So far Andrew and I had visited Bruges, Brussels and Lille and now it was time to venture to la crème de la crème = Paris. Holy snapping crap was I excited. I still hadn't been to Paris yet, and I was high on life. This was going to be THE trip you know? So we were going from Wednesday to Saturday....so about 3 days in total. We would go Wednesday late afternoon and Andrew's flight back to the homeland was 1ish on Saturday. Beauty. As Barnie from 'How I Met Your Mother' would say: It's going to be legen...wait for it....dary. Legendary. Bring it on.
We got our tickets no problem and unlike our idiotic adventure to Brussels would be a direct train. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We took the train from Lille to the Gare du Nord in Paris because our helpful booking agent said that it was closer to the hotel we were staying at. Fantastic. Much easier.
When I say easy, I mean it was straight forward. Except we made a bit of a mistake. I thought we were in car 7 and I asked Andrew and he said "yes". Great. We get on and carry our bags to our seats and....someone is in our seat. We were in car 6, sure, no problem, next car over. Now our seats were 63 and 68. Not beside each other but right across the aisle from one another. I'm looking at these two seats 63 and 68 in car 7 and they are not beside each other. Frig. Something is off. They are both window seats....hmm. So I take a look at our tickets and of course....we are supposed to be in car 16. CAR 16!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? After I picked my jaw off the floor and I killed Andrew with my glare, we were off. On any other day this would not have been a problem; except I'm broken. And as much as Andrew would have loved to carry both bags, he had his motherload suitcase for the week. So we each had our own bag and were off. Car 9, 11, 13...please please just fly me to car 16. Now in these trains, there are bars in certain cars, and I honestly debated asking the guy for a shot. Or 2. Or to honestly just drink for the hour train ride and be happy as can be arriving in Paris. Unfortunately, I kept my ass walking to car 16. Ugh. Once again 2 guys were in our seats. Pretty sure I was so tired, exhausted slash in pain I could have cried. GET OUT OF MY SEATS. They did. Must be good facial readers. Smart call on their part. I sat down and was asleep for the entire train ride. I have never been so happy to arrive on a platform rather than to be transferring trains.
I was surprised by how quickly And and I picked up the metro system in Paris. We got into the station around 4:06pm and we arrived at our hotel at 5ish. Superb. The plan was to take it easy that night and plan out the next two days to make sure we fit everything in. But before we get into those details let me tell you about our hotel. First off...it was 35 euros a night for 2 people. That is just unheard of. We were expecting the worst but honestly, not that bad. The bathroom was right across the hall, and the showers were on floor 2 and 4. This is what you pay for 35 euros a night. Ah well. We had talked about it on the way there and decided that if possible, we would upgrade our room. For 15 more euros a night you get your own shower and bathroom IN your hotel room. Done and done. No brainer really. Unfortunately for us the first night there were no rooms available, but for the next two nights it would not be a problem. Superb. Our hotel room was cute, obviously small, with a sink in the corner and a window that felt like it was open, but overall, not bad at all. We opted to try the breakfast that was included in the morning for an extra 5 euros a person. Turned out to be perfect! It was a buffet with croissants, chocolate croissants, cereal, juices and coffee/tea. Score.
I had 'borrowed' a bunch of pamphlets from the front 'lobby'...aka like 20 but still - we needed to plan exactly what we were going to see and when we were going to see it. We had this one map of a bus tour that showed the 9 key stops that it made. This would be our go to map of the important things to see. It covered (1) Eiffel tower (2) champ de mars (3) the louvre (4) notre dame (5) d'orsay museum (6) opera (7) champs elysees (8) grand palais (9) trocadero. We had decided that we would do the left side of the map the first day and the right side the other day. Clearly we would see more between each site, but we had a plan.
We walked around a bit that night in our area, but mainly we were on the quest for food. We stopped into a little Italian place and I had the osso buco and Andrew got this pizza...with an egg in the middle. It had said egg on the menu, but I just figured that was an ingredient in something...nope. It was literally an egg right in the middle of his pizza. After I had a good laugh at that, I decided to take a picture. Too funny. The meal was great though. We had some red wine, and Andrew actually liked it. However, there was this olive oil on our table that looked great, I decided to put some on the bread we were given and Andrew put some on his pizza. Oh boy. Bad call. It was the spiciest thing I have ever had. All of a sudden your mouth is burning and all I'm thinking is that the red wine in front of me will not save me. There was no water or anything. So were eating bread like its our job, trying not to cry at the table. I mean don't get me wrong, it was a good spicy, but I had a good bit on my bread and my mouth was not prepared.
We decided that we were going to be in desperate need of some sort of drink after and when we left the restaurant we were on the search for a corner store. We got some Orangina and some Sprite. Perfect. Back to the hotel to get a good sleep before our busy day.
Thursday was a crazy day. We bought our metro pass for the day and went straight downtown to find the eiffel tower. We were a little bit off, but we wanted to walk around. Clearly the weather was not aware that we were coming to Paris because it was foggy. Dumb weather man. We get off the metro and are looking around. "Shouldn't we be able to see the Eiffel Tower? I mean...its huge right?" Negative. Nothing in sight. Damn fog. So we start walking and I am playing "Where's Waldo?" with the Eiffel Tower. This thing is massive, you should be able to see it for miles. Then out of nowhere...I FOUND IT! Eureka! But we couldn't see the top of it. On our walk there though we came across the Quai Branly Museum. The fantastic thing about Europe, is that if you are between the ages of 18-25, a majority of museums are free. Fantastic. Brilliant really. So both Andrew and I got in for free which was a plus. And as it worked out perfectly when we came out it had rained, so the clouds separated and there was sunshine! We darted over to the Eiffel tower and started snapping pictures like it was our job. It was gorgeous - enormous and people everywhere. Better than any picture.
Funny story #1. We were walking along the champ de mars snapping more shots of the Eiffel Tower when this man approaches me and put a bracelet loop on my pinky. I stood there and as soon as I put out my pinky it was like "crap - they want money". Of course. But these two guys were hilarious and we were joking around chatting about Paris and Canada and their hometowns of Jamaica and Africa. I guess I was caught up laughing at the guy that was making my bracelet that I didn't hear the guy asking Andrew for money that was making his bracelet. Oh boy oh boy. Poor And got a tiny bit scammed. I won't post for how much, but I had quite the good laugh. "As if you just did that". Either way - we had a good laugh and now I have a Jamaican flag bracelet and he has a blueish bracelet to match. Funny memory, but I think poor Andrew wouldn't quite agree yet. I reassured him that one day, one day, he would think back and laugh.
The rest of the day was spent visiting the Hotel des Invalides, and the Invalides area in general, the Petit and Grand Palais (gorgeous by the way), the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero, Palais de Challot, the Opera and caped it off with dinner. Like I said - we walked a ton! I'm pretty sure Andrew went through almost 5 sets of batteries in his camera - but boy did we snap a ton of pictures. Everything was new, and gorgeous, had history and with the weather, every shot was perfect.
A bit of a flashback - I had ordered a new VISA with a chip at the beginning of the month, but because my bank is so NOT international - they won't send it to me here in France. Right. Could that be anymore inconvenient? Well my dad being a genius decided to send the package to his company in Paris! Which was right beside the Arc de Triomphe! So smart. Long story short - pretty sure the girls at the front desk know my well by now, since I had to visit the office 3 times before I finally got my package. Turns out French mail is a tricky little bugger.
By the end of the day we were starving - our last stop was the gorgeous Opera and then we were going to venture around for something to eat. We came across this restaurant right down the street, something with Opera in the name. And boeuf bourguignon was on the menu. Done and done. This was the one thing that Andrew had been instructed to try while he was in Paris, and I sure as hell wanted a bite too. We ordered our food at 8pm, and we finished both meals by 8:20pm. A) she wasted no time bringing us the boeuf bourguignon and his pasta and B) like I said, we were starving. SO delicious. Then just as we were paying for the bill, the woman at the table next to us received her french onion soup. Oh jesus. It was the best smelling thing. All of a sudden we were starving again. Crap. Pay and get out. That was the plan. But we decided that wherever we went for his birthday dinner the next night HAD to have boeuf bourguignon and french onion soup on the menu.
This was also the day that we were to be upgraded to our new room. Right on. We were a little nervous. I mean the floorboards in the last room felt like we were going to drop down to the floor below us, and the bed was hard as a rock. But again, this is what 35 euros gets you. The moment of truth for the room....drum roll please. We made a little prayer before entering and it was well worth it. Our room was great - our own shower and toilet, and a bed. Nice. We noticed a little heater to plug in in the corner but didn't think much of it until we felt like we were dying of frostbite. How can this room be so damn cold!? Honestly though - 2 bodies walking around, getting ready for bed, and its cold as sin. We plugged in the heater and all I can say is amen. Toasty warm. The 15 euro upgrade was the best call of the trip. Needless to say I was out cold instantly. Shocked? I think not.
Friday was to be another crazy day - this was the last day to get everything else done AND it also happened to be Andrew's 22nd birthday. The big 22. What an old man. We were determined to make it a great day - and the weather was on our side. We started by heading up to Moulin Rouge. Ha. Honestly - not going to lie - a bit of a lunch box let down. It sort of looks like it's made of plastic, but it's one of those places you had to visit. Either way - it was still cool. We quickly deeked into Starbucks - I know, but they had pancakes too. Couldn't resist. After Moulin Rouge we ventured to the Basilique Cathedrale de Saint-Denis. Break taking. Honestly just gorgeous. We walked around the area for a bit and found the Stade de France. Didn't go in obviously but still pretty cool to imagine the thousands of people going to watch a football match. Then came the big one - the Louvre - and once again being between the age of 18-25 and being a student here I got in for free. The girl didn't seem to think so, but after showing her every damn piece of ID I had, including my passport, she believed me. And I have to say the Louvre did not let me down. Good ol Mona Lisa, and the rooms were just so gorgeous. Andrew and I agreed we propably admired the ceiling murals and the rooms themselves almost more than the art. But the day was not even close to being done, we hit up Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay for some pics and back to the Opera for some night time shots.
Once again it was the moment of truth - dinnertime. I recently watched the movie Julie & Julia and I have to say, I should be a chef. I love food, and really everything about it, yet I am absolutely dumb in the kitchen. Shockingly dumb actually. I really should take some cooking lessons, and trust me; it is on the bucket list. On our search for somewhere to eat we came across a 'happy hour' place with 5 euro drinks. Considering Andrew nearly had a heart attack when he saw that his ONE vodka tonic had cost him almost 14 euros, we were thrilled to see the happy hour sign. We each got 2 drinks, and I was feeling on top of the world. 2 Long Island Ice Teas, 1 Vodka Tonic and 1 Sexy TouTou was heaven. Like I said - we were feeling on top of the world. But we were starving - so the hunt continued.
We found this smaller quaint restaurant near the Opera for dinner which met our requirements: it had onion soup AND boeuf bourguignon. Perfect. I discreetly mentioned to the waiter that it was Andrew's birthday and the night was off to a perfect start. He brought champagne on the house, and treated us like gold. The soup was to die for, the red wine hit the spot, my steak was so damn rare it would never pass cooking requirements in Canada, and Andrew's boeuf bourguignon did not disappoint. Then came the music. The staff came out and say Happy Birthday in English and served us a chocolate custard dessert - perfect with a candle on top. Happy 22nd Birthday Andrew. The night was perfect.
All in all the trip was incredible - it was everything you hope for - good weather, good company, great food and even better wine. We saw everything we wanted to see and have a ton of photos to show for it. We woke up the next morning and couldn't believe that he had already been here for over a week - crazy how time flies isn't it. We packed up all of our things and we off to the races to check-out (which consisted of me handing the girl our keys) and heading to the metro. We were rocking the metro system pretty well but to get to Charles De Gaulle Airport we needed to take the metro and then the RER up. Right. I'll ask because I am the language guru. No problemo. Nearly cost us an arm and leg - 17 euros to be exact - for our "special" tickets, but it was well worth it. We got detailed instructions from the metro man and knew exactly where to go. Surprisingly enough - we didn't even make any mistakes! Points for us. Really though - we only had to transfer once and then catch the RER. The big question was whether we were in terminal 1 or 2. I knew I was in terminal 2 because I had to catch the TGV train back to Lille, but we had no idea where Andrew had to fly out of.
Then came our angel in blue by the name of Yasser. Who just happened to be sitting next to me while we were waiting for the RER train to arrive...and who worked at the CDG airport. Score. Yasser was able to tell us that Air France would be flying out of terminal 2 and answered every and any question we had. We ended up sitting with him on the train ride there (25 minutes) and honestly - such a nice man. We talked about traveling, the people, his time in New York and of course, Paris. It was the perfect person to have met. We arrived at the airport no problem, and since we had taken the train there I was already where I needed to be. This is where Andrew and I parted and he had to boogie; we had thought his plane left at 1:30, but turns out it was leaving at 1pm, and it was 11:45am...hence the boogie.
I was thrilled I was able to see all those places with Andrew and I was so glad we could do it together. The week had been fantastic and busy; exactly what we had wanted and more. It was so nice to see a familiar face from home and to top it off - we were in Europe. It just couldn't have been any better than that.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Classic Brussels
Andrew and I decided to venture to Brussels (1) because he hadn't picked up any chocolates from Bruges and (2) Brussels is one of those places that you just have to visit; right? Absolutely.
As probably all of you know, there was a huge train crash the Monday of this past week with two trains colliding in Halle near Brussels. We were going to go to Brussels that Monday, but we were exhausted, so we decided to go Tuesday. Thank goodness. But the question was then: would we even be able to get to Brussels? On Monday all trains had been cancelled due to the crash, and I know trains are the main means of traveling here but still. It was a big crash. So we decided to get up early Tuesday morning and see if we could find some way of getting to Brussels for the day. Fantasticallly enough we were able to find something! Keeping in mind we needed two transfers for what should have only been a half hour train ride...which was now 2 hours. But hey - who cares - we were going to Brussels! So the plan was to go from Lille Flandres to Cortrai, transfer and go to Gant St.Pierre and then transfer again to go to Brussels. Beauty. We were on top of things, and once everyone finally figured out the 2 transfer thing, we were set. It was not bad at all going there - we followed the heard of people who were doing the same thing and we didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes for any train. It was clock work. Today was turning out to be perfect.
We finally got to Brussels around 1ish, which was fine because we were ready to go! We managed to get some food quickly from Paul (an amazing French pastery shop that seems to be everywhere) and we were off. We walked tons that day. Venturing through the streets and trying to take in as much as humanly possible. We were able to venture into a Frida Kahlo type exhibit, which was free, hence very nice but just loving the architecture and everything around us.
A nice fact to know was apparently Brussels has a huge EU building there? Headquarters I believe. Yeah....oops. We had no idea. We don't remember seeing it either, and really only found out about it when we got back. Damn. But everything else was gorgeous!
A little side note; I collect magnets from everywhere I go. So we went in to get Andrew a souvenir shot glass and myself a magnet. I start to notice that on every single magnet is this image of a little boy peeing...ummm pardon? I asked Andrew if he knew what that was and he had no idea. Mannekin Pis was written on it. And literally it was on every plate, magnet, shot glass you name it. We figured it was kind of important then, so we asked for directions. We ventured and found a cute little chocolate shop for Andrew. The guy was so nice and we taste tested chocolates and ended up buying a little box for Andrew to take home. We once again had to ask for directions but we finally found it....and Mannekin Pis is the smallest, dinkiest little statue you have ever seen. We were dying laughing. There were chocolates in the stores that were bigger than this statue. Unbelievable. Either way we snapped our pics and were back on our way to find the metro and head home.
First stop: Waffle. We finally did it. A waffle. We got the plain one with caramel which ended up being the stickiest thing you have ever seen in your life. Lucky for me I got Andrew to hold it - so he got the worst of the caramel on the hands. Unfortunately for me, I got some and out of impulse whiped my hand on my jeans. Idiot. Clearly caramel stuck to my jeans and well, they were just lovely looking after that. We were in desperate need for a washroom to wash our hands and when we finally found one it was a bar - shock. While he washed his hands I ordered a fruit flavoured beer. Delicious. Mine was rasberry, and when Andrew got back he ordered a peach one. I preferred the peach and he preferred the rasberry, so we swapped. Apparently Belgium is famous for their fruit beers? Who knew. We know now, and I agree they are delicious.
Finally we were ready to venture back to the metro and go back to Lille. We knew it was going to be another 2 hour train ride if it was anything like the way there but that was fine. Once again we had walked enough that we were exhausted. Oh boy we were in for one hell of a ride back. We made it from Brussels to Gant St. Pierre and from Gant back to Coutrai. But then we were all out of luck. All trains had been cancelled going back to Lille. Super. You have got to be kidding me. It was like 8 or 9pm and all we wanted was to get back home to Lille. So I asked someone and he said a bus outside would be taking us to Mouscron, and from there they would tell us where to go. Basically...they were handing us off to another station. Super.
So we go outside and I'm reading the bus labels and all of a sudden people are swarming around a bus that says "Special". Right. That was ours. So we hop on and it takes us to Mouscron. Now what? The drivers had no idea either. It looked as if this was as far as they were taking us. We were still in Belgium, and we had no idea where to go. So were sitting on this bus keeping warm for what seems like another 1.5 hours, because of course the train station there is closed. Of course. Waiting and waiting and waiting. I stopped to get a coke across the street seeing as we hadn't eaten in hours and we hear that some cabs are coming. I was informed by my roommate who had been calling me wondering where the hell we were that we were close to a metro station (CH Dron) that I could take all the way back to our place. Fantastic. I am clearly not going to walk 4km to the metro, but I will take a cab. Brilliant. We are back on track. Wrong. 50 people are swarming around cabs and of course its a huge fight to get into one. It is past 10:30 and we are freezing outside. I'm 2.5 seconds away from killing someone for a cab and Andrew was afraid I was going to be hit by a car the way we were trying to call cabs in. Hells no. Ridiculous. Finally I sprinted for one and we got it. Another couple jump in and I tell the driver I only need to go to the metro station. C'est tout. 10 euros a person for 4km or 15 euros a person to take me all the way home. Ummm all the way home please. Holy frig was I cold. A warm car has never been so comforting in all my life. We were finally on our way home. Amen.
25 minutes later in the cab we finally arrive at the train station close to our place and its a 3 minute walk. Woo! So close. What a day. Exhausted and starving we went to bed. Just thankful we were finally back. But hey - we made it to Brussels and that's all that mattered! Right? Right!
As probably all of you know, there was a huge train crash the Monday of this past week with two trains colliding in Halle near Brussels. We were going to go to Brussels that Monday, but we were exhausted, so we decided to go Tuesday. Thank goodness. But the question was then: would we even be able to get to Brussels? On Monday all trains had been cancelled due to the crash, and I know trains are the main means of traveling here but still. It was a big crash. So we decided to get up early Tuesday morning and see if we could find some way of getting to Brussels for the day. Fantasticallly enough we were able to find something! Keeping in mind we needed two transfers for what should have only been a half hour train ride...which was now 2 hours. But hey - who cares - we were going to Brussels! So the plan was to go from Lille Flandres to Cortrai, transfer and go to Gant St.Pierre and then transfer again to go to Brussels. Beauty. We were on top of things, and once everyone finally figured out the 2 transfer thing, we were set. It was not bad at all going there - we followed the heard of people who were doing the same thing and we didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes for any train. It was clock work. Today was turning out to be perfect.
We finally got to Brussels around 1ish, which was fine because we were ready to go! We managed to get some food quickly from Paul (an amazing French pastery shop that seems to be everywhere) and we were off. We walked tons that day. Venturing through the streets and trying to take in as much as humanly possible. We were able to venture into a Frida Kahlo type exhibit, which was free, hence very nice but just loving the architecture and everything around us.
A nice fact to know was apparently Brussels has a huge EU building there? Headquarters I believe. Yeah....oops. We had no idea. We don't remember seeing it either, and really only found out about it when we got back. Damn. But everything else was gorgeous!
A little side note; I collect magnets from everywhere I go. So we went in to get Andrew a souvenir shot glass and myself a magnet. I start to notice that on every single magnet is this image of a little boy peeing...ummm pardon? I asked Andrew if he knew what that was and he had no idea. Mannekin Pis was written on it. And literally it was on every plate, magnet, shot glass you name it. We figured it was kind of important then, so we asked for directions. We ventured and found a cute little chocolate shop for Andrew. The guy was so nice and we taste tested chocolates and ended up buying a little box for Andrew to take home. We once again had to ask for directions but we finally found it....and Mannekin Pis is the smallest, dinkiest little statue you have ever seen. We were dying laughing. There were chocolates in the stores that were bigger than this statue. Unbelievable. Either way we snapped our pics and were back on our way to find the metro and head home.
First stop: Waffle. We finally did it. A waffle. We got the plain one with caramel which ended up being the stickiest thing you have ever seen in your life. Lucky for me I got Andrew to hold it - so he got the worst of the caramel on the hands. Unfortunately for me, I got some and out of impulse whiped my hand on my jeans. Idiot. Clearly caramel stuck to my jeans and well, they were just lovely looking after that. We were in desperate need for a washroom to wash our hands and when we finally found one it was a bar - shock. While he washed his hands I ordered a fruit flavoured beer. Delicious. Mine was rasberry, and when Andrew got back he ordered a peach one. I preferred the peach and he preferred the rasberry, so we swapped. Apparently Belgium is famous for their fruit beers? Who knew. We know now, and I agree they are delicious.
Finally we were ready to venture back to the metro and go back to Lille. We knew it was going to be another 2 hour train ride if it was anything like the way there but that was fine. Once again we had walked enough that we were exhausted. Oh boy we were in for one hell of a ride back. We made it from Brussels to Gant St. Pierre and from Gant back to Coutrai. But then we were all out of luck. All trains had been cancelled going back to Lille. Super. You have got to be kidding me. It was like 8 or 9pm and all we wanted was to get back home to Lille. So I asked someone and he said a bus outside would be taking us to Mouscron, and from there they would tell us where to go. Basically...they were handing us off to another station. Super.
So we go outside and I'm reading the bus labels and all of a sudden people are swarming around a bus that says "Special". Right. That was ours. So we hop on and it takes us to Mouscron. Now what? The drivers had no idea either. It looked as if this was as far as they were taking us. We were still in Belgium, and we had no idea where to go. So were sitting on this bus keeping warm for what seems like another 1.5 hours, because of course the train station there is closed. Of course. Waiting and waiting and waiting. I stopped to get a coke across the street seeing as we hadn't eaten in hours and we hear that some cabs are coming. I was informed by my roommate who had been calling me wondering where the hell we were that we were close to a metro station (CH Dron) that I could take all the way back to our place. Fantastic. I am clearly not going to walk 4km to the metro, but I will take a cab. Brilliant. We are back on track. Wrong. 50 people are swarming around cabs and of course its a huge fight to get into one. It is past 10:30 and we are freezing outside. I'm 2.5 seconds away from killing someone for a cab and Andrew was afraid I was going to be hit by a car the way we were trying to call cabs in. Hells no. Ridiculous. Finally I sprinted for one and we got it. Another couple jump in and I tell the driver I only need to go to the metro station. C'est tout. 10 euros a person for 4km or 15 euros a person to take me all the way home. Ummm all the way home please. Holy frig was I cold. A warm car has never been so comforting in all my life. We were finally on our way home. Amen.
25 minutes later in the cab we finally arrive at the train station close to our place and its a 3 minute walk. Woo! So close. What a day. Exhausted and starving we went to bed. Just thankful we were finally back. But hey - we made it to Brussels and that's all that mattered! Right? Right!
Bruges: Cookie Cutter Perfection
I had Bruges planned for a while now. However, seeing as how falling 15 feet and breaking bones is not convenient for traveling, I had to postpone my visit. It was originally supposed to be the day after my fall, however I decided to save it for when Andrew came to visit!
Andrew got in the Friday night, and after some debate whether we should go on the weekend (aka the next day Saturday or during the week) we decided to go Saturday. There would be more to see on the weekend and my ticket was valid for weekend travel only. Done and done. Man oh man was that a good idea to go. And the brilliant thing is because it is only a day trip - no need for luggage. Yesssssss
Nice and close - it took about 1.5 hours to get there - just enough time for quick snooze on the train and to get our bearings back. I felt bad for Andrew - poor kid got in the night before at around 7ish our time, and then back up at 7:30am our time....about 1:30am back in Canada. Super. He was thrilled. But seeing as the movie "In Bruges" is up there on his list of favorites, it was pretty cool knowing he was going to see some of the same monuments from the movie.
I was told by my roommates that Bruges was a perfect little city. No garbage, nice people, clean streets and beautiful buildings. That was the understatement of the year. It was perfect. My little cookie cutter houses as I called them, that all looked similar, were even prettier than in pictures I had seen.
Mind you, since we were in such a rush to get there in the morning, we didn't eat breakfast. For anyone who knows me; I need breakfast. I do not function without it. I need it. It's the best part of my mornings. So upon arrival, Andrew decided he wanted a waffle. Great. Let's find one. Now in France, I can read the french menus, but I cannot read Flemish. Right. Challenge One. I was the appointed language guru of the week since I spoke English and French, which was fine by me, but in this case a bit challenging. I ended up picking up 2 pasteries of sorts in a shop, which was fine, but no waffle as requested.
Our day was perfectly low-key. We walked around and admired all the buildings, the music, the water (super cute bridges by the way) and the beer. Yes, of course, we found a little shop with the classic Belgian beers, and who could resist? It was lunch time and we were all over that like a fat kid with cake. I mean that in the nicest way possible. So we tested out the beers and of course - they were great. It was a nice day too -started off with a bit of snow, but slowly the sunshine came out.
It really was a fairytale city.
The thing I loved about this past week in general was that when Andrew and I walked we had adventures. We saw a cute road and would take it. We saw a tower and would venture to find it. We always said "maybe we will come back to this shop for lunch" and would never remember where it was because we kept walking off the main streets. It always worked out perfectly though. We found this quaint little place for lunch, and it was simple, sandwiches with fries, he had a beer and I had a coke. Delicious though. One problem: I swear in Europe there is no heat in the washrooms. Like honestly. Deathly cold. You nearly freeze to death. Porcelain throne of ice is more like it. Unreal. After we recovered some warmth back we ventured on some more.
We had the plan to take the 3:30pm train back, because well thats the time we had heard the train goes back. We didn't really check, but we had heard it was 3:30 or 7. Right. Well 3:30 would be perfect cause we would arrive back at 5pm.
Oh - almost forgot about the swans. We passed a "swan park" it seemed. There were tons! So neat! I can't really say I have ever seen a swan park in Canada....not so much. So that was really neat! It was the perfect cap off to our day. We managed to catch the train back no problem and we were out cold on the train. It had been a busy day filled with walking around, food and beer. And don't forget admiring my cookie cutter houses.
A great first day, very simple and smooth. Oh Bruges.
Andrew got in the Friday night, and after some debate whether we should go on the weekend (aka the next day Saturday or during the week) we decided to go Saturday. There would be more to see on the weekend and my ticket was valid for weekend travel only. Done and done. Man oh man was that a good idea to go. And the brilliant thing is because it is only a day trip - no need for luggage. Yesssssss
Nice and close - it took about 1.5 hours to get there - just enough time for quick snooze on the train and to get our bearings back. I felt bad for Andrew - poor kid got in the night before at around 7ish our time, and then back up at 7:30am our time....about 1:30am back in Canada. Super. He was thrilled. But seeing as the movie "In Bruges" is up there on his list of favorites, it was pretty cool knowing he was going to see some of the same monuments from the movie.
I was told by my roommates that Bruges was a perfect little city. No garbage, nice people, clean streets and beautiful buildings. That was the understatement of the year. It was perfect. My little cookie cutter houses as I called them, that all looked similar, were even prettier than in pictures I had seen.
Mind you, since we were in such a rush to get there in the morning, we didn't eat breakfast. For anyone who knows me; I need breakfast. I do not function without it. I need it. It's the best part of my mornings. So upon arrival, Andrew decided he wanted a waffle. Great. Let's find one. Now in France, I can read the french menus, but I cannot read Flemish. Right. Challenge One. I was the appointed language guru of the week since I spoke English and French, which was fine by me, but in this case a bit challenging. I ended up picking up 2 pasteries of sorts in a shop, which was fine, but no waffle as requested.
Our day was perfectly low-key. We walked around and admired all the buildings, the music, the water (super cute bridges by the way) and the beer. Yes, of course, we found a little shop with the classic Belgian beers, and who could resist? It was lunch time and we were all over that like a fat kid with cake. I mean that in the nicest way possible. So we tested out the beers and of course - they were great. It was a nice day too -started off with a bit of snow, but slowly the sunshine came out.
It really was a fairytale city.
The thing I loved about this past week in general was that when Andrew and I walked we had adventures. We saw a cute road and would take it. We saw a tower and would venture to find it. We always said "maybe we will come back to this shop for lunch" and would never remember where it was because we kept walking off the main streets. It always worked out perfectly though. We found this quaint little place for lunch, and it was simple, sandwiches with fries, he had a beer and I had a coke. Delicious though. One problem: I swear in Europe there is no heat in the washrooms. Like honestly. Deathly cold. You nearly freeze to death. Porcelain throne of ice is more like it. Unreal. After we recovered some warmth back we ventured on some more.
We had the plan to take the 3:30pm train back, because well thats the time we had heard the train goes back. We didn't really check, but we had heard it was 3:30 or 7. Right. Well 3:30 would be perfect cause we would arrive back at 5pm.
Oh - almost forgot about the swans. We passed a "swan park" it seemed. There were tons! So neat! I can't really say I have ever seen a swan park in Canada....not so much. So that was really neat! It was the perfect cap off to our day. We managed to catch the train back no problem and we were out cold on the train. It had been a busy day filled with walking around, food and beer. And don't forget admiring my cookie cutter houses.
A great first day, very simple and smooth. Oh Bruges.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Always an Adventure
So it came time to take care of my "Sarah Faton" situation...and show them how Eaton is really spelled.
Paddy and I set off yesterday afternoon to visit SMENO (the insurance company) to get our insurance number, our 20 euro reimbursement (very nice) and see what our plan actually covered...seeing as I was broken and all; putting my 198 euro insurance to good use. No need to let it waste.
This was supposed to be an easy take. Guillaume had sent me the address and I sent it to Paddy (aka mapquest) and we were off. I had all my documents and my canada mits. I was set. First thing to note...it snowed here. And then it turned into ice. This is not why I came to France. I came here for the warmer weather and the lack of snow. Guillaume said that he hasnt seen snow like this in all the 14 years he has lived her...super. I guess Canada wanted to get me back.
So Paddy and I are chatting about the proper way to fall if we hit the ice. Seeing as my collarbone is broken I didnt really know how I should fall if I slipped. Paddy kindly pointed out that I didn't have 15 feet to think about the proper way to fall on this one, I was falling on the ground I was already standing on. Thanks smart ass - but it was true.
We finally get to the building. Im buzzing and buzzing (accidentally buzzed a woman - even though I swear I had buzzed the concierge) and alas a man came out. I said we were looking for SMENO, and he so kindly informed us we had the wrong building. Luckily - it was next door. This huge freaking door that had those beauty and the beast rings on the door that knock! I tried - but they didnt't knock. Damn. So i buzzed and I buzzed...nada. Buzzed some more and someone answered! But she didnt say anything. So we buzzed and buzzed some more. Finally a woman answered and we asked if we could come in (its a building...not a bloody castle - of course we can come in). She had to repeat twice to "PUSH" on the door she had already unlocked for us. Great. Very kind. So we enter and its like some courtyard and this beautiful glass door on the left. There is no way an insurance company is in here we said - and sadly - we were right. The lady at the front desk sort of laughed at us and said we indeed were at the SMENO office - but she couldnt help us. Why? YOU ARE THE COMPANY. Whatever - we got directions to "la voix du nord" which happened to be in the grand square 30 seconds from my apartment. Of course Paddy and I would get sent here only to be sent all the way back. This is us we are talking about.
So off we went. The smart cookies we are - we had no problem finding "La Voix du Nord" building. She said it was on the 6th floor. Didn't quite look like there were 6 floors to the building but we went with it anyways. a) we walk in and its a shopping mall - and we're wondering where the hell SMENO would even be. So we go up the escalator and a man is there. He sends us back downstairs to the elevators. b) there are no elevators in the building. Idiots. So we walk around for a bit - ask someone for help (the security guard who had no idea) and alas we went back up the escalators determined to find SMENO. The man wasn't there but a woman was calling us asking what we needed. SMENO. Apparently its not in the building. Now, I understand the french language but I wasn't quite sure where this lady was talking about. She said to go down the escalator, something about a coffee shop and we would see it. I had no idea. So the two guys in the corner are doubled over laughing at Paddy and I - and the lady begins rolling her eyes. Fantastic. She so very nicely came around the corner and literally took us back down the escalator and outside to the building next door. Righttttttt. Wrong. Two other women were outside and informed us that that was not the SMENO building. It was at "La furet du Nord". c) why are so many buildings named after the north!? and in the same grand square. Give us a break.
So after laughing at how dumb we are, and finally seeing the furet du nord building right across the square we went over and entered. It was a book store. Ummmm are you serious? Of course they are. We went to the 6th level. Still a book store. Where the hell is SMENO!?...in the corner. We are picturing an office. Nah - just a little desk right beside the doctor and medicine books. Right. So we wait in line. 2 hours later it's our turn. We sit down and the women looks at us like we're insane when I ask for our "numero de secu". I was right and she was wrong. Simple as that. We handed her some documents and she I asked about the refund that the bank would give us for signing up with SMENO (we needed a letter). She said 40 euros? Paddy and I didnt even make eye contact, but said yes. We were told we would be given 20 euros, but this woman was offering 40. Clearly we were not going to say no. That would be a rookie, foolish mistake.
Yeah well she then brought out this document showing us the insurance package that we had paid for, and how if we paid 7.50 EUR more a month we could have this, or paying 17,50 EUR more would cover us for anything and everything. If we signed up with one of these we could get the 40 euros back, if not - we didnt get any money. Frig. I softly whispered to Paddy that Guillaume had warned me about this - that they would try and sell us things - but to just say no. So we said no. She didnt seem to care and got out the documents to sign us up anyways. I had to repeat: "NO". Perfect. She understood but then mentioned how if we ever had to go to the hospital (which I had to do and she didnt yet know about) or ever needed medication (I have loads of yummy pain killers) or needed physio (which I do need) that insurance would cover. SO it appeared she could tell future. I explained that I had actually broken my collarbone, needed meds and will need physio. She didnt appear to be too shocked. Of course not. That crap is written all over my forehead apparently. But finally - she grasped that we had other insurances at home and were fine.
Man did this take forever. Then the "Faton" thing came up. She needed my card....I gave it to her because she was creating our profiles online. Yeah about that - my last name is wrong. I asked if she could change it for my online profile - she said no. Ugh. In the end, she eventually changed it online, and just changed it on the documents I handed to her. Awesome - gotta love forgery.
By the time Paddy and I had left there this whole shabang had been a 3+ hour adventure. We were exhausted, hungry and I was craving a beer. It wasn't even 430pm. Whatever. I knew of this great chinese food place nearby and Paddy was game (of course). So off we went for our 4th adventure of the day. I get to the place and its closed. I am appalled. HOW COULD IT BE CLOSED!? So I called them; turns out they don't open until 6pm. Fine. Next place. It's always open when I walk by on the way to the metro station AND the girls always order take out from it so its cheap. Just what I like. Except - guess what? - it was closed to. The sign said it should be open until 10pm, but obviously he knew we were coming and locked up for the day. Frig #2. Third time the charm right. I see the door and it looks closed, but I'll try - IT'S UNLOCKED! - except the second door is locked. Frig #3. Paddy at this point is telling me all about karma and how apparently we are not destined to eat chinese food today. I cannot accept this fact so we try a fourth place. CLOSED. Frig #4. Here we are crying laughing at how pathetic and hungry we are. Where can you always rely on? McDonald's. Amen for McDs. Those beautiful golden arches were open as usual and hit the spot of hunger.
Pretty sure you can't take Paddy and I anywhere together. We either fall together, cry laughing together, or we just get told off. However - sorta funny - a little-ish boy came running over to Paddy and I at McDs (its like 5 stories) and said something really fast. Pardon? Just as he was about to repeat, a lady who worked at McDs came over and brought the little boy back down and kicked him out of the store. Who knew kids could get kicked out of McDs? Rather interesting. Funny story #2 - McDs sells alcohol. I think this would create quite the uproar if Canadian McDs sold alcohol - but very cool just the same. The golden arches is a place you go to on the way HOME from the bar to sober up and get some grub - not to buy more alcohol.
Honestly - my theory is that everything here is so complicated that everyone just needs the cheap, easily accessible alcohol at the end of the day. And I have to say - my fav bottle of 1.39 EUR red wine hits the spot everytime.
No wonder everyone loves France.
Paddy and I set off yesterday afternoon to visit SMENO (the insurance company) to get our insurance number, our 20 euro reimbursement (very nice) and see what our plan actually covered...seeing as I was broken and all; putting my 198 euro insurance to good use. No need to let it waste.
This was supposed to be an easy take. Guillaume had sent me the address and I sent it to Paddy (aka mapquest) and we were off. I had all my documents and my canada mits. I was set. First thing to note...it snowed here. And then it turned into ice. This is not why I came to France. I came here for the warmer weather and the lack of snow. Guillaume said that he hasnt seen snow like this in all the 14 years he has lived her...super. I guess Canada wanted to get me back.
So Paddy and I are chatting about the proper way to fall if we hit the ice. Seeing as my collarbone is broken I didnt really know how I should fall if I slipped. Paddy kindly pointed out that I didn't have 15 feet to think about the proper way to fall on this one, I was falling on the ground I was already standing on. Thanks smart ass - but it was true.
We finally get to the building. Im buzzing and buzzing (accidentally buzzed a woman - even though I swear I had buzzed the concierge) and alas a man came out. I said we were looking for SMENO, and he so kindly informed us we had the wrong building. Luckily - it was next door. This huge freaking door that had those beauty and the beast rings on the door that knock! I tried - but they didnt't knock. Damn. So i buzzed and I buzzed...nada. Buzzed some more and someone answered! But she didnt say anything. So we buzzed and buzzed some more. Finally a woman answered and we asked if we could come in (its a building...not a bloody castle - of course we can come in). She had to repeat twice to "PUSH" on the door she had already unlocked for us. Great. Very kind. So we enter and its like some courtyard and this beautiful glass door on the left. There is no way an insurance company is in here we said - and sadly - we were right. The lady at the front desk sort of laughed at us and said we indeed were at the SMENO office - but she couldnt help us. Why? YOU ARE THE COMPANY. Whatever - we got directions to "la voix du nord" which happened to be in the grand square 30 seconds from my apartment. Of course Paddy and I would get sent here only to be sent all the way back. This is us we are talking about.
So off we went. The smart cookies we are - we had no problem finding "La Voix du Nord" building. She said it was on the 6th floor. Didn't quite look like there were 6 floors to the building but we went with it anyways. a) we walk in and its a shopping mall - and we're wondering where the hell SMENO would even be. So we go up the escalator and a man is there. He sends us back downstairs to the elevators. b) there are no elevators in the building. Idiots. So we walk around for a bit - ask someone for help (the security guard who had no idea) and alas we went back up the escalators determined to find SMENO. The man wasn't there but a woman was calling us asking what we needed. SMENO. Apparently its not in the building. Now, I understand the french language but I wasn't quite sure where this lady was talking about. She said to go down the escalator, something about a coffee shop and we would see it. I had no idea. So the two guys in the corner are doubled over laughing at Paddy and I - and the lady begins rolling her eyes. Fantastic. She so very nicely came around the corner and literally took us back down the escalator and outside to the building next door. Righttttttt. Wrong. Two other women were outside and informed us that that was not the SMENO building. It was at "La furet du Nord". c) why are so many buildings named after the north!? and in the same grand square. Give us a break.
So after laughing at how dumb we are, and finally seeing the furet du nord building right across the square we went over and entered. It was a book store. Ummmm are you serious? Of course they are. We went to the 6th level. Still a book store. Where the hell is SMENO!?...in the corner. We are picturing an office. Nah - just a little desk right beside the doctor and medicine books. Right. So we wait in line. 2 hours later it's our turn. We sit down and the women looks at us like we're insane when I ask for our "numero de secu". I was right and she was wrong. Simple as that. We handed her some documents and she I asked about the refund that the bank would give us for signing up with SMENO (we needed a letter). She said 40 euros? Paddy and I didnt even make eye contact, but said yes. We were told we would be given 20 euros, but this woman was offering 40. Clearly we were not going to say no. That would be a rookie, foolish mistake.
Yeah well she then brought out this document showing us the insurance package that we had paid for, and how if we paid 7.50 EUR more a month we could have this, or paying 17,50 EUR more would cover us for anything and everything. If we signed up with one of these we could get the 40 euros back, if not - we didnt get any money. Frig. I softly whispered to Paddy that Guillaume had warned me about this - that they would try and sell us things - but to just say no. So we said no. She didnt seem to care and got out the documents to sign us up anyways. I had to repeat: "NO". Perfect. She understood but then mentioned how if we ever had to go to the hospital (which I had to do and she didnt yet know about) or ever needed medication (I have loads of yummy pain killers) or needed physio (which I do need) that insurance would cover. SO it appeared she could tell future. I explained that I had actually broken my collarbone, needed meds and will need physio. She didnt appear to be too shocked. Of course not. That crap is written all over my forehead apparently. But finally - she grasped that we had other insurances at home and were fine.
Man did this take forever. Then the "Faton" thing came up. She needed my card....I gave it to her because she was creating our profiles online. Yeah about that - my last name is wrong. I asked if she could change it for my online profile - she said no. Ugh. In the end, she eventually changed it online, and just changed it on the documents I handed to her. Awesome - gotta love forgery.
By the time Paddy and I had left there this whole shabang had been a 3+ hour adventure. We were exhausted, hungry and I was craving a beer. It wasn't even 430pm. Whatever. I knew of this great chinese food place nearby and Paddy was game (of course). So off we went for our 4th adventure of the day. I get to the place and its closed. I am appalled. HOW COULD IT BE CLOSED!? So I called them; turns out they don't open until 6pm. Fine. Next place. It's always open when I walk by on the way to the metro station AND the girls always order take out from it so its cheap. Just what I like. Except - guess what? - it was closed to. The sign said it should be open until 10pm, but obviously he knew we were coming and locked up for the day. Frig #2. Third time the charm right. I see the door and it looks closed, but I'll try - IT'S UNLOCKED! - except the second door is locked. Frig #3. Paddy at this point is telling me all about karma and how apparently we are not destined to eat chinese food today. I cannot accept this fact so we try a fourth place. CLOSED. Frig #4. Here we are crying laughing at how pathetic and hungry we are. Where can you always rely on? McDonald's. Amen for McDs. Those beautiful golden arches were open as usual and hit the spot of hunger.
Pretty sure you can't take Paddy and I anywhere together. We either fall together, cry laughing together, or we just get told off. However - sorta funny - a little-ish boy came running over to Paddy and I at McDs (its like 5 stories) and said something really fast. Pardon? Just as he was about to repeat, a lady who worked at McDs came over and brought the little boy back down and kicked him out of the store. Who knew kids could get kicked out of McDs? Rather interesting. Funny story #2 - McDs sells alcohol. I think this would create quite the uproar if Canadian McDs sold alcohol - but very cool just the same. The golden arches is a place you go to on the way HOME from the bar to sober up and get some grub - not to buy more alcohol.
Honestly - my theory is that everything here is so complicated that everyone just needs the cheap, easily accessible alcohol at the end of the day. And I have to say - my fav bottle of 1.39 EUR red wine hits the spot everytime.
No wonder everyone loves France.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
How old am I?
Either I feel like I'm 2 years old...or 90. It changes daily really.
My roommates have been fantastic really. They have helped me with my brace, getting changed, making me food and the whole shabang really. Hence why I am either 2 of 90. Today I felt like I was 90. I can't do anything. And trust me, showering with one hand is insanely hard. There should be a how-to book on that crap.
I have been at home for a week now, just rockin the movie marathon mode. Specifically: Grey's Anatomy. It all started when I first arrived in Lille; Elena had given me most of the fourth season to watch and I blew through that in a couple days. Since I was home alone for a while, I did the adventure thing during the day and the grey's thing at night. Quite the balance.
But needless to say I was addicted quite quickly. And ironically enough, as I watched the first two seasons it matched my mood this week. Quite impressive really. Everything from karma, to love, to you name it - it was dead on. Great show. I feel like I am 90 again. The highlight of my day is a cup of tea and this show.
Now that I have been in solitary confinement for a week now, I'm ready to break out.
I mean don't get me wrong, not leaving the apartment for a week has been great and I have rather enjoyed being lazy, but I am exhausted. How is that possible? You become exhausted doing nothing. I feel 90 again - crap. And then again, I am watching anxiously as the third season of grey's anatomy downloads. I just hope my internet holds and it freaking goes faster. God its taking forever.
So nothing too thrilling to report at this time. Clearly I'm still waiting for the hospital bill - should be a doozie. I'll frame it maybe. And when this is all said and done, or healed, whatever, I am going to hang my braces in the kitchen (not actually) as a nice reminder of limits.
I know my limits. ha. good one.
My roommates have been fantastic really. They have helped me with my brace, getting changed, making me food and the whole shabang really. Hence why I am either 2 of 90. Today I felt like I was 90. I can't do anything. And trust me, showering with one hand is insanely hard. There should be a how-to book on that crap.
I have been at home for a week now, just rockin the movie marathon mode. Specifically: Grey's Anatomy. It all started when I first arrived in Lille; Elena had given me most of the fourth season to watch and I blew through that in a couple days. Since I was home alone for a while, I did the adventure thing during the day and the grey's thing at night. Quite the balance.
But needless to say I was addicted quite quickly. And ironically enough, as I watched the first two seasons it matched my mood this week. Quite impressive really. Everything from karma, to love, to you name it - it was dead on. Great show. I feel like I am 90 again. The highlight of my day is a cup of tea and this show.
Now that I have been in solitary confinement for a week now, I'm ready to break out.
I mean don't get me wrong, not leaving the apartment for a week has been great and I have rather enjoyed being lazy, but I am exhausted. How is that possible? You become exhausted doing nothing. I feel 90 again - crap. And then again, I am watching anxiously as the third season of grey's anatomy downloads. I just hope my internet holds and it freaking goes faster. God its taking forever.
So nothing too thrilling to report at this time. Clearly I'm still waiting for the hospital bill - should be a doozie. I'll frame it maybe. And when this is all said and done, or healed, whatever, I am going to hang my braces in the kitchen (not actually) as a nice reminder of limits.
I know my limits. ha. good one.
Monday, February 1, 2010
"I know my limits"
"I know my limits" will never mean the same thing again.
I said this Friday evening as we were all drinking at our party, talking about the evening ahead of us. They said either were going all out, or not drinking at all. The plan was to go to Bruges the next morning and come back that night. A day adventure. We said - lets go for it and hope for the best. After all, Paddy and I had partied the night before London and we made it just fine. Sorta.
So the night was fantastic - we had a bunch of people at our place, talking, mingling and so on and then we headed out - to the mangrove - an awesome rum bar we had heard about. Funny story #1: Paddy didnt quite make it in; not at all. It started with people turning her hairdo into princess Leah before leaving our apartment, and hoping she would take it down (which she didnt). But we had a good laugh just the same. After vodka shots, tequila and some vodka limons; her hair looked pretty damn stylish to say the least.
So back to the mangrove - Paddy isnt getting in - but unlike Canada, the bouncer still let her in and told her to sit down until she sobered up a bit. Insane. Great - so we found some crackers. Yeah, they had the mini ritz crackers in bowls. Its like they knew we were coming. So we sobered her up and had a rockin good time at the mangrove.
High on life.
We are walking back, of all nights not a really late night. Say 230ish. So we are all walking back, a little group of us when all of a sudden we see a dog approaching. A dog with no leash, barking coming towards us. Paddy and I freeze, kinda scared, kinda not in the proper mindset, and we start backing up. Naturally we have our arms link. Then...BAM.
We fell 15+ feet into what we though was a black hole.
Nope. Turns out it is a french backyard. And the first one we had seen since getting there.
We had backed up and fell down into a french backyard. No freaking way. How did this happen!?
a) this would only ever happen to Paddy and I so were laughing
b) there was no fence, no warning signs, nada. Just street, drop, backyard. Of course.
c) the dog was scary okay, so we had every right backing up.
So Paddy and I are laughing as to how the hell we managed to fall, and looking around trying to take in all the info around us. Then I go to stand up....not happening. Not at all. Something wasnt right.
So im crying, Paddy is trying to find a way to climb out (not even close btw, that wall was HUGE). And Laura is trying to call 112 (911). So shortly after the ambulance arrives, a nice big looking crew of young guys to our rescue. They start laughing. Asking the same question as us: How the hell did you guys get down there?
So they grab a ladder.... A LADDER. That's how far we are down this hole of doom. So they climb down and quickly grasp that I don't find this funny anymore and I'm hurt. Super. "Walk up the ladder miss". My response "I don't f-ing think so. ARE YOU CRAZY!? NO WAY!". Clearly I had no choice, slash Paddy yelling at me to do it so we don't have to live in that hole for the rest of our lives. Great. I struggle my way up and the rest is kinda a blur. They put me in the ambulance and the next thing I know Im squeezing the crap out of a paramedics hand, telling him I like the feel of his latex gloves. What -- they are soft. Then one guy went to touch my collarbone and I lost it. Not very nice words, however, I was in pain. Paddy and Basia were in the ambulance with me, so they got some amusement out of it.
Speaking of which, good time to note, that Paddy is superhuman. She came out of this whole damn thing without a single injury. Unreal.
Once we got to the hospital the blur continues - im naked in one of those creepy "i can see your bum" robes, and I have probes and I'm on one of those push you through the hall beds. Super. Back to sleep. They must have given me drugs instantly, because I don't remember getting x-rays, or getting undressed, or anything. I remember giving them my earrings though - stupidly enough. And I was so worried about my black boots. And reminding them that this had to be quick because I was going to Bruge at 9am. Yeah....right.
My night quickly turned into an episode of Grey's Anatomy: Lille Edition, episode "I know my limits".
So I wake up to the news that I have broken my collarbone in 2 places and that I have a hairline fracture in my foot. Pardon? I did what? I have never broken a bone in my life, and of course, I break one in France. Yeah well, I guess I have never fallen 15 feet before either. Chalk it up on the list of firsts.
I quickly became the hit of the hospital floor, I had all these nurses (male and female) coming in constantly joking around with me, teasing me, trying to lift my spirits I suppose. Them and morphine did really make the day a lot better. That and not being able to see myself in a mirror. I could only imagine the black makeup all over my face, my hair in knots and covered in bruises and dirt. Yeah....so hot.
Then it got worse...they asked me to pee in a basin. Yeah that thing you slide under your ass, like im 90 or something. I couldnt pee under pressure. a) I would be like a 2 year old wetting the bed, I was sure I was gonna miss and b) how do you know where to sit? I had no idea....so I pushed my emergency "call a hot nurse" button and two guys helped my sorry self and my morphine drip to the can. Yesssssss.
Then, the phone rang. I'm staring at it and yet I can do nothing about it. I can't move, I can't reach it and so I stared. Hoping I would be Matilda and could make it fly towards me any second. Not a chance. I have no luck. So one of the guys came into my room and informed me I had a phone call; its Basia my roommate! Her and Paddy are coming to visit! Yay! Friends!
But first - I have to put on the brace. Mannnn oh man was I dreading this. I had spent the whole night without anything for my collarbone, except for the fact that I was out of it, so I didnt move, and I didnt really grasp my injury since I wasn't all that conscious, which helped too. So the two funny guys came in to help me. I sit up and they start making jokes about my black bra, trying to be funny and loosen me up before they squish me in this thing. They ask me to put my shoulders back like a football player or something, and I laugh; "I am" I said. Yeah, didnt look like it, but sure enough they got the brace on. Fabulous. Relief actually. Just as I get it on, one of the guys laughed saying two girls were at the door! My friends! He said how do you know? I joked around saying that the girls must be for me! Who else? And he said "Two good looking brown haired girls?" Yep! That's my girls. His response: "Of course you have good looking friends, I'm not surprised at all." Thank you kind sir. Compliment taken.
So they finally make it there and things were a little better. Except laughing, Paddy kept making me laugh which freaking hurt. But man was I glad to have them there. One of the guys came in and said that I was allowed to leave. He asked how I was getting home and I said "the metro". We didnt have a car and now that I think about it, a cab had never occured to me. He said "no, no -- I'll get you an ambulance to take you girls home".
My first and second car ride ever were in an ambulance. Hilarious really.
So he comes back and says to me smiling "I found the two best looking ambulance drivers to take you home....and they are single!". Clearly I had bonded well with the nurses and interns on my floor. They knew me well. And he did well. Cutie mcCutie with the blonde hair was pretty decent to look at. That I was not complaining about.
We finally get to our house and they ask how I'm getting up the stairs. "I'm....walking?". No no, of course not. I get Bar mitzvah taken up the stairs in a chair. OPA. Gosh this was exciting. And once again, I had the cutie mccutie at my feet. I deserved something pretty to look at. I was in pain after all.
And then started my three days of pain. I am currently ending day three, and not gonna lie, I feel like I'm two. I cant do anything. The girls have been fantastic with helping me get into bed, getting dressed, pouring me cereal and lifting my butt out of bed in the morning. I have been told by a very reliable source that the first three days are the worst and then it gets better. I believe it.
I had to go get a check up done at the hospital today again, since its day three, and I have to wear the brace for 4-6 weeks on my chest and the brace on my foot for 6 weeks. Yayyy. Just in time for St. Pattys day :)
But at first I was given 8 pills.....8 single pills. Horsepills rather, but like honestly people, my bone is broken in two places and my foot is fractured. I am not rationing pills like an all dressed hotdog in the war. Give me some damn pills. Of course, the lovely doctor today did so.
So all is well in the world again. Take it day by day, and for now, no class. Not yet, not this week. Its gonna be a movie marathon for the next little while and that is fine by me. I could use some extra sleep.
I said this Friday evening as we were all drinking at our party, talking about the evening ahead of us. They said either were going all out, or not drinking at all. The plan was to go to Bruges the next morning and come back that night. A day adventure. We said - lets go for it and hope for the best. After all, Paddy and I had partied the night before London and we made it just fine. Sorta.
So the night was fantastic - we had a bunch of people at our place, talking, mingling and so on and then we headed out - to the mangrove - an awesome rum bar we had heard about. Funny story #1: Paddy didnt quite make it in; not at all. It started with people turning her hairdo into princess Leah before leaving our apartment, and hoping she would take it down (which she didnt). But we had a good laugh just the same. After vodka shots, tequila and some vodka limons; her hair looked pretty damn stylish to say the least.
So back to the mangrove - Paddy isnt getting in - but unlike Canada, the bouncer still let her in and told her to sit down until she sobered up a bit. Insane. Great - so we found some crackers. Yeah, they had the mini ritz crackers in bowls. Its like they knew we were coming. So we sobered her up and had a rockin good time at the mangrove.
High on life.
We are walking back, of all nights not a really late night. Say 230ish. So we are all walking back, a little group of us when all of a sudden we see a dog approaching. A dog with no leash, barking coming towards us. Paddy and I freeze, kinda scared, kinda not in the proper mindset, and we start backing up. Naturally we have our arms link. Then...BAM.
We fell 15+ feet into what we though was a black hole.
Nope. Turns out it is a french backyard. And the first one we had seen since getting there.
We had backed up and fell down into a french backyard. No freaking way. How did this happen!?
a) this would only ever happen to Paddy and I so were laughing
b) there was no fence, no warning signs, nada. Just street, drop, backyard. Of course.
c) the dog was scary okay, so we had every right backing up.
So Paddy and I are laughing as to how the hell we managed to fall, and looking around trying to take in all the info around us. Then I go to stand up....not happening. Not at all. Something wasnt right.
So im crying, Paddy is trying to find a way to climb out (not even close btw, that wall was HUGE). And Laura is trying to call 112 (911). So shortly after the ambulance arrives, a nice big looking crew of young guys to our rescue. They start laughing. Asking the same question as us: How the hell did you guys get down there?
So they grab a ladder.... A LADDER. That's how far we are down this hole of doom. So they climb down and quickly grasp that I don't find this funny anymore and I'm hurt. Super. "Walk up the ladder miss". My response "I don't f-ing think so. ARE YOU CRAZY!? NO WAY!". Clearly I had no choice, slash Paddy yelling at me to do it so we don't have to live in that hole for the rest of our lives. Great. I struggle my way up and the rest is kinda a blur. They put me in the ambulance and the next thing I know Im squeezing the crap out of a paramedics hand, telling him I like the feel of his latex gloves. What -- they are soft. Then one guy went to touch my collarbone and I lost it. Not very nice words, however, I was in pain. Paddy and Basia were in the ambulance with me, so they got some amusement out of it.
Speaking of which, good time to note, that Paddy is superhuman. She came out of this whole damn thing without a single injury. Unreal.
Once we got to the hospital the blur continues - im naked in one of those creepy "i can see your bum" robes, and I have probes and I'm on one of those push you through the hall beds. Super. Back to sleep. They must have given me drugs instantly, because I don't remember getting x-rays, or getting undressed, or anything. I remember giving them my earrings though - stupidly enough. And I was so worried about my black boots. And reminding them that this had to be quick because I was going to Bruge at 9am. Yeah....right.
My night quickly turned into an episode of Grey's Anatomy: Lille Edition, episode "I know my limits".
So I wake up to the news that I have broken my collarbone in 2 places and that I have a hairline fracture in my foot. Pardon? I did what? I have never broken a bone in my life, and of course, I break one in France. Yeah well, I guess I have never fallen 15 feet before either. Chalk it up on the list of firsts.
I quickly became the hit of the hospital floor, I had all these nurses (male and female) coming in constantly joking around with me, teasing me, trying to lift my spirits I suppose. Them and morphine did really make the day a lot better. That and not being able to see myself in a mirror. I could only imagine the black makeup all over my face, my hair in knots and covered in bruises and dirt. Yeah....so hot.
Then it got worse...they asked me to pee in a basin. Yeah that thing you slide under your ass, like im 90 or something. I couldnt pee under pressure. a) I would be like a 2 year old wetting the bed, I was sure I was gonna miss and b) how do you know where to sit? I had no idea....so I pushed my emergency "call a hot nurse" button and two guys helped my sorry self and my morphine drip to the can. Yesssssss.
Then, the phone rang. I'm staring at it and yet I can do nothing about it. I can't move, I can't reach it and so I stared. Hoping I would be Matilda and could make it fly towards me any second. Not a chance. I have no luck. So one of the guys came into my room and informed me I had a phone call; its Basia my roommate! Her and Paddy are coming to visit! Yay! Friends!
But first - I have to put on the brace. Mannnn oh man was I dreading this. I had spent the whole night without anything for my collarbone, except for the fact that I was out of it, so I didnt move, and I didnt really grasp my injury since I wasn't all that conscious, which helped too. So the two funny guys came in to help me. I sit up and they start making jokes about my black bra, trying to be funny and loosen me up before they squish me in this thing. They ask me to put my shoulders back like a football player or something, and I laugh; "I am" I said. Yeah, didnt look like it, but sure enough they got the brace on. Fabulous. Relief actually. Just as I get it on, one of the guys laughed saying two girls were at the door! My friends! He said how do you know? I joked around saying that the girls must be for me! Who else? And he said "Two good looking brown haired girls?" Yep! That's my girls. His response: "Of course you have good looking friends, I'm not surprised at all." Thank you kind sir. Compliment taken.
So they finally make it there and things were a little better. Except laughing, Paddy kept making me laugh which freaking hurt. But man was I glad to have them there. One of the guys came in and said that I was allowed to leave. He asked how I was getting home and I said "the metro". We didnt have a car and now that I think about it, a cab had never occured to me. He said "no, no -- I'll get you an ambulance to take you girls home".
My first and second car ride ever were in an ambulance. Hilarious really.
So he comes back and says to me smiling "I found the two best looking ambulance drivers to take you home....and they are single!". Clearly I had bonded well with the nurses and interns on my floor. They knew me well. And he did well. Cutie mcCutie with the blonde hair was pretty decent to look at. That I was not complaining about.
We finally get to our house and they ask how I'm getting up the stairs. "I'm....walking?". No no, of course not. I get Bar mitzvah taken up the stairs in a chair. OPA. Gosh this was exciting. And once again, I had the cutie mccutie at my feet. I deserved something pretty to look at. I was in pain after all.
And then started my three days of pain. I am currently ending day three, and not gonna lie, I feel like I'm two. I cant do anything. The girls have been fantastic with helping me get into bed, getting dressed, pouring me cereal and lifting my butt out of bed in the morning. I have been told by a very reliable source that the first three days are the worst and then it gets better. I believe it.
I had to go get a check up done at the hospital today again, since its day three, and I have to wear the brace for 4-6 weeks on my chest and the brace on my foot for 6 weeks. Yayyy. Just in time for St. Pattys day :)
But at first I was given 8 pills.....8 single pills. Horsepills rather, but like honestly people, my bone is broken in two places and my foot is fractured. I am not rationing pills like an all dressed hotdog in the war. Give me some damn pills. Of course, the lovely doctor today did so.
So all is well in the world again. Take it day by day, and for now, no class. Not yet, not this week. Its gonna be a movie marathon for the next little while and that is fine by me. I could use some extra sleep.
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