I am sorry I have not posted in awhile. Matthieu (the dad) needed my portable 3G for work and now I just got it back for about 10 days! So expect a lot from me in the next few days!
I don't know where I left off but let me quickly tell you about my gypsy story since I know some of you wanted to hear it. I was walking home from school and as I've mentioned I walk right by the Arc de Triomph. The Arc is in the middle if a round-a-bout and one day I got a little confused and walked too far around it and missed my street. So I had my map out trying to figure out which way I needed to go. I walked across one street after another and still couldn't find my way. In my lost daze, this woman came up to me and asked if I spoke English and I said yes. She holds up this little postcard that had a little message written, explaining something about needing money to travel home or something. I barely glanced at it before realizing what was happening. I was warned before I left that this was a rouse that Gypsies use to distract you and that while you are reading their message, someone else comes from behind you and pickpockets you! I quickly said I was sorry and that I didn't have any money and walked away. I turned back and saw about 10 other gypsy woman doing the same thing. And furthermore, I realized I had walked onto the Champs-Elysees and that is a huge tourist area, perfect for targeting all the tourists. That was actually my first time at the Champs but my head was buried in my map so I didnt realize it! So that's my gypsy story!
The next two weeks most of France is on vacation. I haven't had any classes which has been great because I have been able to wander and explore! Here's the condensed version of my week!
Samedi
Saturday I met up with my friend, Amber from church and we went to go watch le tour eiffel sparkle. It was magnificent! We got there right about dusk so my pictures turned out pretty dark. When you think about Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is probably this HUGE monument. Amber explained to me that it was built for a World Fair and then they planned on tearing it down right after. Thank goodness they didnt! It's really amazing. Here are some photos.
Le tour eiffel
Im in this picture but it's so dark!
On the way back home, Amber and I had a crazy incident. We walked down into the Metro station and stopped by the map to figure out our route home. A man came up to us and said, do you speak english? We said, yes and he warned us that the girl standing next to us was a real good pickpocket and had tried to get him earlier. I had noticed this girl and didnt like the way she was looking at me. She just looked dark. I dont know how to explain it. So we said thank you to the man and he left. Maybe 10 seconds later, this girl holds out her hand and has Amber's cell phone and camera! Without a word she hands them back to Amber! Insane, right? We had no idea that Amber's stuff was missing! And what a tender mercy that this lil pickpocket gave them back! Amber and I walked most of the way home instead of getting on the Metro. And I am now hyper-vigilant about my bags being zipped and under my arm tightly where ever I go because obviously, things can be taken in a matter of seconds.
Lundi
I went back to the Champs to waste some time and just walk around. It was a beautiful day! Sunny and warm! I went into H&M and bought a cute cross body bag.
Mardi
Tuesday, I met up with my friend Linnea who is also an au pair. We jumped on the Metro and went to NOTRE DAME! It's beautiful. Unfortunately the very top level was closed but we were able to walk up and go to the midlevel. Great views of the city! Paris was built around the church so Notre Dame is literally the center of the city. I took so many pictures. Here are my favs!
Me with my new Gargoyle friends!
the spectacular view!
the bells, bells, bells, bells of Notre Dame! I wanted to sing the song from the movie while I was there but controlled myself!
it's beautiful right?
Well, thats enough for today! I will tell you all about Mercredi, Jeudi and my weekend next time. Matthieu and Florence are taking me to lunch and I need to go get ready! Loves!
WHOA! SO glad that your friend got her possessions back. The man who came up to you was probably in on it as well, and that is when she took the items from you. So watch out for everyone. A cross body bag is the best way. Keep your money in the zip compartment inside the bag, and don't bring ALL your money, cards, or identification. Keep the strap tighter on your body and your hand over it at all times. If you need to stop to look at a map pull your bag up to your chest along with the map etc. Be careful!!!
ReplyDeleteLoving your adventures! So proud of you! I can't wait to see what the new house looks like!
Mary- im pretty sure the guy wasnt in on it cuz the girl already had her stuff at that point. I think they got it when they were behind us on the stairs. And my friend was wearing a cross-body bag. I actually feel safer with my other bag that I can tuck under my arm and hold the zippers while I walk... funny things Im doing to keep safe!
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