Day 92: or The Day I Missed The Train

I had planned to go on a little country outing today but was thwarted by the lines at the ticket counter. The machines only take chip credit cards, which I of course don't have. Since I was already in the city, I decided to spend some time. It was a beautiful day with a high of 72'. Amazing. I started by going to Montmarte, to see the artists and street performers. I grabbed a crepe and walked around. I went through the Sacre Couer again, just because going through beautiful churches has a calming effect. When leaving I was harassed worse than I've ever been by the solicitors. The way they actually grab you is unnerving. I can walk out of any situation without feeling awkward about not giving money, but when I'm physically stopped, it puts me on edge. Instead of the usual, "pardon" or "no, merci", I end up saying a pretty strong "don't touch me". I even know how to say it in French, but it of course comes out English, which creates more unwanted attention. One small moment in an otherwise pleasant day.


When I was walking around, a man selling silhouettes made one of me before I could say no. It was cheap and he was friendly, so I bought it. It's hard to buy anything here without worrying about getting it home. First you have to carry it around Paris, then you have to get in on a plane home. I figured a small paper silhouette shouldn't be a problem.


I walked around a bit more, enjoying the sun. When it started to cool off, I stopped and saw a movie. The man at the window asked if I had a student I.D. card. I showed him my UT on with a picture taken in 2004. He accepted it for God knows what reason. I'm not sure many of you remember what I looked like 7 years ago. To say the least, I look different. But a discount is a discount. Thank you kind sir.


I made it home before sun down and made my self an omelet. I've decided to work on my omelet technique. As tasty as they already are, I'd like to perfect them. Just a small side goal I've set for myself. All in all, it was a good day spent in the sun.