Category: Trips

The night was hot. It almost always is in France. So, I spent my night analyzing the room I wsa sleeping in. It’s a girls room. I think her name is Ann. She seems to be into Magic the Gathering. And she loves Australia. This I discerned without touching or moving a single item.

After several countless hours (oh, wait, I just counted them – there were several), I finally fell into sleep. I tried to sleep until someone came to get me. I nearly did this. I grabbed my carry-on bag, and Bryce and Alfred and I walked back here, to the house. At the house, everyone had already had breakfast, so I said, “Non“.

Then we walked into town. We toured two churches. Both were very old. The first was called Notre Dame du Port. I lit a candle there, just as I did in Notre Dame in Paris. This was a simple cathedral. No big murals or sculptures, just simple lines and massive size. I found interesting that in the crypt was a plaque deciated in the late 19th century. I (at first) assumed this to be the dedication by a Pope or something, but it was in fact a plea to the Virgin Mary to save the French soldiers and protect their country. I should research.

From here we went to another cathedral. This one was larger and more ornate. We could not go into the crypt, however. It had beautiful chapels. Benedicte talked to a guy who let us walk up to the top of the tour. This took for F’in ever. And I was really weak at the top. But I took pictures and a heel-click picture of Bryce. Then we departed down. Slowly; in the dark.

Also, I lit a candle here. Then we walked back for lunch. Lunch I didn’t care for so much. It was a salad with onions and peppers and we also had fish eggs, bread, and plenty to drink. The meals for the Morizot’s are late.

Before lunch we watched a video about cathedrals in the area. It was very interesting, but we were all a little tired. The video was very well done and very theatrical.

After lunch we read. It was really a free time. I checked email to discover that Adam and Cari are engaged. So, congrats to them! Also, I agreed to go to New York City in July. I hate taking off work, but this will probably be the last of it.

I am really tired.

Then the sky turned orange and Benedicte said “Qui bizarre!” and I was standing there and I understood. Then the decision was made for me to stay at this house for the night. At first I thought it was because they sense that I was a little uncomfortable with the situation, but it was so I wasn’t travelling in the rain and thunder and lightening. So, Alfred and I got my stuff, talked to the parents who (it turns out) will be gone to Paris again tomorrow, so I barely met them. Then it started to rain, so we ran, and Alfred sang “Singing in the Rain” but he couldn’t remember the words.

Then we ate. We had lasagna, and it was delicious. There was some loud dinner conversation, but it was good. More problems over language. Then, after, Bryce, Brenna, Linds, and Molly completed their tournament. Oh, also, during the day we played Smash Brothers and I read “Le Chat“, a French comic.

Then we played poker. Bryce ended up winning against Linds. Molly was offended when Dad wouldn’t look at her face. So, Bryce actually lost two times (as himself and Molly) before taking Dad’s hand and winning it all.

Crazy.

Tonight, then, I’m sleeping in the room Quitterie was sleeping in, as she sleeps in the pantry. I really could sleep in the pantry, but I’m sure they won’t allow it. I’ll mention it tomorrow.

I want to give the kids American names, and they give us French names. Because we both have trouble with each other’s.

• Antoine » Tony
• Camille » Kammy
• Alfred » Freddy
• Quitterie » Kitty

We’ll see if it works.

Tonight I wrote myself and Holli postcards. Madame had given me postage-paid international envelopes. These should speed things up.

Good night, and Good luck.

France – June 06 Flickr set (June 16)

I hate 4am. Seriously.

Well, my Aunt Karin was gracious enough to allow Holli and I a night’s sleep. This helped tremendously, as our flight was at 6:45am. We met Larry, Carol, and Marissa shortly before 5:45am. We boarded the tiny plane and flew to Minneapolis.

Then we found Cari and Adam. Holli, Marissa, and I went to get breakfast. It took long because Marissa kept getting her beverage stolen by other customers at Starbuck’s.

Then we boarded and flew to New York. Flying in to La Guardia Airport is a little disconcerting because there’s water on both sides of the runway. Finally in, we got our luggage, found our shuttle bus driver, and a frenzy of picture-taking took place. That was just the drive. EVERYONE has a digital camera (Adam got his when we landed – he got Holli’s old one) which is kinda cool.

We couldn’t check in right away, so we walked to a little restaurant (Cosmic Diner or something) and had lunch. I experimented with long exposure pictures. Then we went back and checked in. Once ready we ventured into New York City. First we saw Rupert from Hello Deli near the CBS Store. Then we stopped at the store. I spyed Eugene O’Neill Theatre, named after the famous American Playwright who was born in Times Square.

We walked by Rockerfeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, steaming manholes (not this kind), and sidewalk salesmen. I took some photos for a panograph. Saw NBC studios. Finally, we arrived at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our original idea for mass for Holli and I was The Actor’s Chapel, but we decided to walk down to St. Patrick’s instead. While we massed, the others shopped. Brilliant “Toccatta” at the end.

Then we saw Trump Tower across the street, the Soup Nazi’s store (called The Original Soupman), a neat AMD ad, a musical based on Anne Rice’s novel Lestat (called “Lestat”), and a broken Dakt sign in Times Square.

For supper we first opted for Hard Rock Cafe, which had lots of Beatles stuff, but then we moved to ESPNZone. Here we got yelled at, they made us wait an hour, they made Marissa and Carol upset, and then they never checked in on our table, and we had to ask other servers to fetch our waiter. I was much less than pleased, but all I’ve expected from sports jocks is bully behavior.

We walked back, got wet, went to the MTV store, took pictures in Times Square, saw a Church of Scientology, and finally in for bed.

Phew!

P.S. I bought a hat.

New York City – July 06 Flickr set (July 22)

The big question for the day is “Are we going to The Catacombes?” The answer was “Non.” Due to logistical planning problems, neither The Catacombes (Paris’s City of the Dead) nor the Archeological Crypt of Notre Dame would work, so we opted for some souvenir shops nearby. I only bought a letter opener which may or may not become a letter opener souvernir.

From there we journeyed back, collected our bags, packed a car, and everyone but Dad and Madame tramped to the Metro.

On the metro, Mom and I met a Parisian woman who had lived for a time in Chicago. She spoke fluent English, with a little trace of an accent, and asked about the definition of the word “mix-match“. We talked to her for a couple stops. Thinking on it now, we gave her the definition of “mismatch“.

Then to the train station at Gare de Lyons. There we met the other two with our bags. I stopped at a photo kiosk and got my picture taken for 2 euros. It’s for Holli. :)

We set and waited for the train to Clermont-Ferrand to board. We had lunch: sandwhiches, chips, and coke. We put tags on the bags. Then we boarded our train. All was good until we tried to find our seat. Then it was discovered that our tickets were for the 16th, not 15th (see post title). We were scared, and Camille was angry (at her dad). She pleaded with an official, and we sat in unchosen seats. Thusly we enjoyed our trip: Linds, Bryce, Moll, and Bren in one quad and Camille, moi, Mom, and Dad in the other. The trip was problemless.

Arriving in Clermont we were met by Benedicte and Benoit and Alfred. We climbed into 2 vehicles, I and Bryce with Camille and Benedicte, where Camille was practicing her driving to be ready to take her test. Her driving wasn’t bad. France, not just Paris, is crazy with driving. Apparently there are a lot of accidents and harsher driving laws have helped to curb that.

We drove to the house and dropped our bags off. The first part of the evening was spent conversing and having champagne, soda, and pretzels. We met Quitterie, the youngest. Then they left to get Antoine. He is the eldest and most fluent English speaker of the kids. He took us to his place, which is elsewhere in Clermont-Ferrand, to download Bryce’s pictures, which caused him to run out of battery power (and it’s an odd, random battery). From Antoine’s we travelled to a volcano in the region, the Puy-de-Dôme. Clermont-Ferrand is situated within the Auvergne Moutains, made up of dormant volcanoes. I had a major ordeal in the bathroom there where I had trapsed almost all over the WC only to find that the floor was wet, and I had left my sexy footprints everywhere. So, I tried in vain to clean it as much as possible with toilet paper as I backed out.

The mountains were beautiful. We sat and had champagne (again) and chips and talked. Antoine had told us to correct him whenever he pronounces something wrong or uses the wrong word, so I have been. It’s been interesting conversation, and I don’t mean that sarcastically.

Once back, Alfred took me to my resting place. See, I am seperated from the group in order to have a bed. I would argue the point, but it’s obvious that Benedicte has put a lot of work into getting this room, even though I am fine sleeping on the floor if it a means a little familiarity in a foreign country. I suppose that sort of feeling is what Mom had when she came over here, 37 years ago. There is a French guy staying here (probably around my age) who speaks fluent English. He showed me around, and I set my stuff down, and then Alfred and I left.

Once back we dined. It was omelettes and cheese (Bryce’s favorite saying!). Camille left to stay at a friend’s place (perhaps to free up a bed), but the rest of us ate. There was a lot of conversation in both languages, and a little in Spanish, too. The meal was good, as was the dessert. Shortly after, however, I headed back here with Alfred to settle in. The guy here is chatty (I suppose being friendly), but it makes me uncomfortable, as I’m not at all sure of the traditions, customs, or manners in this place, and I’d hate to offend anyone. Oh, well.

I told my parents of my plans for NYC in July. I’m still not sure if I’m going. I haven’t been able to check my mail yet. Hopefully tomorrow. Discovered that Bryce reminds everyone of a comical actor who created a character called “Brice de Nice”, who thinks he’s a surfer from the Mediterranean (where there are no waves).

I am le tired.

France – June 06 Flickr set (June 15)

Awoke and had scrumptuous chocolate bread for breakfast (le petit déjeuner). Was a bit tired. The room Bryce and I share is quite a bit different. It is a tiny, no-bath-but-a-sink flat for university students. And it was hot (chaud). So, we stayed up and talked and voyeured. We peered into the windows of other Parisians, finding little interesting, and giving nicknames to the heavy hitters. We sat upon our large window ledge and hung our legs outside where there was a noticeable 10 degree dip in temperature. Finally at 12:30 or so we fell asleep in the heat.

After breakfast, which I really liked (a flaky croissant bread with just enough chocolate inside), we prepared for our day.

Our first event was to change money near the Notre Dame. But first, while at home, we took the red tour bus (Les Cars Rouge) which allowed an audio tour and a two day pass on one ticket. Thus we travelled to Notre Dame.

Notre Dame, if you don’t know, is a beautiful cathedral, and I did a report (or a group presentation, rather) on it in ARTH. We went in, and I took a lot of photos. It is just as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. But it was also darker (go figure). We admired a number of things, including the Treasury (photo) and a statue for the Mausoleum of Count Claud (photo). At the end of the walk, I bought three 2 euro medallions for souvenirs. We also had gone to a souvenir shop prior to exchanging money. I got items listed at the front for Holli, Marissa, Adam and Cari. Souvenir shopping will be a little easier since I don’t have to get my immediate family anything (since they’re all here). Score.

Then we went to MacDonald’s. I got a Royal Cheese, frites, et un evian. The food didn’t taste that much different to me. The frites were more bland. Like fries when they sit out too long (or like the fries from Dairy Queen – burn!), but I liked it. After that we took the bus back to l’Opera.

First we went around it, but the front is magnifique. Also, high danger of pickpockets. We went in to find that the Auditorium was closed due to Rehearsal. I didn’t see how this changed plans, but Camille suggested we look at a book of the inside before paying anything. We did that, and Dad, Molly, Brenna, Camille, and myself decided it was worth it. So, we did. We saw some beautiful halls and other various beautiful locations. What I found most fascinating was that it is still used by patrons of the arts. Finally, we convinced Mom, Linds, and Bryce to pay and come in, too. We got a big group photo (photo). Eventually we departed and headed to the bus. We took it all around to the final stop. On our way back we discovered protesters on the Arc. They wanted Russia and China to not support Iran. (This we didn’t truly discover until zooming in on the pictures Brenna took with Mom’s camera). Also, there must have been a military event planned there. SWAT showed up. It was exciting, yet traffic remained the same. One brave cop walked through this throng of vehicles to the arc, using only his outstretched hand to wade the metal onslaught.

But, I get ahead of myself. Before that we visited the biggest store in Paris. It was called Gallerie Lafayette. There were 6 levels for all different tastes, plus levels 0 and -1. There was even a level for sexy clothes. I only bought a water. I wanted to exchange pleasantries with our cashier (feeling a little more confident in French), but when it was discovered that she was conversational, I told Bryce that I’d say “Bonjour”, then turn to him, and start talking in English. And so, the plan was executed masterfully.

Once back at the flat, we had supper. Lasagne, wine, cider, tomato-cheese salad, and chocolate dessert. It was delicious. The cheese was really good. Mathilde came and made sure to bid us all adieu. Then Linds said that Bryce gets a little too embarassed over that.

After that we went to Montmarte (the site of Amelie). We had to take a train (metro) and, while getting on, Bryce got doored. Mom started crying about Hogan. “Overture” may be from the French or Italian word for “opening” or “door”.

Montmarte is the location of Sacré-CÅ“ur, which means “sacred heart” in English. It is a church, still in use, that has a nice overlook of Paris. We got there and found the building locked, but that was just the square in front (with a merry-go-round). We were allowed into the church at the top of a very large number of stairs, and we saw a beautiful cathedral with vespers in session. No photos or videos, and very quiet.

We then sought a decent view of the Eiffel (none as good as our flat) and then rested in the grass. Dad and Mom left to go walk; Bryce and Lindsey went to go walk; and I can’t help but wish my belle was here with me. Paris is the City of Love, after all, and Lights. And the Dead. Mom discovered that Hogan is okay. His kind do that when in a new situation that is stressful. In other words, his entire breed suffers from pussy-itis. Bryce and Lindsey had a good walk but not a wedding ring walk. Brenna and I saw the city from another vantage point from more below (photo).

Then we headed back. The thing about Montmarte is that it seems to be a kid hangout. It was huge. Once back we took the metro again. Arrived back home safely. Then a walk back to the flat, some glasses of Coke, a quick shower, and this.

Now we see what tomorrow brings.

France – June 06 Flickr set (June 13)

Could not sleep. I suppose if I did this for a living, then I’d learn but tonight it didn’t work. It didn’t work for Brenna, either. So, I watched another movie. I saw DareDevil.

I had heard that it was rubbish from everyone, but I had my hopes. All for naught. The movie chose cliché and chees for plot and intelligence. I felt that it fell into too many genres for its own good. Sometimes it treated itself like a serious superhero movie and other times it turned campy.

Plus I hate Garner and Affleck (especially as action heros).

With the movie over, I decided to play a game on the in-game console. As it was loading Cave Crunch (or some such thing) it froze up. I considered asking a stewardess for assistance, but they said it takes 20 minutes to unfreeze the systems, and I figured we were nearly there, so I wrote a little instead.

It’s still dark. Hard to write. My eyes burn. And, last time I was in the bathroom, my eyes were red, too. I just wanted to play Cave Crunch.

We had a good trip through customs and then we found Camille (kah-mee) and her grandmother. She greeted us with an air kiss on both cheeks (a custom I’ll have to get used to). Then came a long ordeal to get a taxi. We taxied to her grandma’s place where we are staying for the next couple days. After sitting with her grandma and having a glass of (very dry) wine, we were off with Camille as our guide. Our 1er task was the Arc de Triomphe. It’s in the middle of the craziest block in Paris. So you have to go (cleverly) under the street. Then you are in the center of the craziness.

The Arc is huge. You look up, and up. All the major avenues go right up to and around it. It’s quite the sight. So, I figured, “Why not go up?” So, Dad, Molly and I bought tickets at 8, 3, and 5 euros respectively and climbed. It was a cool scene. Took many pictures. Some with me in them for Holliweather.

Then we came down (by jumping! no, just kidding; we had to use steps) and walked to the Eiffel Tower or Le Tour Eiffel. That amounted to walking up a total of 668 steps. They have two levels from which you can watch and walk to. A third, higher level is only reachable by elevator, costs money, and wasn’t really worth the view. I was still very winded from all the walking (and I think I started getting dehydrated) so I was slow going up, but I was determined to get to the top. The only real notable thing was that I was last down (of course) and I helped a Spanish-speaking couple take a picture. I said “queso” and “de nada”.

After that we walked back (which was very long) and I immediately changed into shorts (so as to not die) and I will probably not do pants again until further notice. It is quite a bit warmer than we had planned.

For supper we had sandwhiches, of loose bread and meat. The meat was excellent and the bread was verry good. I liked the salad but the dressing wasn’t what I like. Pickles, also, were a bit strong. Water seems to be in a sort of shortage so that might be why wine is drunk so often.

Later we met a cousin, Mathilde, and an uncle to Camille. The thing of note was that Mathilde speaks Spanish (whether in class or fluently, I know not), and I wsa suddenly on the spot.

“Miles, ask her where she’s going. Say it in Spanish.”

Much later than the awkward, completely uncommunicated exchange, I came upon “A donde vas?” but I wasn’t thinking Spanish at all on this trip. I’ve been thinking French (go figure).

So, then I showered, and then I wrote to Holli (via postcard) and now I’m doing the journal. Tomorrow should be hot. Bonne nuit.

France – June 06 Flickr set (June 12)

Awaykened at 7:00ish. Boy was I tired. This day bean at my Great Aunt (ount in French) Josie’s place in Stillwater, MN. I opted out of a shower, and I didn’t feel greasy or anything so far.

Travelled to the airport. Said “goodbye” to Sue and Aunt Josie, as they were taking care of the vans. Relatively painless cruise through security and baggage. We eventually boarded and prepared to fly.

This was Molly and Brenna’s maiden (innaugral) voyage on a plane. So, Bryce and I were very determined to fill their heads with ideas. Bryce mentioned “The thing about flying, Brenna, is that 1 in 3 planes go down.” I found that hilarious. I would do all kinds of “oh, no…” and “oh, that’s not good” for the sounds of the plane.

Made it into Detroit ready to wait. For food, Molly and I ate at a Japanese sushi place. I showed her my stolen airplane safety cards. The sushi was good (see receipt, pic). Then we met with others and started a cribbage tourney. I played Linds and lost (but closely). I started reading and helped Brenna play her hand. Then I went walking. I stopped along the way to call Holli. She had just gotten back to Brookings. It was nice to talk to her. I’m lucky to have her in my life to care about me.

I walked up and down and just looked at stuff. I listened to music while I walked, and I carried my boarding pass. Annoying. On my way I found Dad and Molly. Then we saw a girl collapsed in the food area. She was terribly upset. Her sister (?), two security guards and another authority figure were trying to calm her down to little avail. I saw that girl two more times and I have yet to decide if she was pitiful or annoying. Either she was a scared little girl or a brat. Her sister wore a red, fancy dress (like you would to a pageant or contest).

We finally figured out our gate a little before six. So, I write this from the old gate. Now I’m moving. After sitting for a bit, Dad and Bryce found us. So, we went to find Mom and Linds for food. Went to a Mediterranean Grill place. I got Shish Kabobs (chicken) and needed instructions as to how exactly to eat it. Then we returned to our seats to board.

I’m back. See that mess to the right (there was a terrible black mess on the next page of the journal)? Well, apparently my pen exploded midflight. My hands, also, are covered in black ink. So, I’ll be writing this in green.

Okay, we’re flying over Ireland (just about). Getting on the plane was fine. This plane is much larger. It reminds me of something I said to Brenna earlier. “With airplanes that have more seats on one side than they do on the other, the problem isn’t taking off. The problem is staying airborne. Pilots usually lose control and crash.”

Not much has happened on this flight. We had a meal. There is a French family that I’m sitting next to, and the lady seems to have a really bad attitude. She nearly had a fight with the lady in front of her over a seat issue. It’s a shame because her family had seemed nice (except for her), and it isn’t giving me a very good image of the French so far.

I watched King Kong and during that we had supper. Then I decided to try to get some rest.

France – June 06 Flickr set (June 11)

Well, guess what. I’m going to France. While this doesn’t come at the most opportune time in my life (or bank account), my parents are footing the bill for the air ticket, so I don’t have much excuse. I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic trip.

As with Costa Rica, I will try to post updates here, but that may or may not happen. Ironically, it may be the best to just check my Facebook profile for my current status and location. As I write this, I pack the last of my things away. We’ll be gone a total of 14-ish days which means we leave Minneapolis on June 11th, and I’ll be back in Madison on June 25th.

Holli was nice enough to come and see us off as far as Big Stone, and she might be there awaiting us when we return. She’s also been nice enough to look after Haji for me while I’m gone, and she’s been nice enough to endure my sudden attempt at learning the language before I visit the country. This week has been a crash course in French. One site I found was quite helpful (although a little wayward) at getting me started. The language of the French is no longer a dense fog of uncomprehensible voodoo. I’ve found rhythm and reason. I even made up a little verb book today at work. Pronunciation, I fear, will be impossible, however.

Our schedule, with tentative dates, include:

• June 11th – Paris
• June 16th – Clermont-Ferrand
• June 19th – Quiberon
• June 22nd – Paris
• June 25th – Madison

I wrote my Spanish professor (who majored in French) asking for tips or tricks for safe and fun French travel, and she had this as a reply:

Zut alors! Je suis jalouse!!!!

My advice is be kind and they will be kind in return. Clermont-Ferrand sounds familiar. Is that in the south? I worked at a ag equipment factory in Montpellier the summer after college. It might be the same department.

You’ll love it. Just do whatever your mother tells you to do and you won’t go wrong! :)

Bon voyage!!!!!!!

Lynn

I guess I’m set then. Of course, she’s never met my mother…