Paris November 2002

 

Written in Paris Nov.16th 2002 and enroute to Cuba Nov. 17th 2002

 

I have so much to write I don’t know where to begin. There must be some kind of jinx or spell that is on me when I first arrive in Paris. In 1982 when I arrived in Paris I was hoping to leave a suitcase at the school I was going to be studying at a few weeks later. I had no luck getting through to people and I felt that maybe studying in Paris was going to be a mistake. When I did return a month later I had a fantastic time and enjoyed my studies immensely. The jinx stuck again, Nov 15th 2002, before even getting to my hotel I was pick pocketed in the Metro. I blame myself almost as much as the thief. I guess it was the culture shock between Iceland and France. I didn’t even have to go through customs as Iceland is part of the Schengen Group and there is free travel between certain countries. I was not even asked for ID at check in.

The flight went well and there was lots of room, which is unusual for Icelandair. I noticed that the flight crew was kind of older. I guess the Paris trip is popular with people with seniority. The pilot of the plane was female, I am not sure if I have ever flown with a female pilot before but it was a great flight so I am not complaining.

No customs in Paris but we sure had to walk along way and wait for a long time for our luggage. I had to take a shuttle to the train, which took me to the Metro, which would take me close to the hotel. The train ride was fine but when I switched to the Metro it was PACKED. I could not move even if I wanted to and I was very uncomfortable. I thought to myself I better be careful but reassured myself everything would be fine. It was just a short ride on the Metro and when I got to my destination I realized my wallet was gone, SH*T what could I do?? The thief had opened my pocket with was closed with Velcro and taken the wallet. Panic struck and I just wanted to go home, it took me quite a while to calm down, like there was anything else I could have done. I might as well make my way to the hotel, of course hearing all kinds of warnings over the PA system about thieves and crooks. Too late ha-ha. I got checked in and the person working the reception was very nice and helpful. He did not seem surprised at what had happened to me, I guess I was not the first. After taking my bags to the room, I made my way to the Police Station. In my broken French I explained what happened and I think other than the fact that nothing could be done I managed quite well. The word pick pocket came up fast and I was handed a form to fill out and the police woman stamped it, didn’t even want or need a copy of it. I returned to the hotel, made a few calls to Canada and sent a few emails to try to do something.  I got a call from my friend and coworker Diddi right away, to see if there was anything he could do but there was little that could be done. I stepped out for a bite to eat and while I was out the vice principle of the school called also. The guy in reception said my sister/or someone called. I don’t have a sister so I knew it was Systa that had called.

After some well deserved R&R I ventured out into the Paris night. My hotel was close to Hotel de Ville or City Hall and a short walk to Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. This is always my favorite area and the food is fantastic. Of course I had to have a gyro. The Latin Quarter is becoming more Asian but is still friendly and lively. I made my way over to Les Halles and the Pompidou Center area. There are lots of bars and restaurants there as well. I found a place that made me a crepe with banana and sugar that you could just die for. Like that wasn’t enough I also had to have some exquisite French pastry as well, what diet? Of course I won’t mention the beers. It had been a long day and even though midnight is early to call it quits in Paris I headed to the hotel. It was nice to sleep in and forget about my problems. It was really cloudy and somewhat foggy so there were limited photo opportunities. It was not raining so it was nice to walk around. I was not in the metro very much but it was packed as usual and I think there were a couple guys that tried to get my camera off me. I even had a feeling it one of them was the same guy that got my wallet the day earlier. I though about asking him for my wallet back but decided against it. One guy was on his knees looking for something or pretending to look for something on the floor and all of a sudden the clasp on my camera bag is released. I was able to grab the bag and get away from these guys and sit down. It had never released before and has not done it since so you be the judge. They didn’t stay on the metro long. I made my way to Sacre Coeur and the Pigalle area. The artist area is fun to explore, some year it would be nice to afford some more art. The Moulin Rouge always stands out, as do the Sex Shops and Peep shows. I took the Metro to the Arc de Triomphe. The weather was a little better there and I walked to the Eiffel Tower. I walked down the Champs Elysées and took photos along the way. There was lots of security around the US Embassy 15 years ago but now it is a fortress. Place du Concorde was packed with tourists and after a nice stroll through the Jardin Tulieres I arrived at the Louvre. The new entrance is very interesting and nice. There were lots of people out walking. I noticed there were few Americans compared to when I was in Paris last.

After all the walking and exploring I needed a nap. I snoozed for a while before venturing into the Paris night again. I was ready to stay out all night but didn’t want to. Back at the hotel I started writing this down, my thoughts just kept going onto paper.

Continued on the plane to Cuba, next day.

I had a great sleep, forgotten about my problems. I was even a little early at getting to the airport. On the train on the way to the airport I met a guy from Beijing. In talking he asked how my trip was going, I told him of my little problem and he told me the last time he was in Paris he lost $600.00 US out of his hotel room, and here I was worried about $150.00. I think I would have been even more upset with that scenario.

Arriving at the check in I was offered cash to stay another night in Paris because the flight was overbooked but I was ready to get going and my friends were waiting for me in Havana so I passed on the offer. The plane was a little late at arriving so we were delayed in taking off. We were bused out to the plane and it seemed to take forever to take off but we made it.

It was different to hear and speak French in the plane. I hope someday I can spend more time in France to learn the language better. After a fantastic supper was served I watched the Bourne Identity in Spanish with English subtitles. I needed the practice.

I have never been on such a long flight but it went well and gave me time to finish this postcard.

 

Even though I had a bad experience I still want to end this postcard with;

 

Paris je t´aime !! I will be back.