By Jeff – 9/13/2011
So my trip finally came to an end. All that remained was a trip to the airport, a 9.5 hour flight to Minneapolis, and then a flight to Rochester after a 2 hour layover.
The flight, other than being long, was uneventful – with the exception of the lady across the aisle and one row up from me, who hadn’t bathed since . . . uh . . . ever! The smell was so strong that when I first got to my seat, I thought it was the person next to me. Thankfully no – but every time she created a small breeze from across the aisle (like shifting her blanket) – my nose burned just a little bit more.
BTW – and your experiences may vary – but for every trip where there’s an option between Delta and American – I’m flying Delta.
Anyway – day #7 consisted of leaving my hotel at 7:30 Tuesday morning and getting home at 6:00 Tuesday night (Rochester time). Since my body was still on Paris time – that would be 1:00 Wednesday morning. Yeah, I was a little tired. However, having a little girl shout, “daaaaaadddy!” out the window, as I was stepping off of the shuttle bus certainly did wake me up. I walked up the stairs and Grace hugged me so hard that I thought my head was about to pop off. It was wonderful. I haven’t been allowed out of her sight since.
So – my final thoughts about Paris (based on my experience – which does not necessarily equate scientific fact):
· Contrary to what you’ve been told, the French are not snooty, arrogant people, who hate all Americans and would enjoy shooting anyone who butchers their language. I found them to be quite enjoyable, polite and helpful. They did not flinch when I mispronounced words – unless it was so bad that they had no clue what I was saying (if I haven’t already mentioned, yes I did “speak” French whenever possible. It was great fun! – No, not fluent, only have about 50 phrases).
· The French are terrible drivers – yet, great drivers. They weave in and out of traffic (and the scooters and motorcycles – oh my goodness, scary!) – but the other drivers let them in. They are polite on the freeways – not like us with our “me first” attitude on the freeway (think about it, you know I’m right (self included)) – and despite how terrible the traffic is, I only saw one dented car – and I think that was from hitting a power pole or similar.
· Paris Metro (subway) and train system is fantastic. I have never been to New York or L.A. to see their system – but some of our cities could learn something from their system. It took/takes an immense amount of planning to make that thing work. I realize we’re different here – things are so spread out and we like our cars – but we could learn a thing or two about moving people from A to B.
· The best food is not always found in the fanciest or most expensive restaurant. Food in Paris was (in my opinion) quite expensive. Much of it was similar to what I could’ve got in a restaurant here in the States. True, there was the tuna pizza – but other than that . . . However, the best food I had the entire trip was from a little “mom and pop” place in Caen, after the D-Day tour. Everyone went out to find food before boarding the train back to Paris. I stumbled upon a little shop that simply had, “Kabab” written on the sign over the door. It was by far the best food I had my entire trip – for 1/3 the price (seriously a THIRD).
· I may have mentioned this before – Paris is called the city of romance or the city of love, and is referred to the most romantic city in the world. Personally – I didn’t see it, unless they are referring to all of the people who are kissing at the bus stops and street corners. The city was neat – a lot of cool things to see and old world architecture and buildings that were built before the European settlers even inhabited the land that would one day become the USA – but from a romantic standpoint? Take your significant other to a warm place in January and hold hands on the beach.
· Lastly – and this is not meant to sound boastful – it has not escaped me that I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to travel, quite literally, all over the world. I am thankful every day, first of all – to even be employed and do something that I enjoy – but also to be able to go places and see things that I had previously only dreamed of. Life treats me very kindly, and God has been very good to me.
That wraps up the notes from Paris. Thanks for reading. If you ever want to hear more about one of the days or events – don’t hesitate to ask. I always love to tell stories (even true ones).
Be well,
Jeff
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