Paris Revisited

Oh man the Parisians are the funniest people in the world.

I have never met people with such short tempers, who argue so much, and for the stupidest things. But the best of all (because I'm always making fun of all the strikes/demonstrations that go on in Quebec year-round) was that on my first day, as I exited the Georges Pompidou Gallery there was a "manifestation" right outside! This one was something about "les ostheopathes" being recongized as professionals, but I couldn't quite understand where the conflict was when I asked someone to explain what was happening. There was a man in a giant skeleton suit egging on a crowd of about 1,000 people to chant in unison, which was quite inspiring.

What else can I mention about Paris?

Well, on my last night there, while Ryan met a friend for coffee, I went out to see the Basilique du Sacre Coeur all lit up. From the outside you can see all of Paris at night, which is gorgeous. The kicker though, was that when I went inside, there were nuns singing these beautiful french songs. Though I am not Christian (don't hate me for this) I sat in the section for people praying so that I could relax and listen to the music and take some time to think. I haven't had much time to sit back and really think about my trip at all, so I needed it. Anyway, it was so beautiful to listen to this music and get all excited for Christmas back home.

We got back to London yesterday and took a nice long nap (the jet lag from India really hit me this week in Paris) and then went to Harrod's and Marks&Spencer for Ryan to shop. I abosultely hate shopping in malls, especially but not exclusively at Christmas time, so it all was a little much for me. Afterwards Nath came home and we all went out to have drinks with a friend we made in Jaipur/Agra named Julien.

I don't have too much planned for London aside from visiting with Nath, Julien, and my new friend Virginia, but you can bet that I'll be taking advantage of the fact that all the museums and art galleries are free here!!

Cheers!

adieu, farewell, alveidershein???, goodbye

Even though I am still in London for the next few days, and will probably enjoy myself a great deal, I feel as though my trip is over because my favorite travel partner has gone home.

Ryan's family suffered a loss in the family this week, rest in peace, and so his trip was cut short to return home to join his family in their time of need. I send my respects to the Sayles-(spelling?) Shantz families.

I would like to thank Ryan for a great trip and for all the fun we had. After two months together, Ryan and I now say the same things at the same time, all the time, and our brains have pretty much become one. We are both happy to have some space from one another for that reason, though it is unfortunate it had to be cut short. It was nice to travel with someone and not fight once.

So, goodbye and I will see you soon. Take care Ryno (aka Merle)
FROM MAVIS

For me formidable

alors, cest un peu difficile decrire avec ce clavier francais mais je vous laisserez avec quelques petits mots sur Paris...

For the sake of my non french friends, and because I cant figure out punctuation on this keyboard, I will write in English.

Paris is lovely. Ryan has taken me to see some beautiful things and Ive done a little exploring on my own as well. Of course we have done the regular tourist package: arc de triomphe, cafes, a good steak frites at Lentrecote etc etc. My favorite part of the tourist bit was the Georges Pompidou museum of modern art and the Picasso museum.

Today I wandered a little through the famous Pere Lachaise cemetery and paid my respects to Honore de Balzac in the rain.

I will write more about Paris when I am back in London tomorrow, for now I am off to enjoy another coffeeeeeeeeeeeee

bisous sur les deux joues
Leanne

London Calling

Y'aright?
We're in London! We made it in one piece, a little tired and dirty, but in one tanned piece.

It is strange to be in London after two months in India. No horns, no hassles, no smiles. I find the people here about as cold as the weather here (which isn't so so cold). But seriously, people are friendly when we ask them for something, but much like other big "Western" cities, people make little eye contact. And I am craving eye contact after avoiding it for two months to avoid market people and the like.

On the plus, though London is notoriously polluted, it is a deep and welcome breath of fresh air for us after another 2 days in Mumbai. I can't wait for the air back home now...

Anyway, just a note to say we're here and we are heading to Paris tomorrow morning early.

See you in gay paahhhhrrrreeeeee!