Weekend in Paris

Wow... what a week it has been. After battling jet lag with 13 hours of sleep the first night I finally got my feet under me both with the time difference and the French. I got a hold of a good friend in Paris, Lisa Danielson. Lisa and I lived in the same building at UBC in first year and have been friends ever since. She has been going to school at Science Po in Paris for the last year so I couldn't have asked for a better guide around the city. One of her best friends from Vancouver, Sophia and her Sister Britta were also in Paris for a couple of days staying with Lisa so we had a little expedition to tour around Paris for the weekend.

I started the weekend with a couple of hours at the pool with the kids (the Aquaboulevard http://www.aquaboulevard.fr/aquaboulevard.html#/homePage ) . It is apparently the largest pool in France. Even as a 20 year old "kid at heart" I found it pretty sweet! I also found out as the security guard checked our bags that you are not allowed to have swim trunks like you normally would in North America. I was then ushered upstairs to the swim shop where I bought a very nice pair of "jammers" they are just like spandex shorts but a little shorter than I would normally wear. Fortunately there were no pictures of this event!

That afternoon I hoped on the train, alone, for the first time on my trip. I got into the neighbourhood where Lisa lives without any problems. We went to the grocery store and got some fresh veggies, meat and 1 Euro beers and a bottle of the cheapest white wine! I lucked out because it was May 15 which is a free night at museums, most are open till 12 or 1 so we planned where we wanted to go and set out after dinner. The History of Paris museum was very interesting. But the really interesting thing was the amount of Parisians at the museum. It was free for all and I think the locals like to take advantage of that.

The next day we walked up to Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) Basillica, one of the best views of Paris! Then to the Gay/Jewish district of Paris for falafels. I was hesitant because to me, friend chick pea balls, cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, humus and hot sauce in a pita does not sound good; it was good, it was great! We then made our way to the Modern Art museum (Centre Pompidou, built by former president George Pompidou). Much like a lot of modern art it was "interesting"

One of lisa's friends called and said she wanted to meet for a beer so we grabbed some chocolate and banana crepes, cold beers from the corner store, and found a spot along the seine beside Notre Dame and enjoyed the Parisian sun.

After all those escapades I traveled back to Saint Leu and dinner was ready!

Tomorrow I officially have my first day of work. I have to make dinner for the boys (the mom said they will eat pasta every night of the week). I am sure I will have an update after that one.

Bonne Nuit

Ryan "The Manny"