Laura’s Dad stopped by her apartment as planned, and after talking for a bit, he offered to walk me to the Gare de Lyon where I would catch my high speed TGV train to the Swiss capital of Bern. I appreciated his help all the more when my credit card didn’t work in the automated […]
France
New Year’s Eve At A French House Party
On the last day of 2008, I slept late before heading off for a quick visit to the Paris’ modern art museum, the Pompidou. In 1998, it had been closed for renovations. I had just enough time to visit the temporary exhibitions, the most noteworthy being on the development of Futurism in Paris around the […]
A Busy Day In Paris
My first and second visits to Paris were during the summer of 1998. I saw a lot back then, and was excited to revisit familiar places and new sights now. The first morning began with fresh croissants, a baguette, and coffee. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side. A steady, cold rain was […]
Welcome To Paris
Gela greeted me bright and early in the morning. Breakfast was white bread topped with chocolate sprinkles, an unheard of combination in the USA, yet apparently the second most popular topping after butter for the Dutch! We both headed to the train station with our backpacks. She was making her way to the airport while […]
Happy New Year’s
Happy 2009! Thanks to everyone who voted in my poll about where I should go in South America as it’ll be my last opportunity to spend a few weeks in a foreign country for a long time! Brazil edged out Peru with 40% of the votes, and while I had my heart set on the […]
Thoughts Over the Atlantic
Monday, August 31, 1998 Bill and I got up and out at 7 AM, got to the T9 terminal at 8 AM. We found out our tickets were worthless by 9 AM. I went off to book a seat on the United Airlines flight at 10 AM. Searched and found a clean toilet (w/seat) at […]
Missing My Flight Home
Sunday, August 30, 1998 I woke up ready to go. Unfortunately, I drank some coffee and hot chocolate. Instantly, I felt bowel problems. And since I haven’t learned to go to the bathroom at the right times yet (like when I’m on a train, and I wait till the station, even though I know I’ll […]
My Last Night in Europe
Saturday, August 29, 1998 Leaving Canterbury for Dover, England I woke up this morning after some really cool dreams. One involved me and several beautiful women; another was about how the two Japanese students won a major international award. Sometimes dreams feel so real while they are happening (which in reality might only be a […]
The Louvre, Chartres, and a Royal With Cheese
Sunday, August 9, 1998 I woke up this morning with a need to get myself out of Paris. Unfortunately, my best option was the budget travel offices which were conveniently closed on Sundays. This means I’ll have to stay another night. Then, I’m hoping to take the train to Calais, France and the ferry to […]
Why Ignorance Can Be Bliss On The Road
Since reading The Lost Girls’ post on their trials and tribulations in northern Vietnam (especially the part about the cab ride from hell), I started to reflect on my own experiences, and the few times I felt threatened abroad (at least that I can remember). The experience that stands out the most in my mind […]
