Of Miles Rausch

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…