Well my fellow confidants. Tis been a year since jumping over the pond. And, I said, well hell why not blog a bit and catch you all up on my life. I'm living currently in the glorious town of Fort Wayne, back in the fair state of Indiana. But, at times I can still smell the golden fields of dear ol' Scotland and England. Its weird, I guess since my trip I've put on a beer gut (thank you Carling, Carlsberg, and who cannot forget Newcastle). And I am currently with a company that I am about to leave called Neoti.... Internships can be fun, only when you know you're worth more than a $10.00 lunch. What ever happened to the good ol' folks in the world, still remember you Scottsman who took me back from Lothianburgh Golf Links. Regardless, its been quite a journey. I still remember these experiences as if they were yesterday. Wimbledon is going on its second week, and a year ago I couldn't shut my mouth about that place. One big realization is that if I would have went to Europe this summer, I would have had more money in my bank account (thank you $2.50/1 pound) ratio. But, leaving when I did, and looking forward to going back to England and Scotland is still an amazing idea. I would say the biggest thing that I have learned from my experience, is that its ok for us to be ourselves and to take a few breaks for ourselves. Long before I jumped the pond, I thought I had to be perfect. Life since this experience has taught me a lot of lessons. Sometimes, the most random occurrences are the ones that we think about our entire lifetime. You see, 7 Marian folks went to Harlaxton this summer, and I hope they had an amazing experience. I wouldn't trade mine for the world though, I was forced to meet people with different view points, and that has served me well in about 10 or so experiences that I have had through school and my career thus far. I miss those days, hell, I miss that Auzzie, wherever she may lay her hat. But really, what I miss is the feeling that I could go anywhere I wanted to and be ok. In the US we get so stressed out with our little microcosms that we don't take the time to realize that if something goes bad or wrong that there are 7 Billion people out there and that one bad experience doesn't make or break your life but enhances it. Our lives are so small, the world is so vast and diverse. A year has taught me that we shouldn't be quick to judge it. So many people in the Midwest judge it frankly because we are not a hub of immigration or have any idea of each other's culture. Its good though to be proud from where you came from, but in essence you have to realize that all of humanity wants the same things and may go about finding it in different ways.
A big deal I guess, is that you have to have great memories. This was a defining point in my life and I am forever changed. I believe that I will be a lifelong traveler of cultures because of this. Really, I don't need anyone but myself. I'm going to be ok on this journey. We all will. So I leave you with quote.
"Children waiting for the day they feel good, happy birthday, happy birthday, they want to feel the way that every child should, sit and listen, sit and listen, went to school and I was very nervous, no one knew me, no one knew me. Hello teacher whats my lesson, look right through me, look right through me. And I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad, the dreams on which I'm dying are the best I ever had, I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take, when people run in circles its a very very Mad World."
Remember, some of the best lessons you will learn are not in a classroom, and some of the best students of this world are not holding a 4.0 GPA. Live life to its fullest, I mean talk to people you would never have anything in common with. Don't be quick to judge, but be able to hold onto your belief structure, "no one likes someone who is fake." If England taught me anything its that we are all learning everyday, and if you can be curious about the corn fields in the Midwestern state of Indiana, then you my friends are the lucky few who will be learning from everyone around you.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Saturday, June 28, 2008
What it all means.
One of my last stories before hitting the tile floor of Heathrow Airport in London for my direct flight back to the States is the Tube ride back into Heathrow. I said my goodbyes to my cousin and took a different train up the Circle Line up towards a Piccidily Line. I was listening to some really awesome music on my iPod and I really couldn't undestand how this kid from Indiana (me) could be so comfortable on the Tube after being terrified riding it 4 weeks previous. You see, something had changed about me and the funny thing is that the entire experience has done this to me in various ways. Through friendships made while traveling through Ireland, London, Scotland and Paris something had changed about me. I had finally after years of searching gotten over a few things that were keeping me from being myself as well as understood that I was old enough and independent enough to get away from the person my parents have wanted me to be and what I want to be myself.
On that train I thought back to my first smell of European air, my first pint in a pub, my first conversation with a local Brit, my first booking of an airline to a foreign country, all of my firsts. It was in that moment when all of it sunk in, I was leaving and with it a part of me was leaving and another part of me was changed forever. On that train when Don Mclain's song "American Pie" came on indeed the music of old in me "did die." I found out something about myself, I found what I was made of, discovered a new culture learning about customs and what is similiar and different in my world back in Indiana from the UK, and I had made some great new friends who have a bond with each other that words can't describe, I had accomplished goals and dreams that were mearly just for show at times in my life, and for once I had done something diliberately because it was important to me, like discovering the Lourve, drinking wine under the Eiffel Tower, and playing a round of golf in the sport's birthplace. I had made friends that will hopefully last a lifetime, and in essence realized how important going out of your own comfort zone is, as well as how fickle stereotypes can be. I had experienced some of the greatest times and some of the worst times, but in overcoming the worst and experiencing the best I have realized that I have the ability to get through them on my own and move on.
Jumping over the pond was a very fitting title for this blog, I literally jumped into a foreign country with both feet and not looking back. In doing so I have grown up and become a better and more improved person. In the days, weeks, months, years, decades, and lifetime to come I will never forget what went on in these 5 1/2 weeks, how I grew, and what I learned. Sometimes jumping without looking back, though fearful is one of the best decisions a person can make. The most liberating feeling is that I can say that because I experienced it, and not because some book told me to. So to all of my benefactors, friends, family, co-workers, and strangers who read this. I thank you and wish for you all the best.
Cheers mates, good craic.
On that train I thought back to my first smell of European air, my first pint in a pub, my first conversation with a local Brit, my first booking of an airline to a foreign country, all of my firsts. It was in that moment when all of it sunk in, I was leaving and with it a part of me was leaving and another part of me was changed forever. On that train when Don Mclain's song "American Pie" came on indeed the music of old in me "did die." I found out something about myself, I found what I was made of, discovered a new culture learning about customs and what is similiar and different in my world back in Indiana from the UK, and I had made some great new friends who have a bond with each other that words can't describe, I had accomplished goals and dreams that were mearly just for show at times in my life, and for once I had done something diliberately because it was important to me, like discovering the Lourve, drinking wine under the Eiffel Tower, and playing a round of golf in the sport's birthplace. I had made friends that will hopefully last a lifetime, and in essence realized how important going out of your own comfort zone is, as well as how fickle stereotypes can be. I had experienced some of the greatest times and some of the worst times, but in overcoming the worst and experiencing the best I have realized that I have the ability to get through them on my own and move on.
Jumping over the pond was a very fitting title for this blog, I literally jumped into a foreign country with both feet and not looking back. In doing so I have grown up and become a better and more improved person. In the days, weeks, months, years, decades, and lifetime to come I will never forget what went on in these 5 1/2 weeks, how I grew, and what I learned. Sometimes jumping without looking back, though fearful is one of the best decisions a person can make. The most liberating feeling is that I can say that because I experienced it, and not because some book told me to. So to all of my benefactors, friends, family, co-workers, and strangers who read this. I thank you and wish for you all the best.
Cheers mates, good craic.
Friday, June 27, 2008
London Heathrow and Other Things.... Great things.
Its 10:45 in the morning and as I climb in the coach all I can think about is that I only have one more night in Europe after this Monday. We got through customs alright into the UK and sat around waiting for our Eurostar train to depart from the French train station (unfortunately forgot its name because its French). As the Eurostar takes off, my seat mate arrives and we begin discussing the topics of the day. Apparantly, this Parisian who spoke very good English, is a renouned business professor and working on his book on his way from commuting from Paris to London. To be quite honest, I talked with this gentleman about everything I had experienced as an American in Europe. The funny part is that we never got each other's name. You see, this is the meaning of my trip, discussing life, understanding culture, and honestly, being human with everyone you meet. After this 2 hour long conversation me and my seat-mate went our seperate ways, me back to Heathrow at St. Pancras Station, and he to the University of London to give class and seminars as well as writing his book.
As I walked into St. Pancras Station the entire city of London it seemed to be caught up in one major event. Wimbledon, and the train station was no different. Aaron a friend of mine and I went over to a large television screen to watch Federer dismantle his first round sheep of a player. The Londoners love their tennis, and pretty much anything that goes with it. I was looking forward to a 25 hour stay in the Heathrow Airport waiting for a Virgin Atlantic flight over to O' Haire, when an idea dawned upon me. Why not grab the Tube and head over to see what Wimbledon is all about. After pitching this idea in the 45 minute coach ride to the airport I had about 4 followers and 1 uncertain girl who would like to make the Tube journey with me.
As we got to the airport the reality of the end of the trip set in. Our dean of students said "goodbye" and we said goodbye to each other because for some of us this was a departure to America from other flights. The goodbye's were heartfelt, and all of us promised to keep in contact with each other. After this emotional moment, it was difficult to get our minds set on a journey to Wimbledon. We found out that the stop we must find is Southfields and is in a perfect location in London for us to make it there by train. After purchasing our tickets we were run down by Lisa, the uncertain one, who said and I quote, "Screw this paper, I'm watching Wimbledon my dad would kill me if I had this opportunity and didn't take it." The ride to Wimbledon for me was unnerving, each stop getting closer to a tournament that I had watched as a young child. We were only there to take pictures of the gate and to say that we were at Wimbledon when the tournament was being played. Little did we know what to expect next.
As we got off of the Tube at our stop in Southfields I turned into the largest tourist that I could have possibly been. My other 5 travelers looked at me as my warn face opened up with a smile that could not contain that I was in the vicinity of some of the greatest tennis players in the world. I took many pictures of the walk over to Wimbledon, not just the stores, but the street signs, homes and people. We passed the queue in excitement to just get a glimpse of Centre Court and the cheers inside of the 1st round of Wimbledon. So, we got there, and in awe of the fact that I was within a mile of Johhny Mac, Federer, and Nadal I stood speechless. I heard the cheers of the fans, and wondered if I could be so lucky to get inside. This is when the amazing part of this excursion began.
We passed the queue a few minutes before seeing the stadium and spectators walking the grounds. Lisa had a good point, (thank God that she made it to us), we should queue up to get into Wimbledon and see if we can't get inside because the twilight pass was only 14 pounds ($28). So, we got into the line I was pass number 15,111 and as I stood in a quarter mile long line the queue attendants kept reassuring us all that we would be able to make it into Wimbledon. At that I was completely shocked 1: because I was going to get to see a major tennis tournament and not just any one, but Wimbledon, 2: because I only had 10 pounds on me. So in a fit of quick thinking Aaron and Brandon took off with our ATM cards and took out 20 pounds for us all in order to get into the stadium, (Wimbledon at the gates doesn't allow for those who use credit if you are "non-ticket" holder). I saw the sign, you are 300ft away from security and suddenly our friends arrived with 20 quid for us to see some of the most amazing tennis of our lives.
I got through security with them only having to check my laptop. It was quick and I only had two hours to spend there because I was meeting my cousin via the Tube for dinner. There we were, at the ticket counter. I could hardly believe it, (I still can't). I was at Wimbledon, I paid my 14 pounds to the nice ticket attendant who could hardly believe my excitement. As I walked into the grounds I saw the first sign that I was in a place that I would never be in again, the (ORDER OF PLAY) board. We walked over to it and found out that a few notables were playing on the side courts, which is what our passes had access to.
All five of us wandered around and found our player Marat Safin on court 11 while watching the other professionals hit tennis balls on the other side courts. I was in a Dream. I was really at Wimbledon, seeing the grass for the first time, watching the pros hit on it for their Wimbledon dreams to be a reality. I was much to fortunate to be in this position, and I only had an hour and a half in front of the greatness of this sport that I played.
So I said goodbye to my group and wished them the best at getting to Heathrow before the last train on the Tube. I walked to court #2 where David Ferrer was playing a match against an unknown German opponent. I stood in line waiting for the guard to let me into the standing only section. And with a wink and a laugh that I was a bloody Yank waiting in line at Wimbledon he let me through. I watched the match for over an hour, and was able to see all of the other matches being played on all of the side courts around me. It was amazing, and yet I was in shock. I talked tennis with some of the local Brits, especially to one woman who turned out to be a former #1 player for the University of West Virginia. I learned how grass was different from hard-court and saw with my own eyes as the players tried to gouge for offensive advantages with dropshots, volleys and serves. It was amazing, and nothing I write here can really explain the feelings that I had while watching it.
However, it was time to go, and after numerous pictures of Wimbledon and talking to some Aussies I walked out of the gate onto the street to catch the Tube to see my cousin for dinner. I ran, to the Tube in between all of those who had just headed out from the final Centre Court match of the evening. After successfully getting into Southfields station, I crammed myself into a small subway car and thought about what I had just experienced. It hadn't sunk in, and to be honest, while watching the matches afterwards, it still hasn't sunk in that I was at that facility days ago.
I got off at the Gruener Road stop that was to be Michael and my meeting point for our dinner. I saw him and we got back onto the Tube to get to a more "pub" friendly part of town. Dinner was great, I had my last pints in England with a relative in the heart of London at a pub. Great times, good food, and a good experience. I was really happy that I got to meet up with a relative who was experiencing some of the same things I was in England. After viewing where Michael worked and getting to the tube stop at St. James it was time for me to make one of my last journeys alone.
As I walked into St. Pancras Station the entire city of London it seemed to be caught up in one major event. Wimbledon, and the train station was no different. Aaron a friend of mine and I went over to a large television screen to watch Federer dismantle his first round sheep of a player. The Londoners love their tennis, and pretty much anything that goes with it. I was looking forward to a 25 hour stay in the Heathrow Airport waiting for a Virgin Atlantic flight over to O' Haire, when an idea dawned upon me. Why not grab the Tube and head over to see what Wimbledon is all about. After pitching this idea in the 45 minute coach ride to the airport I had about 4 followers and 1 uncertain girl who would like to make the Tube journey with me.
As we got to the airport the reality of the end of the trip set in. Our dean of students said "goodbye" and we said goodbye to each other because for some of us this was a departure to America from other flights. The goodbye's were heartfelt, and all of us promised to keep in contact with each other. After this emotional moment, it was difficult to get our minds set on a journey to Wimbledon. We found out that the stop we must find is Southfields and is in a perfect location in London for us to make it there by train. After purchasing our tickets we were run down by Lisa, the uncertain one, who said and I quote, "Screw this paper, I'm watching Wimbledon my dad would kill me if I had this opportunity and didn't take it." The ride to Wimbledon for me was unnerving, each stop getting closer to a tournament that I had watched as a young child. We were only there to take pictures of the gate and to say that we were at Wimbledon when the tournament was being played. Little did we know what to expect next.
As we got off of the Tube at our stop in Southfields I turned into the largest tourist that I could have possibly been. My other 5 travelers looked at me as my warn face opened up with a smile that could not contain that I was in the vicinity of some of the greatest tennis players in the world. I took many pictures of the walk over to Wimbledon, not just the stores, but the street signs, homes and people. We passed the queue in excitement to just get a glimpse of Centre Court and the cheers inside of the 1st round of Wimbledon. So, we got there, and in awe of the fact that I was within a mile of Johhny Mac, Federer, and Nadal I stood speechless. I heard the cheers of the fans, and wondered if I could be so lucky to get inside. This is when the amazing part of this excursion began.
We passed the queue a few minutes before seeing the stadium and spectators walking the grounds. Lisa had a good point, (thank God that she made it to us), we should queue up to get into Wimbledon and see if we can't get inside because the twilight pass was only 14 pounds ($28). So, we got into the line I was pass number 15,111 and as I stood in a quarter mile long line the queue attendants kept reassuring us all that we would be able to make it into Wimbledon. At that I was completely shocked 1: because I was going to get to see a major tennis tournament and not just any one, but Wimbledon, 2: because I only had 10 pounds on me. So in a fit of quick thinking Aaron and Brandon took off with our ATM cards and took out 20 pounds for us all in order to get into the stadium, (Wimbledon at the gates doesn't allow for those who use credit if you are "non-ticket" holder). I saw the sign, you are 300ft away from security and suddenly our friends arrived with 20 quid for us to see some of the most amazing tennis of our lives.
I got through security with them only having to check my laptop. It was quick and I only had two hours to spend there because I was meeting my cousin via the Tube for dinner. There we were, at the ticket counter. I could hardly believe it, (I still can't). I was at Wimbledon, I paid my 14 pounds to the nice ticket attendant who could hardly believe my excitement. As I walked into the grounds I saw the first sign that I was in a place that I would never be in again, the (ORDER OF PLAY) board. We walked over to it and found out that a few notables were playing on the side courts, which is what our passes had access to.
All five of us wandered around and found our player Marat Safin on court 11 while watching the other professionals hit tennis balls on the other side courts. I was in a Dream. I was really at Wimbledon, seeing the grass for the first time, watching the pros hit on it for their Wimbledon dreams to be a reality. I was much to fortunate to be in this position, and I only had an hour and a half in front of the greatness of this sport that I played.
So I said goodbye to my group and wished them the best at getting to Heathrow before the last train on the Tube. I walked to court #2 where David Ferrer was playing a match against an unknown German opponent. I stood in line waiting for the guard to let me into the standing only section. And with a wink and a laugh that I was a bloody Yank waiting in line at Wimbledon he let me through. I watched the match for over an hour, and was able to see all of the other matches being played on all of the side courts around me. It was amazing, and yet I was in shock. I talked tennis with some of the local Brits, especially to one woman who turned out to be a former #1 player for the University of West Virginia. I learned how grass was different from hard-court and saw with my own eyes as the players tried to gouge for offensive advantages with dropshots, volleys and serves. It was amazing, and nothing I write here can really explain the feelings that I had while watching it.
However, it was time to go, and after numerous pictures of Wimbledon and talking to some Aussies I walked out of the gate onto the street to catch the Tube to see my cousin for dinner. I ran, to the Tube in between all of those who had just headed out from the final Centre Court match of the evening. After successfully getting into Southfields station, I crammed myself into a small subway car and thought about what I had just experienced. It hadn't sunk in, and to be honest, while watching the matches afterwards, it still hasn't sunk in that I was at that facility days ago.
I got off at the Gruener Road stop that was to be Michael and my meeting point for our dinner. I saw him and we got back onto the Tube to get to a more "pub" friendly part of town. Dinner was great, I had my last pints in England with a relative in the heart of London at a pub. Great times, good food, and a good experience. I was really happy that I got to meet up with a relative who was experiencing some of the same things I was in England. After viewing where Michael worked and getting to the tube stop at St. James it was time for me to make one of my last journeys alone.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Paris with Bottles of Red (Part 4)
A late morning on Sunday. We ended up getting out into the city at about 11AM and took the metro to the Holy Seplacur Church on the other side of town. We stopped at a Quick Burger in order to grab some food and got lost looking for the Church. A local French woman pointed us in the right direction and we ended up walking 17 flights of stairs to get to the beautiful Church. We weren't let in because of our garb, but we got a great view of the city from the hill the Church was on. After a sit on the steps and listening to a violenist we took a shuttle down to the street and looked at souvenirs for a few minutes. Fran and Rachel wanted to see the Moulin Rouge and we all decided that the metro would be the best way to get there because we were so tired from walking everywhere the day before. Matt pretty much jumped the line in the metro and we made it to the Moulin Rouge after a long metro ride.
After taking Superman pictures and Rachel grabbing a crepe, we decided to sit for a while and take a break. We went into a souvenir shop and heard some American music and couldn't believe in a day's time that we'd be hearing American rock music in America. We got back on the metro and took some pictures of the odd cafe's that we saw. Once in the metro we headed to the Piccasso Museum. We got in to the Museum after forging our 2 day Paris Museum Cards to say we got them on Saturday. And though it was Piccasso we weren't impressed because his famous works weren't present in the museum.
All of us thought it would be best after viewing Piccasso to walk back to the hotel which was 3/4 of a mile away. We did so, I took pictures of street art, saw children playing soccer in the streets in preparation for the French side's match later this week. We got to the hotel took a break and got ready to head out for our last night in Paris with the Harlaxton group. We all decided to have one last French dinner with just the 4 of us.
After dinner and a 19 euro bottle of Bordeaux, we found some cheap wine in a market, chocolate, cheese, and bacquettes. It was cool, we saw everyone heading to the metro to party it up in front of the Eiffel tower and Matt, me, and Fran got into the metro and headed to the Eiffel Tower. We picked a spot right by one of the reflection pools and then decided that since it was our last night in continental Europe to buy some cigars to culminate our experience. We found a Tabac and got our cigars and smoked them in front of the Eiffel Tower. Everyone had a great time and that night we toasted ourselves and the things that we learned in Europe. It was an emotional night, Matt and I had become as close as brothers and since he was headed back to Nashville I realized that I may not see him ever again. Its cool though, the experience in Paris was coming to an end and we had made it the best 4 days we could.
Matt and I gathered the 30 drunken students and with the help of a Frenchman Constantine got eveyone safely in a cab to get back to our hotel. Constantine got us to a more affordable area of cab pick up and we headed back to our hotel and went to sleep. I was all packed up for our train journey to London. I said goodbye to the historical city of Paris, and thought my trip was over. However, Europe had one more amazing experience to show me. So goodbye Paris, thanks for the wine, friends, conversations, and amazing food, I hope to see you again with someone I'm in love with. A' due!
After taking Superman pictures and Rachel grabbing a crepe, we decided to sit for a while and take a break. We went into a souvenir shop and heard some American music and couldn't believe in a day's time that we'd be hearing American rock music in America. We got back on the metro and took some pictures of the odd cafe's that we saw. Once in the metro we headed to the Piccasso Museum. We got in to the Museum after forging our 2 day Paris Museum Cards to say we got them on Saturday. And though it was Piccasso we weren't impressed because his famous works weren't present in the museum.
All of us thought it would be best after viewing Piccasso to walk back to the hotel which was 3/4 of a mile away. We did so, I took pictures of street art, saw children playing soccer in the streets in preparation for the French side's match later this week. We got to the hotel took a break and got ready to head out for our last night in Paris with the Harlaxton group. We all decided to have one last French dinner with just the 4 of us.
After dinner and a 19 euro bottle of Bordeaux, we found some cheap wine in a market, chocolate, cheese, and bacquettes. It was cool, we saw everyone heading to the metro to party it up in front of the Eiffel tower and Matt, me, and Fran got into the metro and headed to the Eiffel Tower. We picked a spot right by one of the reflection pools and then decided that since it was our last night in continental Europe to buy some cigars to culminate our experience. We found a Tabac and got our cigars and smoked them in front of the Eiffel Tower. Everyone had a great time and that night we toasted ourselves and the things that we learned in Europe. It was an emotional night, Matt and I had become as close as brothers and since he was headed back to Nashville I realized that I may not see him ever again. Its cool though, the experience in Paris was coming to an end and we had made it the best 4 days we could.
Matt and I gathered the 30 drunken students and with the help of a Frenchman Constantine got eveyone safely in a cab to get back to our hotel. Constantine got us to a more affordable area of cab pick up and we headed back to our hotel and went to sleep. I was all packed up for our train journey to London. I said goodbye to the historical city of Paris, and thought my trip was over. However, Europe had one more amazing experience to show me. So goodbye Paris, thanks for the wine, friends, conversations, and amazing food, I hope to see you again with someone I'm in love with. A' due!
Paris with Bottles of Red (Part 3)
I awoke at 8:45 AM and tried to wake the crew up. That wasn't very successful, but hey, "I tried." Breakfast was delicious and we ended up getting our start on the day at about 10AM. We had a few things to do that day which included going back to the Lourve. On our second visit I went off on my own saw the archeological pieces in the museum as well as Napoleon's private collection. It was amazing, gold, the leaders of the Revolution's potraits and jewels. Some of the Babaylonian pieces I saw dated back to 3000 years and I can never call anything historical in the States old after seeing these artistic sculptures and writings. We ended up a bit tired at the Lourve and decided to have a cheap and knowledgable lunch. So McDonaldds we went. It was efficient and better than anything I'd eat in the States. After that to wake ourselves up we had some coffee at Starbucks right across the street and talked and shared stories for about 2 hours right outside of the Starbucks. It was fun.
Our next stop at about 2PM was the largest military history museum in the world. We had a long walk ahead of us. I love history especially military history and we saw countless knights and weaponry from long ago in the feudal period. I can't explain the ornateness these knights had for their armor back then, but I'll always remember it. Compared to the Tower of London what I saw in France was 100 times more effective. We then meandered to the WWI and WWII sections of the museum.. I wasn't impressed, though I saw a lot of European uniforms the French didn't give the US much credit for their liberation in both wars. However, its alright they didn't contribute much either. (sorry for the bantar).
We made our way to the monument next to the museum where Napoleon was buried, and I explained to Matt and Fran the French Revolution and Napoleon. Such a small man had such a large coffin. It was a bit much!! We eventually ran into some of our friends on the street to the Eiffel Tower and we decided at that moment that it would be the right time to go up and see Paris from its most famous landmark.
The elevator took us up to the top and I got a great deal of pictures and I really culminated my experience up there. It was a "Last Hurrah" for me, I'd seen what I'd really came to see in Paris at that moment, everything that we'd see from then was just Icing on the Cake! I signed my name on the Eiffel Tower in pen and it will be very fun saying that to all of my friends when I get back. After about an hour and a half, single and alone on the Eiffel Tower looking at the couples we decided to try and get to the Chanz de Leeze to see the Arch de Triumph and have dinner.
We ended up finding a Chinese restaurant that was family owned and ate some great Chinese food. It was tasty and we all enjoyed fine red that I picked out for the group. We ended up making it by metro to the Chanz de Leeze and walked towards the Arch de Triumph. It was crazy, seeing the French drive around it and realizing that Napoleon himself built it for his troops. It was getting late and we all wanted to experience the Eiffel Tower again that night. So we hopped on the metro and bough a few bottles of red from a vendor and enjoyed an hour and a half with our bottles. We toasted our friends back home and realized that we only had one more day in Paris. Our walk back was interesting because we drank our wine so fast, and lets just say it was patriotic as well. We found a cab and got back to our apartment for less than 10 euro. I stumbled to my room and fell asleep waiting for my last day in Paris.
Our next stop at about 2PM was the largest military history museum in the world. We had a long walk ahead of us. I love history especially military history and we saw countless knights and weaponry from long ago in the feudal period. I can't explain the ornateness these knights had for their armor back then, but I'll always remember it. Compared to the Tower of London what I saw in France was 100 times more effective. We then meandered to the WWI and WWII sections of the museum.. I wasn't impressed, though I saw a lot of European uniforms the French didn't give the US much credit for their liberation in both wars. However, its alright they didn't contribute much either. (sorry for the bantar).
We made our way to the monument next to the museum where Napoleon was buried, and I explained to Matt and Fran the French Revolution and Napoleon. Such a small man had such a large coffin. It was a bit much!! We eventually ran into some of our friends on the street to the Eiffel Tower and we decided at that moment that it would be the right time to go up and see Paris from its most famous landmark.
The elevator took us up to the top and I got a great deal of pictures and I really culminated my experience up there. It was a "Last Hurrah" for me, I'd seen what I'd really came to see in Paris at that moment, everything that we'd see from then was just Icing on the Cake! I signed my name on the Eiffel Tower in pen and it will be very fun saying that to all of my friends when I get back. After about an hour and a half, single and alone on the Eiffel Tower looking at the couples we decided to try and get to the Chanz de Leeze to see the Arch de Triumph and have dinner.
We ended up finding a Chinese restaurant that was family owned and ate some great Chinese food. It was tasty and we all enjoyed fine red that I picked out for the group. We ended up making it by metro to the Chanz de Leeze and walked towards the Arch de Triumph. It was crazy, seeing the French drive around it and realizing that Napoleon himself built it for his troops. It was getting late and we all wanted to experience the Eiffel Tower again that night. So we hopped on the metro and bough a few bottles of red from a vendor and enjoyed an hour and a half with our bottles. We toasted our friends back home and realized that we only had one more day in Paris. Our walk back was interesting because we drank our wine so fast, and lets just say it was patriotic as well. We found a cab and got back to our apartment for less than 10 euro. I stumbled to my room and fell asleep waiting for my last day in Paris.
Paris with Bottles of Red (Part 2)
8:00 AM my alarm clock went off, and I went into our bathroom in order to get ready for my day in Paris. This proved to be a test because we had a bath instead of a shower, and using the hand-held showering mechanism madet it hard to wash my hair. Oh well, I'm a traveler, and I got over it. I went down to the cafeteria and ate an amazing French breakfast. Hard-Boiled eggs, cheese, croissants, bacquets, and coffee. Matt, Fran, and Rachel didn't get down to breakfast until 10PM so I ended up just eating alone, looking at the French flag flying next to the EU flag. It was relaxing and fun eating alone in the cafeteria. I was getting pretty excited about the day.
Eventually, we picked up a few more people in our group and decided to make our way to Notre Dame Cathedral. I was so excited to be touring a French Catholic Church. The flying butresses, the gargoyles, and the huge wooden doors greeted us to the Cathedral. We walked into the Church and I couldn't believe the ornateness that I was able to see. Huge towering ceilings, decorated walls, and the gothic darkness that is a trademark of the era. I was engulfed. I saw a monstrance that was larger than me, and prayed in front of the chapel of St. Gregory. (I remember that my great grandfather was a knight of St. Gregory, so I thought of my family, friends, and grandparents at that time). It was a very spiritual experience, and being that I hadn't been in a Catholic Church in awhile its hard to explain how much I felt at home there.
I bought a 30 euro Paris Museum Pass and with that was entitled to climb the Towers on the Cathedral. Amazing views from that Cathedral of all of Paris. My Pictures really can't even describe it fully, you just have to be there in order to know what I saw. After what was about 3 hours we were done at Notre Dame and ready for lunch. Where did we go... Subway. So I ordered my Subway in the most broken French imaginable, and took my meal to the River Seim. Unfortunately, my Diet Coke spilled all over my sandwhich and I was forced to eat a soggy sandwich.... (not very appealing).
The group of us decided to check out the Notre Dame crypt Church and see what the old part of the Church looked like. It was cool, though I had nothing in English to explain the history... (I got pictures though). After that little Musee we made our way to St. Chappel, for what would be a line wait of about 2 1/2 hours. Security was tight there because the French Court is located there as well. Eventually, we made our way into the French Palace/Church and saw the basement which was cool, but not very impressive. I kept wondering why I waited so long to see this building. I got my answer after climbing 2 flights of stairs. It was something that left me speechless, towering windows full of stained glass, the rosepettle windows, and all the while each of the panes being masterfully hand-made. I sat down in disbelief and shock. I was entranced by the colors, this was truely a regal place, one of the few to escape the French Revolution. After a few pictures we decided to leave St. Chappel, and go to the Pantheon.
Amazing dome structure with art and revolutionist's graves in the crypt. I can't really explain the art and grandeur that was there. It was amazing and I was wondering if anything could top this building... in about 3 hours art would become something more amazing than what I could have thought of in comparison to what I saw at the Pantheon.
Yes, another Italian restaurant in France. Matt, Fran, and I got another bottle of red wine and I ate a great Quatre Formagge pizza. We had a great time, though the others were a bit "reserved" with their ordering. (I figure I'm only in Paris once or twice in my life, why not eat well and have fun). We had a decent time, and then we decided that it would be fun to go to The Lourve.
I saw the glass pyramids, the 7 blocks of complete art. Once again, speechless the world's most complete museum of art was at my finger tips and I wasn't even an artsy person when I first walked through those doors. That changed. I went into this huge musee which was art in itself and walked to the Mona Lisa. On my way I saw a picture of Francis receiving stigmata and being at a Franciscan school minoring in theology it left a lasting impression in my mind. I saw some great pictures from the masters... (you could spend a lifetime in there and totally see something new everyday). Eventually, I found the Mona Lisa, and it was beautiful. Though the mural behind it was even more impressive. Sculpture was our next priority and we looked at Greek and Roman sculpture. I was left speechless and I learned a lot about art that night.
It was about 9:30PM and the late night Lourve was closing its doors. Fran, Matt, Rachel, and myself weren't tired and we said, "We gotta go to the Eiffel Tower." So, we walked, about 3 miles to the tower and got there just in time to buy wine at a market along with some chocolate to see the 11PM light show on the tower. (Each hour the tower lights up in a light show). We went by one of the 4 legs of the tower and sat down next to the French graduates of the University and drank wine by the bottle. Toasting our Families and Friends...(a great souvenier that I have yet to put together for all of those who I poured a bit of wine out for). It was surreal sitting there next to Matt and Fran. We kept asking ourselves, "are we really here, is this Paris, is this a dream." Good conversations, and we ended up getting kicked out of the grassy field along with everyone else by about 1:30AM when the lights of the tower went out at 1AMl
It was a long walk back to the hotel. An hour and a half later we were there. All of us said our goodnights and pledged to be up by 9:00AM for our next day of adventure. I quietly walked into my room and took my bed and fell asleep quickly. Tomorrow was to be another spectactular day in Paris.
Eventually, we picked up a few more people in our group and decided to make our way to Notre Dame Cathedral. I was so excited to be touring a French Catholic Church. The flying butresses, the gargoyles, and the huge wooden doors greeted us to the Cathedral. We walked into the Church and I couldn't believe the ornateness that I was able to see. Huge towering ceilings, decorated walls, and the gothic darkness that is a trademark of the era. I was engulfed. I saw a monstrance that was larger than me, and prayed in front of the chapel of St. Gregory. (I remember that my great grandfather was a knight of St. Gregory, so I thought of my family, friends, and grandparents at that time). It was a very spiritual experience, and being that I hadn't been in a Catholic Church in awhile its hard to explain how much I felt at home there.
I bought a 30 euro Paris Museum Pass and with that was entitled to climb the Towers on the Cathedral. Amazing views from that Cathedral of all of Paris. My Pictures really can't even describe it fully, you just have to be there in order to know what I saw. After what was about 3 hours we were done at Notre Dame and ready for lunch. Where did we go... Subway. So I ordered my Subway in the most broken French imaginable, and took my meal to the River Seim. Unfortunately, my Diet Coke spilled all over my sandwhich and I was forced to eat a soggy sandwich.... (not very appealing).
The group of us decided to check out the Notre Dame crypt Church and see what the old part of the Church looked like. It was cool, though I had nothing in English to explain the history... (I got pictures though). After that little Musee we made our way to St. Chappel, for what would be a line wait of about 2 1/2 hours. Security was tight there because the French Court is located there as well. Eventually, we made our way into the French Palace/Church and saw the basement which was cool, but not very impressive. I kept wondering why I waited so long to see this building. I got my answer after climbing 2 flights of stairs. It was something that left me speechless, towering windows full of stained glass, the rosepettle windows, and all the while each of the panes being masterfully hand-made. I sat down in disbelief and shock. I was entranced by the colors, this was truely a regal place, one of the few to escape the French Revolution. After a few pictures we decided to leave St. Chappel, and go to the Pantheon.
Amazing dome structure with art and revolutionist's graves in the crypt. I can't really explain the art and grandeur that was there. It was amazing and I was wondering if anything could top this building... in about 3 hours art would become something more amazing than what I could have thought of in comparison to what I saw at the Pantheon.
Yes, another Italian restaurant in France. Matt, Fran, and I got another bottle of red wine and I ate a great Quatre Formagge pizza. We had a great time, though the others were a bit "reserved" with their ordering. (I figure I'm only in Paris once or twice in my life, why not eat well and have fun). We had a decent time, and then we decided that it would be fun to go to The Lourve.
I saw the glass pyramids, the 7 blocks of complete art. Once again, speechless the world's most complete museum of art was at my finger tips and I wasn't even an artsy person when I first walked through those doors. That changed. I went into this huge musee which was art in itself and walked to the Mona Lisa. On my way I saw a picture of Francis receiving stigmata and being at a Franciscan school minoring in theology it left a lasting impression in my mind. I saw some great pictures from the masters... (you could spend a lifetime in there and totally see something new everyday). Eventually, I found the Mona Lisa, and it was beautiful. Though the mural behind it was even more impressive. Sculpture was our next priority and we looked at Greek and Roman sculpture. I was left speechless and I learned a lot about art that night.
It was about 9:30PM and the late night Lourve was closing its doors. Fran, Matt, Rachel, and myself weren't tired and we said, "We gotta go to the Eiffel Tower." So, we walked, about 3 miles to the tower and got there just in time to buy wine at a market along with some chocolate to see the 11PM light show on the tower. (Each hour the tower lights up in a light show). We went by one of the 4 legs of the tower and sat down next to the French graduates of the University and drank wine by the bottle. Toasting our Families and Friends...(a great souvenier that I have yet to put together for all of those who I poured a bit of wine out for). It was surreal sitting there next to Matt and Fran. We kept asking ourselves, "are we really here, is this Paris, is this a dream." Good conversations, and we ended up getting kicked out of the grassy field along with everyone else by about 1:30AM when the lights of the tower went out at 1AMl
It was a long walk back to the hotel. An hour and a half later we were there. All of us said our goodnights and pledged to be up by 9:00AM for our next day of adventure. I quietly walked into my room and took my bed and fell asleep quickly. Tomorrow was to be another spectactular day in Paris.
Paris with Bottles of Red (Part 1)
St. Pancras Station. That's where the coach ended up taking us. A long 3 1/2 hour drive to London, where our Eurostar train would depart. We had packed lunches, made our way through customs, and played Euchre waiting for our train. All of us were exhausted on the train, I remember getting into the "Chunnel" (The tunnel under the English Channel), and remember freaking out about not knowing any French besides Hello, Goodbye and Thank You. We got into Paris at about 5PM their time, because France is only 1 hour ahead of the UK. After getting off of the train, I was emmersed in a language that I had never spoken, and it was all around me. Our couriers and professor in charge led us to the French Metro to get us to our hotel. We all successfully made it to our hotel, and found our small quarters where we would be staying for 4 amazing nights.
I made my way down to Matt's room and asked what he had in store for the evening's festivities and Matt, myself, and Fran decided getting our bearings was the most important part of the first night of Paris. We walked... basically that's the night. Saw the musee's, the National Palace, and some of the river Seine. Matt, Fran, Rachel (our person we picked up out of another group), and myself were starving at around 7PM. So we looked for a cafe' and found a Greek one that served amazing pizza. I picked out an amazing 10 euro bottle of Bordeaux and we ended up having a great meal, once again followed by great conversation. Fran's Parisian dream was to grab a bottle of red and drink it down by the River Seim. We almost lived up to that dream... we bought a few bottles of red, took it back to the hotel and watched French tv. in Matt's room. Matt translated Scream 3 which was helpful because I hadn't seen the movie before. We ended up taking a late night walk through Paris, and really just had a relaxing night compared to the next few. I fell asleep that night to the sound of snoring, and couldn't wait to begin my first whole day in Paris.
I made my way down to Matt's room and asked what he had in store for the evening's festivities and Matt, myself, and Fran decided getting our bearings was the most important part of the first night of Paris. We walked... basically that's the night. Saw the musee's, the National Palace, and some of the river Seine. Matt, Fran, Rachel (our person we picked up out of another group), and myself were starving at around 7PM. So we looked for a cafe' and found a Greek one that served amazing pizza. I picked out an amazing 10 euro bottle of Bordeaux and we ended up having a great meal, once again followed by great conversation. Fran's Parisian dream was to grab a bottle of red and drink it down by the River Seim. We almost lived up to that dream... we bought a few bottles of red, took it back to the hotel and watched French tv. in Matt's room. Matt translated Scream 3 which was helpful because I hadn't seen the movie before. We ended up taking a late night walk through Paris, and really just had a relaxing night compared to the next few. I fell asleep that night to the sound of snoring, and couldn't wait to begin my first whole day in Paris.
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