I took the Eurostar train from London to Gare du Nord (Paris). I slept most of the way in premier class which is similar to first class. They serve you hot meals with wine. You don't have to fetch it four cars down. I had reached my destination and was told to catch a taxi to the rear of the building. I walked up to the taxi driver and was told to stand in a line where at least 500 people waited. I hadn’t used the bathroom since I left London and now this. I was in a taxi in about 45 minutes. The cabbie drove me all over the place to run up the meter and claimed he couldn’t speak English but every now and then he was talking plain English. He pointed out the famous Champs Elysees (pronounced chanz-e-lee-zay) Avenue to me. Yes. It is one of the most beautiful avenues in the world.
The receptionist at the boutique hotel, La Maison Champs Elysees (8th arrondisement) welcomed me with a smile. When I got to my room, there were two pastries and a welcoming card. Off to the side were two pairs of black and silver slippers. I immediately placed those on my tired feet and pulled back the linen sheets on my bed to rest a minute. In fifteen minutes, I was at the receptionist area again seeking help with tours. He recommended two that were outside of Paris. He called the agency and set everything in motion for me. An elderly French man walked up while I was talking and starting speaking French to the receptionist. I could tell the receptionist was chastising the man for interrupting his conversation with me. I liked young Arthur, the receptionist, the bag handler, the concierge. He wasn’t going to stand for that rude Parisian stuff. I tipped him well. He was the epitome of hospitality.
I arose to a bright sun outside my window and was pleased. This day was a going to be a long, arduous day of touring via bus and metro with a tour group that focused on the famous and now dead African-Americans who lived in Paris when America was a harsh place for them. I learned so much history about Paris. The architecture of the City of Lights is awe inspiring. These men had huge egos to build these grandiose mansions and castles. The Eiffel Tower looks like an electrical pole in the day and a glittering electrical pole at night. I see why Parisians thought it was a sore sight. Of course, that’s before it became famous to the world.
At the end of my day, I had the energy to shop on Avenue Montaigne where customer service is no joke. Three people approached me and asked me to choose who I wanted to assist me. This was different than the nonchalant and rude servers at two establishments where I attempted to purchase a crepe and cheesecake. They wanted me to speak French to them in an English-driven tourist area of Paris. I learned that they want you to say, "Bonjour madame." You have to say hello and goodbye or else you’re rude. I know the custom, so I practice it. I did say bonjour, but these women wanted to be rude and obnoxious anyway. I was warned by two tour guides that the Parisians want you to talk in a hushed tone. No loud talking. Well, they better get used to loud Americans. I thought it amusing the comedian, Olivier Giraud, had a performance, How to Become a Parisian in One Hour at the Theatre des Nouveautes in a nearby arrondisement. It focuses on the rudeness and lackluster service you get at stores that don’t sell Celine or Givenchy. In fact, you have to court the salesperson. Watch comedian Olivier Giraud’s video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBRrToUcGQU or http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0RPz0O2A1IU or do your own Google search for the performance. I took a tour with a working student from the La Sorbonne University. I asked her, “How can I become French?” She stated, “Curse the streets, the dogs, and the people. Just curse all day.”
I enjoyed the ride outside of Paris to Giverny, France to visit impressionist painter, Claude Monet’s Farm House and workshop. He fell in love with things Japanese after Japan opened its doors to the world. He loved the culture so much that he built three Japanese bridges on his property and drew images of geishas. He is also known for his water-lily and rose gardens.
I left the rich 8th arrondisement for the 5th arrondisement better known as the Latin Quarter. There I stayed at Hotel Le Petit, a designer hotel. Please see my pictures in this blog to get a taste of the ambience. The best meal I had in the Latin Quarter was the well-seasoned veal stew at Coup de Torchon. A nearby Mediterranean restaurant had great red pepper hummus, falafel, homemade grape leaves, and cannolis. The Latin Quarter was sophisticated and little gritty. They had their cheese and wine shops. The old-time jazz clubs in the area were solemn.
I left Paris on Air France after doing duty-free shopping and filling out my Tax Refund form to receive the 20% Value-added Tax (VAT) I paid on items. Air France was divine. The pasta and cheese dish I chose was very hot and tasty. The wine, french bread, and camembert cheese were all from the Normandy region. I had macaroons and chocolate mousse for dessert. I had plenty of legroom and was able to sleep. Thank goodness. I may return to see the south of France next year with some friends. They want to stay in a luxury apartment. I’ll see how I feel. I have to build up my resistance to the French BS.
In the gripping finale of the BetterWorld cyberpunk series, Waylee, Kiyoko, and their friends attempt to bring down an all-powerful corporation and a corrupt government--all while eluding the biggest manhunt in history.
