was by myself because no one likes traveling with the gimp.

I hobbled my way to the train and was so grateful when I could sit. My other foot was hurting now too because I'd been favoring the hurt one.

I was so frustrated because I was thinking I'd be there all day, and then would do the Louvre tonight. When I was done by about 1pm I thought I could get more done, especially because this was the first day I really felt refreshed and rejuvinated.

I decided after I ran my errand (needed to pick up a 3-pronged US adapter) I'd take a rest to get off my foot. I couldn't think of anything I wanted to do that didn't involve being on my feet.

I took a hard three hour nap and then got up to go to the Louvre. Going at night when they stay open late is the way to go! There were no lines, and no crowds to fight. It was awesome. My foot was feeling a lot better at this point (maybe because I took some Excederine) but it still hurt a bit.

After 6pm the entrance fee is supposed to be 6 Euros, and it's free if you're unemployed. I asked information how I'm supposed to prove I'm unemployed and apparently in France you get a certificate. I still had to pay, and was charged the full 10 Euros. I wasn't in the mood to argue it.

So, trying to find someone to take a picture was sometimes a task. I usually tried to find someone else who had a DSLR, because anyone with a point and shoot was always extremely confused. "No, no, it doesn't show up on the screen, you have to actually through the little viewer, like an old camera." Still, they wouldn't. I'd show them the button to push to take the picture; still, confusion. Not to mention, most of the time there was a language barrier. For this photo, it was raining, and there was literally no one else around. This was the best shot I got.....oh well.

It took me forever to figure out how to enter, because this museum is MASSIVE. (I'd gone outside, when really, the entrance is right where I bought my ticket....woops.) I finally figured it out and beelined to Mona Lisa. It took forever to find her, but I finally did. I have to say, everyone says how tiny the Mona Lisa is, so I was expecting an 8x10. It was definitely bigger than I expected. Also, people say how there's always so many people crowded around. There were maybe 7 or 8 other people there when I was there. It was awesome.

Another blurry shot. And, clearly exhaustion is showing...looking a bit rough.

Again, with the blurry shot.

The guy taking this shot was a total trooper. There were some people in the background, and, it was the end of the night so I really didn't care, but he was patient and wanted to wait so I'd get a good shot. Then some other foreigners kept jumping in to take pictures of their kids, and it was always an ordeal. I felt so bad, but the guy was so nice. (And he was there with his girlfriend, so no, he wasn't hitting on me. Plus, did you see those last couple shots? Yikes.)

I saw a few other famous pieces and then left, as the museum was closing. I headed to the Bastille stop on the 1 line to get a crepe from the nice man I met yesterday. I decided to get a waffle this time, and it was SO GOOD. He recommended Nutella and whipped creme-it did not disappoint!

We chatted for a few minutes. He is extremely friendly. I feel like I made a friend (but I can't remember his name...)

Then I headed home and have been working on editing photos and skyped with my mom. We chatted for about 30 minutes but lost the signal and can't reconnect.

I've got a long day to plan for tomorrow and it's almost 2am so I guess I'll wrap it up.

Going private at the end of the day today

Sorry there was such little warning......and my other post probably got buried under all my vacation posts.

But just another warning because now I officially have resumes out there floating around.

Even if I don't actually know you, I don't mind adding you. I read a lot of blogs that belong to people I've never actually met.

Thanks guys.

1.5.11

It's 5:30am* and I can't sleep. My sleeping cycle is so messed up.

After arriving to Gare due Nord I hopped on the metro. It was a bit of an ordeal because of my huge suitcase. I felt a little dumb, but have plenty of experience schlepping and being in the way from New York. A man helped me by carrying my suitcase down some stairs for me, which I appreciated.

After I got off my stop I found myself feeling really paranoid. I wanted to have my bearings and know where I was going without looking like a solo tourist. I decided to take a minute to figure out my directions (get them together) before going above ground.

There were two homeless looking men on the platform, and no one else. I went down by the stairs and around a corner so I was out of sight. As I was gathering myself one of the men peeked around the corner, we made eye contact, and as he walked back it seemed like he made motion that I was there. I quickly hauled my hiney outta there. Even when I got above ground I was so suspicious of everyone. Talk about paranoia, but I guess that's better than being naive when you're a solo female traveling in a foreign country.

I quickly got my bearings and got on my way. After about ten minutes of schlepping I felt like maybe I should consult a map because I didn't feel like I should be walking for so long. Sure enough, the directions were wrong. It was easy to correct though, and I got to my apartment about fifteen minutes later.

Once I finally got inside I was exhausted and sweating so I took a few moments to relax and enjoy the apartment. It is darling! It feels like home being in a tiny studio.

There are three large double windows that go almost floor to ceiling which I immediately opened up. I love it!! I'm dying to come back in the spring. I imagine it's so lovely.

The door leading to my apartment building. I loved this color.

I thought the my key was so cute.

View out the kitchen window. Temperatures were always in the 30s so I didn't keep the windows open, and sadly, I almost always had the shades drawn as well. There was a building right across a little alley that looked directly into the apartment, and when I was home I didn't want anyone to be able to see I was there by myself, and when I wasn't there, I didn't want anyone to be able to see no one was home.

Soon I was off to the Eiffel Tower. I downloaded a Paris Metro app which has been a huge help. The Metro is also pretty easy.

When I got off the train I was a little confused, thinking I'd see the tower at least peeking over buildings. Luckily there were street signs pointing me on my way.

And then I finally saw it. It was so cool and put a big smile on my face.

I took some photos and then headed for the base to go to the top. It was really cold out so I figured that would help make the line shorter. Boy, was I wrong. It was RIDICULOUSLY long. I hopped on the end and stood there for about ten minutes, shaking, and in pain because my fingers and toes were so cold they hurt. I had hardly moved and started thinking, "Do I really need to go to the top? I feel like I'll get up there, take a look, snap a photo, and come back down." The cold was almost unbearable. It wouldn't have been as bad if I were dressed properly, but it wasn't nearly this cold and windy near my apartment. The sun was going down so it was only getting worse. I finally decided to jump out of line and go back next time when it's warm.

There was a short line for hot chocolate so I decided to wait for that because I had about a ten minute walk back to the metro. The line moved like molasses. I stuck it out (about 15 minutes or so) and finally was on my way.

As I was walking, trying to ignore the feelings that I was a total loser, I took comfort in the fact that at least now one hand was warm from the hot chocolate. I'd taken about three sips, when all of a sudden- BAM! A bird pooped straight into the cup. I stood there for a minute, trying to figure out if that had really just happened. I looked at the evidence...the random yellowish gunk on the side of my cup, the hot chocolate spatter on my white coat sleeve, and the pelt I felt which reminded me of the bike ride I took around Central Park this fall when a bird pooped on my arm. (My whole life this has never happened, now twice in three months???)

I found myself thinking, "Seriously Paris?!" Now I felt like an even bigger loser. As I was walking to the metro I remembered the lights should be coming on the tower at some point, but how long would that take? As I walked I kept looking back, hoping they'd be on. But no luck. I kept telling myself I should wait, but the cold and wind were so unbearable, and I didn't even know how long I'd be waiting.

I stopped at the top of the park to take one last photo, and on the lights came. Hurray!! Thank you.

So I got a couple photos and then asked a couple to take my picture. As I walked away I looked at the photo; sweet, there's me, with the Eiffel Tower coming out of my head. Thanks!

The second shot he took while I was talking to him. Great photog skills.

The couple didn't really speak English so it would have been hard to explain what exactly I wanted. There was one other couple there, but I felt awkward asking them to take a picture right in front of couple #1. Finally couple #1 left, and the second couple spoke a little English, and I got a great shot.

My plan now was to head towards my apartment to get dinner. I was feeling exhausted and eating something always helps me perk up when I'm that tired.

Then I'd go home to get my heavy coat and warmer shoes. Even though it sucks it's so cold, I'm glad I didn't bring my big coat for nothing.

When I came out of the subway there was a man selling crepes on the street. I'd been told these are delicious so I stopped for one. The man spoke English and was so nice. I ended up getting a crepe with Nutella and it was to die for.

I started walking home, thinking I'd find a cafe for dinner. I figured I should eat something else, considering all I'd eaten was a crepe with Nutella and a chocolate croissant (and three sips of hot chocolate) since I'd arrived in Paris. Woops.

Then I realized I was going the wrong way. I was tired, cold, hungry, and frustrated. I stopped in a little shop that reminded me of Urban Outfitters and warmed up while I sat on the couch for a bit.

I finally got directions and was headed the right way. The metro stop I'd come up from is kind of like Columbus Circle, but even bigger, and with way more streets feeding into it, so it was easy to get confused.

I found a little bar where one man was the bartender, server, cook, and dishwasher. He spoke English, tolerated my attempts at the little French I know, and was sweet and charming.

I sat there eating like a zombie. Even with the Diet Coke I wasn't feeling like I was perking up. I was supposed to go home and change and then head to the Arc de Triumphe, but all I wanted was bed. As I staggered home, thinking about the long day I had ahead of me at Versailles, I decided to give in to my body's pleading and call it a night.

I got settled, started to watch an episode of CSI, and couldn't last ten minutes.

This was at 8pm. I set my alarm for 7am and when I woke up I figured it was probably 5 or 6am. I felt like I'd slept all night. I got up to go to the bathroom and when I looked at the clock it said midnight. Woops. Luckily I was able to sleep three more hours, but now it's 6:15 so I guess I'm up for good.

Hopefully today will be a much more enjoyable day and I won't feel like such a failure.

Sort of pathetic to end like that but...I got nothin'...

*Note, ironically it was 5:30am when I started this post, because I couldn't sleep....weird.

1.4.11

I'm sitting on the Eurostar train, waiting to leave for Paris. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. I am SO excited!

I left Karen's this morning and it was the first time going out by myself. There's always a bit of an intimidating feeling, but it's the most accomplished feeling when it all works out.

It was really easy to get to the train station, only four stops from the tube stop near Karen's flat. Then everything was easy. I had to go through security, just like at an airport, which makes sense, considering I'm leaving the country. They told me I didn't have to take off my belt or watch, which of course made the metal detector go off. I got a pat down which was more intrusive than anything I've had in the US.

Next I got my passport stamped and headed to the gate. I saw a sign saying I could buy my metrocard here, which made me excited because I wasn't sure what I should buy for my four days in Paris, and it was nice to be able to discuss it with someone I knew for sure spoke English. Not to mention I was able to use some of the Pounds I have leftover. I definitely did not spend as much cash as I'd anticipated so that's good news. Then right when I finished, the train pulled up and it was time to board. It was totally seamless! I'm sure I'll have plenty of snafus in Paris, so it's nice to start off the trip easy.

Yesterday was a great last day. Karen and I got up and went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. It was a ZOO there. Thousands of people. Being New Yorkers, we were able to be...assertive...and get a decent view. It was cool, but I wouldn't need to see it again.

The only photo we took together. (Besides NYE.) How ridiculous is that??

Then we spent a long time taking pictures and by the time we were done we were really cold. We decided to walk through Saint James's park. There was a little stand so we decided to get some hot chocolate. There really was no que, yet the woman taking orders kept taking them from everyone who walked up after us. The New Yorker in me once again came out and I was just about to regulate when I noticed the cute Italian man making drinks had struck up a conversation with Karen. I decided to go this route instead. We chatted and flirted, and not only got our drinks, but got them for free. :)

Walking through the park was lovely. I'm so glad we were able to go to a park. It was so pretty, and there were so many birds. Tons of ducks, swans, and some strange really huge birds.

Next we made our way over to Westminster Abbey. We decided to do the free audio tour and I'm so glad we did. I can't imagine not doing it. The cathedral is amazingly beautiful. My favorite part was the Lady Chamber, I think it's called. Oh my goodness, it was so beautiful I almost cried.

I had no idea so many people I learned about in school were buried there. I'm sure I heard at some point but it just didn't mean much to me at the time. It was so cool to see the tombs of Chaucer, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and so much royalty.

When I was there I kept imagining Queen Elizabeth's coronation, Princess Diana's funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming wedding.

After the Abbey we were starving so we went to Harrod's. I hadn't been there yet and they have a huge food gallery. We bought sandwiches and went to a cafe to eat.

Obligatory Harrods photo.

Harrods at night.

Once we sat down I realized how completely exhausted I was. It was about 4pm and we had dinner plans at 7:30. I asked to go home for a bit. We got home and I absolutely passed out. Like, slept so hard for about an hour or so. It was great.

Then we headed out again to meet up with a few friends at a place for Dutch pancakes. They were so delicious, and as usual, the company was great. There were tons of laughs and I felt like it was so easy to feel comfortable.

After dinner we headed home so I could figure out my plans for today, pack, and so Karen could get to bed since she had to go back to work today. London has been absolutely incredible. It was so much better than I anticipated. I had so much fun being a tourist, and also feeling like I just lived there. Karen was a great host, and the people were so friendly, and I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was in the mid 30s the whole time, and only barely rained once.

Thank you London! Paris, be kind...

1.3.11

I feel like I couldn't have asked for a better trip. Yesterday I went to Karen's ward for Sacrament meeting. It was testimony meeting, which I love when I visit other wards because it always gives a good idea of what the ward is like.

The meeting was really great. It's amazing because I always thought New York was so diverse, but it's really not- London is. Everyone is from another country, it's so cool.

After the meeting we chatted with people for probably close to an hour and then headed to the Tower of London. Because of some changes to the tube we got behind schedule. We got there at 3:45 and it closed at 4:30. I decided I still wanted to go because we'd gone all the way out there. Karen had just done this a few weeks ago so I told her I didn't mind if she'd didn't pay the steep entrance fee to come in.

I was amazed by the size of the Tower of London! The Tower Bridge was also really amazing to see.

The Tower was honestly incredible. It's everything you imagine an old English castle to be, as a child. The cannons, the rigid concrete roofs, the protective walls, etc.

I went straight for the crown jewels which did not disappoint. They were amazing! It's hard to believe the jewels are real.

While I was there I ran into an old coworker from HSBC and his girlfriend. Such a small world. He's from Bath, England and they'd been traveling the last two weeks.

After seeing the jewels I headed out and walked around a bit more and then had to exit. I will definitely be going back next time.

Next, Karen and I headed to Westminster Abbey for the Sunday organ recital. Sadly, it was canceled last minute (I figured this would happen a lot with it being a holiday weekend.) It was, however, AMAZING to see at night. I don't know that I've ever seen a more beautiful church. I think the cathedrals in New York are beautiful but London takes the cake. The Abbey was just SO massive and gorgeous.

We took some photos, and then walked a little, and took photos with Big Ben and the London Eye.

I know it doesn't sound like it, but it felt like a really full day. I was hungry and tired.

We headed back to Karen's flat and there were about 20 people over for dinner for Karen's flatmate's birthday. Once again, everyone was so nice and so welcoming. I quickly felt like these were my friends.

There was only one other American there, a girl from California. The other countries represented were South Africa, Ireland, France, England, Wales, Canada, Denmark...that might be it. But I just thought it was SO COOL having all these people hanging out from all over the world. The girl from Wales is a midwife and I was fascinated chatting with her. I recently watched a documentary about home births vs. hospital births and it's pretty amazing how much I didn't know and how Americans are so different from the rest of the world.

We ended up playing Signs and Celebrities and had so much fun and a ton of laughs. I felt like I was in college again, and honestly felt as comfortable around these new people as I do my friends in New York.

I'm not saying now I want to move here, but I could definitely be open to it.

Once again...too tired to write about today...

Off to Paris tomorrow! Where the real adventure begins...

I mean, I know I'm biased but...

Try and tell me you've seen a cuter 4 month old (obviously besides my other nieces and nephews...) Seriously, I dare you.

I miss you little Huddy Buddy.

FYI Going private temporarily

As I mentioned, I was recently laid off, which means now that the holidays and my travels are over I'm officially job hunting. It's a known fact potential employers are googling prospective employees, so I think it's best to go private, at least until I've locked down a new job.

I hate going private, which is why it'll just be temporary. Sorry guys.

I went private a few years ago, so if you gave me your email then, you'll be fine to be able to get in. Otherwise, let me know your email and I'll add you to the list. I'll be doing this soon, like in the next couple days, so leave me a comment or email it to me at raehope1 @ gmail.

Thanks guys.