Parlez-vous français?

Paris Day One

Dear Someone, 

          Nightmares do come true. Periodically through out my life I have had dreams in which an unknown being is chasing me. Typically I would run to familiar house seeking refuge. DeLaMare’s, Anderson’s, and if all else fails Mrs. Pittams home. (Just a short ½ mile away) Ironically the inhabitants of the home are conveniently away. Leaving me to be devoured by the unknown pursuers. The dream generally ends as I hide under Mr. Pittams car anxiously waiting to be found. The looming presence is felt. Without seeing you know that the foreboding presence is near.  I refer to these reoccurring dreams as the “chase” You never seem to have the comforts that everyday life grants you. People you love and count on are vacant. 

                Welcome to the Metro; home to vermin, and filth. Body odor wafts through out the dank tunnels. We found the underground quite shocking. (That is in comparison to our well-kept tube)  Of course overlooking the grime we continued on our journey. Dinner… or dessert preferably crème brulee, accompanied with a romantic boat ride along the Seine River to catch a glimpse of the night life in Paris.  After exiting the train we piled into an elevator. Four men accompanied us. In the tight quarters a man stoked my peer's arm. In response to our startled faces he asked if we spoke French. I didn’t respond. The elevator door opened I quickly walked out the door only to turn around and see my peers trapped in the elevator with the men. I hastily continued up the stairs. The girls pushed past the men and followed me. I didn’t know where to go. I could hear them running  behind as they hollered profanities. In an attempt to escape, one of the girls ran across the street emerged in a crowd. Quickly our pursuers saw her split away and ran after her. I kept on walking straight with hopes to give off the impression of indifference. After 10 minutes they left us alone. They had had their laugh.  I resented the fact that I felt vulnerable. I was offended by the fact that men who lack such decorum are real. 'Oh la la" rang in my ears the rest of the evening.  It's easy to get accustomed to the false sense of security that London, or even back home provides. We gathered together a bit shaky and enjoyed baguettes with cheese. 

           Paris is stunning. I was taken a back by the beauty of this city. War, fire, and more war have made London a city that is truly a hodgepodge of new and old. Paris has such beautiful architecture. I was astounded by the ornate details. As we boarded the boat the Eiffel Tower started to sparkle. At the top of each hour the Tower glitters. We met up with some other Women from our Party and enjoyed an excellent night seeing Paris's exquisite jewels lit. As we sailed a long the river we passed a group of couples dancing on the riverbank. Lit by the moon, and silhouetted by the Eiffel Tower. A beautiful moment I wish to cherish in my heart. If only you were there to have enjoyed it with me. Perhaps someday I will come back and share the splendor of Paris with you! 

Cheers!

Miss Fin