Nantes-Paris

We arrived at the train station well in advance in order to validate our passes and purchase a reservation. Unfortunately, the only train to Paris which was still available left at 9 PM. We took it anyway as well as a reservation for Strasbourg the following day. I walked around to get a feel of the place, and continuously glanced at the departure panels to see on which track our speedy TGV train would arrive.

The time finally came and we boarded with no difficulty. It was a shame that we had to ride at night because TGV trains are incredibly fast. (We passed the full length of other trains in a matter of seconds.) We arrived about 30 minutes after midnight, and began our quasi-aimless romp around Paris.

The first goal of ours was to see the Eiffel Tower. At 1 AM the entire tower began flashing with bright silver lights for some reason. Laura got a little video of this which I shall post if I find a way to insert it. It was a much-needed beacon, since we had very little idea where to find anything. There were a few things which I had not expected about it. Contrary to my childlike expectations, the area under the tower was open to the public. It was also guarded by security personnel carrying automatic weapons. It was much bigger than I expected, as well.

Two men bedecked in souvenirs approached us as well at different times. I decided to haggle with him a bit before shutting him down. He didn't take this very well and stormed off after yelling "Laisses-moi tranquile!"

There are many problems with Paris. The exorbitant prices are as unavoidable as the urine which flows from every dark corner. (Imagine paying 150 dollars for a hotel room as big as your bathroom.) The public-transport system is tailored to take advantage of tourists and other outsiders. If you want to ride a bus and are not a part of some specific Parisian transportation society you must pay 1.50 Euro. The Parisians have also acquired a public bicycle exchange program. Laura and I trekked endless kilometers to save money, and citizens used bicycles which must be obtained by using another secret-clubhouse card.

I'll not even mention the public restrooms for now.

We sprinted across the largest and busiest roundabout I have ever seen to get incredibly close to the Arch de Triomphe. After a short time we were accosted by some more armed guards who insisted that it was illegal to be as close as we were. At least I got some great photos...

After leaving the Arch a few Parisians asked us where THEY could find a McDonald's or a Quick. (A Quick is kind of like a slightly better McDonald's.) I decided that if a Parisian didn't know where something is then Laura and I did not have a chance. They did think that my French was good, though; this pleased me immensely.

Having finished our main goals, we began making our way to the train station. On our way we saw several statues, a memorial for Princess Diana, a huge ferris wheel, and many, many other buildings.

Having walked what felt like 10 miles around Paris, Laura and I were completely exhausted. We were not willing to pay for lodging so we went and slept on the cold floor of the Paris North train station. We got about 3-4 hours of sleep between each other and finally had to get up because it was simply too cold.

Our train to Strasbourg was to leave at Paris East, so we went there quite early to wait. I unplugged a copier and plugged my laptop in. While typing this a lady approached me and said, "Do you speak English?" I was not used to having my native tongue appreciated so I said, "Sure!" thinking she needed directions. To my dismay she handed me a tiny laminated card saying how her father had leukemia and she couldn't afford food. Thinking quickly, I offered her one fig newton and smiled. I had her now! She took it and walked away, but I am pretty sure she winked at me.

We grabbed a quick bite at...Quick and then got on the train to Strasbourg. The lady sitting in the seat next to me was sneaky. Her Strasbourg was for the train an hour later, but she got on anyway. The rightful owner of the seat caught her, though, and she was forced to relocate. The owner's name was Gil, and he was visiting his son who was studying in Strasbourg. He hailed from Quebec, and he had the distinctive maahTAYNE (Matin is French for morning. In France..French one is supposed to pronounce it MahTAN.) It was an excellent opportunity to practice my French because he could speak English, as well as several other languages. We parted ways at the train station, and Laura and I began our voyage through Strasbourg: a city that defies an old adage.

It looks like its German. It acts like its German...

but it speaks French.

Next update: Strasbourg-Luxembourg.