Apologies on not posting like any photos from France. I mean, I’ve only even done one entry of the four I’ve actually written about it. It took like 36 hours just to get back to California so give me a few days to put something together. I promise it will be substantive and fabulous.

Now I must sleep…

Bon voyage! I am on the train from the Orleans train station, Les Aubrais Orléans, and headed to la Gare d’Austerlitz…I think. It’s hard to tell, of course, but I’m sure that’s where I’m going. I’ve just left Nicole and it was very sad to depart. I had a fabulous time being with my friend and seeing just a glimmer of her life in France. I know that if Nicole was in America, I would be in constant contact, and I’m glad that I was able to at least see her in France since I cannot see her often in America.

The past few days have been pretty incredible. I knew that I would regret not taking the oportunity to explore Paris so I was sure not to neglect seizing upon that this Thursday. Originally, the intent of all this was for Nicole to be out of classes and for the two of us to spend as much time possible exploring France or just cavorting around Angers. Her sudden move to Orléans changed that so my vacation became a more subdued, leisurly habitation of Orléans accented by Nicole’s companionship and wonderful cooking.

I’m glad things worked out this way. My vacation to Georgia several months ago was so rushed, I had almost no time to relax (with the exception of the one night I got to stay at the Hotel Mary-Kate). I’m glad I got to spend time in Orléans exploring and taking it easy. Since Nicole was in class on Thursday for most of the day and I didn’t want to have to tag along (sitting through French Administrative Law is pretty damn boring, especially if you don’t know French), so I took the train to Paris.

I was scared at first. It was the first time I had ever traveled by myself in a foreign city. I’m so glad I seized the opportunity because I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed myself most shopping by the Arc de Triomphe. I got a Louis Vutton bag for Melinda as I promised and was able to replace my camera’s memory card. I got some fabulous photos walking through Paris, by the Louvre and on the way to the Eiffel Tower.

Standing beneath the Eiffel tower, I was of course tempted to make the ascent. It was sort of a spiritual calling — I remember the first time I topped the Eiffel tower when I last visited Paris about six years ago (pictured above). I felt so excited and awed by the experience. I couldn’t pass it up this time around so I spent the 11 Euros for the timeless thrill.

Afterward, as I had used up all of my Paris time, I had to scoot back to Austerlitz and head back to Orléans just in time to miss dinner. It was worth it though. I’m glad I went. Had I listened to my inhibitions, I probably would have stayed in Orléans, too fearful of making the solo trip. It was a great thing for me and by the end of the day, when ever a silly Parisian came to talk to me in French, I didn’t even sweat saying, “Oh, I don’t speak French.” In fact, I probably looked more Parisian than ever. Well, maybe…

Long flight ahead, I’ll write again about the trip after I’ve arrived in San Francisco. Au revoir!