PARIS, Je T'aime <3

So, I was fortunate enough to jet off to Paris last weekend and it was fantastic! I took my suitcase to work at the Academy with me last Friday and I headed straight from school to King's Cross Station. It was an absolute gongshow. It took me aeons just to get thru the train station. By the time I'd gotten thru, made a phone call, and ordered a crepe, it was time to get in line! I went thru customs, on to the train, and faced 3 of the most unhappy looking people I've ever seen. C'mon people, we're going to PARIS! Like cheer up! The Eurostar trip was pretty uneventful. Everyone gets so excited about taking the train thru the chunnel. I think it's pretty boring. You're on a train, in a concrete tube, under the English Channel, and your ears won't stop popping. But, it's better than the flying tin can, so ... meh.

I arrived in Paris at about 9h45pm and there was Miss Becky, waiting in front of EVERYONE for me at the Gare du Nord train station. It was so exciting to be in Paris and to see her, and to have someone waiting at the train station - felt very special! Within seconds of walking down the platform, I saw people making out like there was no tomorrow around the station. Welcome to Paris. We went over to Becky's flat which is really close and dropped off my bags and got ourselves ready. I met Becky's flatmate, Claire, who is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met. She's (I think) 25 and a doctor and just ridiculously cool. She and Becky are a good match. We headed over to Pigale and grabbed some drinks with some London girls who were in town for Becky's friends' birthday. I made new friends! Exciting! We had a pretty low key night drinking beers (not classy in Paris) and chatting. It was fun!

I'd forgotten about the intense male attention received in Paris. I really had. Throughout the night, there were a few suggestive comments and winks from the waiter with the really long ponytail (yuck) and a few guys outside, but nothing major. The next morning, we wake up with wine headaches and head to the grocery store. I'm wearing the grubbiest outfit possible, no makeup, and a hat over last night's hair. Within 5 minutes of entering the grocery store, I'm accosted by a male demanding to know my name and if I'd like to go out some time. I pretend not to know French which doesn't deter him at all. I finally break away from him and continue shopping. We get to the beer and wine section, where two men are talking. They both give me the most blatant full-on up and down I've ever gotten and start telling me how gorgeous they think I am, etc etc. I was too out of it to even think of anything witty to throw their way so I just continued on. When we left, the first guy was standing forlornley (sp?) outside and gave a sad little wave my way. C'est la vie. I could get used to this!

That night was Becky and Claire's housewarming party. Wow can these girls throw a party. They had about 30 people crammed into their Parisian studio and we had a blast. There was a lot of alcohol being consumed and a lot of dancing going on. At one point I went outside with Becky and her friend Fahdi and got molested by two strangers in the street. The one kept trying to kiss me and put his hands on me so Fahdi had to get rid of him ... scary! He insisted on giving me his hat and told me he loved me before continuing on his way. I still have his hat. It still has the tag on it. Stolen presents. My favourite.

The next morning we could barely get up. We'd danced the night away, and part of the morning as well, but I had things to see and do! I jumped on Becky to wake her up, but this was a difficult task. Becky is a DEEEEEEP sleeper! We finally got ready and headed out ... we went to Montmartre and saw Sacre Coeur which was incredible ... until the sky opened up and DUMPED on us. Instead of taking the lift, we walked up the 80 billlion stairs only to find everything gated and locked up and we couldn't get around. So, being Becky and Meaghan, we CLIMB A FENCE with big spikes and spires on it in the pouring rain. At one point, I was straddling a 20 inch long steel spike. Things could have ended very very badly, but I only got a little knick in my jeans. Fun times. We took some pics, got too wet, and sought shelter in a gift shop. I got a really cute purple Paris umbrella and off we went. We hit a LOT in a day! Thanks to Becky for her excellent tour guide skills! We went to the Champs Elysees and saw the Arc de Triomphe (my favourite) and some boys breakdancing in the street. We also saw the Moulin Rouge and Pigale (the red light district of Paris) Finally we headed to the Eiffel Tower where I had a few tears in my eyes ... I've seen it dozens of times but it has been 3 years since I saw it and it reminded me of all my great times in France ... I love that country! Was so so happy. After all that, we had to head back to Becky's, grab my bags and jet off to the Gare du Nord for my train ride home. I wasn't able to buy a regular class ticket for the trip home so I had gotten a ticket for one class higher. Wow. For a few extra pounds, this was the life! Big spacious seats, lots of room, free booze and a yummy supper. A girl could get used to that! I also sat next to a tailor who had gone to Paris that morning for a special fitting with a client ... I'm guessing Jeremy the tailor caters to celebs but he kept mum on his clients. Atta boy.

Pulled into town at about 9h45 and went home to bed! A whirlwind trip but it was fantastic! I loved every minute of it! I'll be back, Paris!

xo Megs