Paris: Days 1 and 2

Paris Day 1:

Kicked our ass!!! We basically spent the entire day lost. After arriving around 0800 with a jet lag hangover in tow, we caught the metro to the 'vicinity' of where we thought our rental apartment was. Turns out it is quite difficult to make plans to meet a French lady when we have no way to communicate except email!! After lugging around my 30 lbs back pack, in 75 degree weather, sweating my ass off in my jeggings, ready to give up on our French chauffeur, a petite lady comes running through the street yelling, "Bon Jour! Bon Jour!" There is a God!! Our long lost land lady found us. She looked a little mortified when she saw the third person leaning on the wall beside us and exclaimed, "Oh, zere's 3 of zyou?"

 I didn't understand what she meant until we finally reached our cracker box 'apartment' on the top floor of the building. I was so winded by the time I reached the top of the endless, windy, stairwell one would think I had just ran the 100 yard dash while holding my breath. Welcome to our pad for the next 5 days...

Yes, that is a bed for 2!! The door leads to the bathroom.

The Kitchen :) and I thought mine was small...

 After a quick change of clothes, some deodorant, perfume, and a tooth brushing session, we were eager to set out and explore Paris. Needless to say, the only places we managed to find were: The Louvre and Notre Dame. Worth the time spent lost, but so not how I envisioned my first day in Paris.

Oh and we did manage to find the original Mona Lisa painting...

It's 8pm and we were so exhausted we could hardly keep our eyes opened at dinner. Having arrived at 0800 Paris time, with no sleep, no idea how to understand or speak French, ride the train,  or catch the bus, here we sit in our midget sized apartment, feeling rather frustrated. My feet are swollen and blistered (already!), my hair is so greasy it looks wet, my eyes are glazed over in pure exhaustion. As I sit in my dazed out stated, I find myself staring at an old bottle of wine the previous renters left behind. Oh did I mention the bottle is half gone? We don't care, wine is wine. We will drink it. I must admit--I am a bit scared and frustrated tonight. Hoping for a better day tomorrow. Cheers to blistered feet, a shower, and the adventure that lies ahead!!

4 French Words I learned today:
1) Bon Jour: Hello
2) Merci: Thank You
3) Sortie: Exit
4) Perdon: Excuse me

4 lessons I learned today:
1. Maps of all kinds are ESSENTIAL! train, bus, city...
2. If we see a wine/liquor store... STOP and buy something! (they are hard to come by)
3. If we see a tourist attraction nearby: go and check it out while there, don't "come back later."
4. Everyone smoke is Paris. PERIOD.

PARIS DAY 2:

Was AMAZING!!! Wow, where to start?? Woke up early today only find out the water has been shut off for 8 hours. WHAT??? Seems how I hadn't showered in 2 days and my hair was already so greasy it looked wet-- I did the next best thing. Turns out, all it takes is a pot, 1 liter of bottled water, and an 'assistant' to suds, rinse, and give myself a bed bath!! Absolutely one of the funniest scenarios I have managed to get myself into in a long time. Still makes me giggle out loud.

First stop after bed bath: Tuilles garden. A peaceful part with numerous water fountains, flowers, and one-of-a-kind people watching. I could've sat there all day long, but was glad I didn't.

From the park, we hoofed it to Arc De Triumph via Elysses.

We paid 9.5 Euro to climb the 284 steps to the top to view the beautiful city of Paris. It was worth every. single. step.

From there we ventured (with my blistered feet in tow) to the Latin District and the PanthEon.
 I forgot to mention, we have semi "mastered" the subway system today. Always such a cool feeling in making the transition from total tourist to 'getting a clue.' Upon leaving the PanthEon, on our way to the Metro station, I decided to stop and use a public 'outhouse' as we would call it in the U.S. Obviously everything is written in French and it is "French" to me, I pushed the green button, a door opened like an elevator (oh boy... everyone knows how much I adore elevators.) I went in, shut the door, popped a squat and started my business... When all of a sudden, the following took place simultaneously: alarms sounding as if I pulled a fire alarm or something, a French computerized voice yelling at me in French, the toilet itself raises and hits me in the bum, water starts spraying and the door opens to the busy street and the people standing in line for the bathroom!!! Oh my God!! So there I am in MID squat, MID pee, dress hiked up, panties around my knees, back pack and camera in tow, sunglasses balancing on the end of my nose, a startled face, scrambling to stop peeing and pull my pants up, as the city of Paris is getting a great view and the joys of laughing at a "Stupid American Tourist". MORTIFYING!! but at the same time, absolutely hilarious!!! It turns out, the outhouse is designed to "clean" itself like a car wash after each person uses it. Hence, why I guess I was supposed to wait to avoid the above. The funny thing was, the ladies behind me did not crack a grin, but instead, were upset, when I didn't go to the END of the line and went back in to finish what I had started!! I just had to go back and get a picture inside this coming of ages outhouse!!

The craziest toilet I've ever encountered. The entire toilet elevates!!

I'm quite certain I giggle all the way to the metro station. Next stop: Eiffel Tower. But first, we had to stop for a beer, buy a bottle of vino, and some snacks. We spent the next several hours at the Eiffel tower, lounging in a park, drinking wine, discussing life, taking pictures, people watching, and just taking in the beauty and serenity of it all from sunset to complete darkness.

I can't believe how far we've come. Yesterday, I felt helpless and scared. Today, I feel full of life and happiness. Some of us are just gypsies in life and fell at home when in the road. After buying an overpriced 2nd bottle of wine, we caught the metro back to our neighborhood, indulged in an amazing pizza, and decied to head home after a fun-filled day. Una problema--we got completely lost!! So bad that I even took out the map and attempted to figure out how to read it!! After walking around the same Arch 4 times, we finally realized we were stalking the wrong Arch!! (we live by a monumental landmark--a huge Arch) Finally after making several wrong turns and making it up the 5 flights of stairs, we have made it home. All the blisters, lines, mishaps, and wrong turns were worth it!! I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Pretty sure I am not going to want this trip to end... EVER!!

4 French Words I learned today:
1. Oui: Yes
2. Tabac: cigarettes
3. Poulette: Chicken
4. 1664: French Beer (give me a break... I'm wine buzzed and at a loss of words.)

Euro Trip!!

As I stated in my previous entry, I documented my entire European adventure; the good, the bad, the frustrations, the embarrassing moments... All of it. The next several entries will be taken directly from my hand written journal without editing so I can have the chance to relive my dream and hopefully inspire you to follow yours.

September 24, 2013
Fargo, ND

I sit here today in the Fargo, ND airport about to embark on a journey of a life time. A five week backpack trip through Europe. 12 countries, 35 days!! Yeeee!!! I'm excited, nervous, overjoyed, scared out of my mind giddy!! I'm going with an old friend (or should I say ex-boyfriend) doesn't matter. And no, there is absolutely no chance of rekindling an old flame. When I told people who I was going with, their eyes lit up like they had just won the lottery, quickly followed an obnoxious squeal, only to end with a confused look and awkward silence. Sadly, I am used to this chain of events as my life is quite random. To set the record straight, I am strictly tagging along because A) I've always wanted to go, B) Have never had anyone to go with, C) figured someone is better than no one, D) hoping time had allowed both of us to grow up, and E) valid proof that I don't believe in  grudges.

This entire trip came up spontaneously one day while I was out on a run on a hot August day. Feeling down and bummed out on life as my Asics pounded the pavement and I attempted to sing out loud to Nickeback's song, "If Today Were Your Last Day..." I pondered and evaluated my life after being back in ND, "my home,"for over a year. The longer I thought about it, the more sad I became. My heart and mind have been longing for Hawaii and the life I had there since the day I left. Deep down, I've been hoping and praying these feelings would fade away or just blatantly disappear. However, my thoughts and memories are much like that of red wine spilled on white carpet. The harder you scrub to remove the stain, the more the wine bleeds, the bigger the stain, until eventually the entire area is a subtle hue of pink. Forever stained and changed..but in a good way. (Speaking from experience, as I am the proud owner of white carpet stained Pinot Noir.)

"If today were your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
REgardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side..."

Fast forward 1 month as I sit here at Gate 2. Fargo--> Minneapolis--> Boston---> Paris. EEEK!!I've always said, "Why does it take a death sentence for people to go out and LIVE their dreams?" So here's to living life to the fullest, taking risks, and checking things off my bucket list!!! I cannot even believe this is really happening. Do I have everything? Passport, Credit Card, Debit Card, Cash, Camera... take a deep breath Lisa. If you forgot anything else, you can buy it in Europe.

Funny tidbit about this morning. Mom and Dad picked me up at home, we were held up by Blinking Red Lights and firetrucks speeding down 45th St, missed our turn to the airport, and almost got pulled over for making a left turn on a red light. (In our defense, we sat there for 4 minutes and the light never did change.) Then, as I was checking in at the Delta counter, the ticket man could not have been more annoyed or impatient with my giddy nervousness. After being scolded once for not listening to his instructions, twice for asking a question, in the midst of my third question I suddenly felt a vibrating sensation. Where in the world was that coming from? I looked around with a blank look on my face. Was it my purse? Nope. My passport book? Nope. The ticket printer? Nope.  I felt my pockets. Wasn't my phone. What the heck was going on?? I didn't dare ask the man for fear of being scolded a third time. I glanced at my Mom. Back at the ticket guy. Hmmmm.... I could not for the life of me figure out what was causing the ticket stand to vibrate. As I darted my eyes back and forth between my Mom and the ticket guy like a gecko on the run,  I turned and stared at the conveyer belt, thinking there MUST be something wrong with it? Or maybe this was a new security thing? The stern faced guy gave me a glare, shook his head, as my Mom gave me a puzzled look and said, "Is that your toothbrush?" Laughing hysterically, I realized my Sonicare was vibrating my entire 30 lbs bag like a mini earthquake. I'm quite certain my Mom and I laughed uncontrollably for the next 5 minutes. The kind where you snort and drool and gasp for air. Airport: 1, Lisa: 0. Ticket man: Speechless.

As the same ticket guy is announcing last call for boarding, (Still straight faced and cranky) I am feeling alive for the first time since I quit travel nursing. Yeeee!!! I'm quite certain, I skipped onto the airplane. 2 more stops and I'm in Paris!!

Finally got to Boston, met up with my travel friend, grabbed our last American beer and appetizer. I called each and one of my family member one last time, left messages, and turned my phone off for the next 35 days. Here we go!!! Next stop: Paris!!!!

We are about 4 hours from Paris. I completely forgot on international flights, it's all the free wine and beer a giddy traveler can handle. I'm about 4 glasses of red wine in. I best cut myself off. I'd hate to end up spending my first day in Paris in bed! ETA: 0800.

Head phones on, wine buzz intact, and Nickelback words singing me to sleep... "Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind. And try to take the path less traveled by. That first step you take is the longest stride...."   zzzzzzzzzzz..........

Here's being forever stained and changed, much like red wine on white carpet... only in a good way!

Tonight: Ponder if today were your last day. Would you be content or finally set out and make your dreams come true? Never let people, fear, or money prevent you living your dreams. I'm sure not, so why should you?

Taking Things for...

...GRANITE: durable, unbreakable, strong, resistant.

Words I would use to describe my Mother, who I often call in times of need, frustration, anger, and  happiness. She is my rock, my foundation. The person who holds the family together. The one who made sure we always made it to school on time, had our homework done, made it to church every Sunday, had Halloween costumes and Valentine boxes, she was the ride to and from practices, the one to help with science projects and reading play scripts, the caretaker when we fell sick... The most selfless, kindhearted, giving person I know. Not sure how I got blessed enough to be her daughter, sometimes in life, we are lucky enough to be dealt a winning hand.

Still to this day, she is the one I call for advice, support, or just to vent, offering advice on everything from relationship struggles to buying my first house. I don't know where I'd be without her. Thank you, Mom!!

No matter how resistant I was to 'the rules' or begged to stay in town at a friend's house, my Mom never seemed to show an ounce of weakness. Regardless of how rude and mean a teenager can be, she was like GRANITE.

Durable. Unbreakable. Strong. Resistant.

It's funny how in life, when we were young, we viewed our parents indestructable. Powerful. As if they weren't allowed to have a bad day or a 'breakdown.' I can think of very few times, if any, that I saw my Mom break down and cry. Now having two sisters and many friends that are parents themselves, it's interesting to hear their stories of frustrations, not knowing what to do or where to turn at times, desperately seeking advice from others, and having moments where they do break down and cry, while portraying the strong, unbreakable role of Mom and Dad.

Now to the other side of the coin...

Taking things for...

GRANTED... Soft. Fragile. Breakable. Delicate.

The 0600 alarm beeping, the sun coming up and going down, going to work, friends, family, vacations, our health, our Moms, our Dads...

After almost a year and a half being back home, I found myself feeling down and bummed out on life as my Asics pounded the pavement to Nickelback's  song, "If Today Were your Last Day." Having moved home from Hawaii a year ago, employed as a permanent nurse instead of a travel nurse, a homeowner instead of a renter, life was not at all how I pictured it when I decided to 'settle' down. My dating life resembles that of a natural disaster: strong emotion with long lasting heartache. Being husbandless and childless has really hit me hard since returning to Fargo. Especially since both of my sisters and many of my friends have had babies in the last year. I've had moments where I feel like the yellow starburst of the package. You know, the one that nobody wants until that's all that's left? The one that gets pushed aside, thrown away, forgotten about. Ha! Funny, but sadly has a hint of truth to it. So as Nickelbacks words pushed me into mile 3: Oh heck, you might as well take a listen with me: you never know, you just may end up booking that ticket to somewhere wonderful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrXIQQ8PeRs

"If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?"

The more I listened to the words, the more I turned the volume up. The harder I thought about the message, the faster I ran, the more I thought: What if today were my last day? Would I be content with my life as I know it? Would my family know how much I love them? The questions came pouring in like a class V rapid. And I knew life was about to change... for the better.

 

That 5 mile run on a hot August day changed my life forever. Funny how we all have SO much to be thankful for--yet we find things in our life to dwell on and feel bad about. In that moment, I made a choice to magnify the good in my life. I have my health, a good job, single hood, freedom... so why not EMBRACE it? Take advantage of it? Stop taking it for 'granite'? Lost in thought and my dreams, I was suddenly done with mile 5 working on number 6, and for the first time in a long time was feeling inspired and excited. Now just what was it I was going to do with this refreshed outlook on life??

Enter Europe. Let me explain how this dream trip became a reality. While I was out on my 5 mile run, an old college friend who had just recently moved back to Fargo from Las Vegas, happened to recognize me and sent me a message on facebook. After catching up over the usual chit chat, my eyes widened when he said he was going to Europe for 5 weeks. Instantly, he had my FULL attention. When are you leaving? Where are you going? Can I join you??? He was leaving in 3 weeks. Hmmm... How can I make this happen?? I thought there is NO way I would be able to get the time off of work. Having been unhappy at my job and thinking there was no way I was going to be granted that much vacation time, I decided was going to quit my job and go fulfill my life long dream of backpacking Europe! It seemed logical to me, but many thought I had fallen off my rocker!


With Nickelback's words ringing in my head,

"So do whatever it takes,
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way,
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side."

I decided to move forward with my decision.

When somethings meant to be, it's fascinating how things just fall into place. I went to work the next day and decided I was going to break the news to my boss. (not an easy task, as she is probably one of the most intimidating people I know.) I took a deep breath, told myself I was not crazy, and entered her office. Who was I kidding? I was as nervous as I was the day I took my nursing boards as well as completely oblivious to what the outcome was going to be. With sweaty palms and my heart racing, I laid it all out on the table.

"It's been a dream of mine to back pack Europe. I've been given the opportunity to go to Europe for 5 weeks and I've decided I am going to take it, (as my heart is beating faster and my entire body has broken out in a nervous sweat) So, I am wondering what my options are: Do I need to put my notice in? Can I go PRN? Or can I take a leave of absence?" Followed by the world's longest, awkward silence. The silence I swear went on for an eternity, while my mind raced at the thought of being unemployed.

The room fell so silent, it sounded as though my heart beat were on speaker phone. After a long, delayed silence and a day of deciding, my boss granted me a LEAVE OF ABSENCE!! In disbelief, I asked her to repeat what she said and the proceeded to almost faint! Yeeee!! I was going to Europe!!!


From there, everything fell into place as if it were meant to be. Most people were quite supportive, while others thought I was completely insane. Doing my best to avoid the nay-sayers, I found myself to be a jumbled ball of emotions: nervous, excited, on top the world. 35 days? What if I get homesick? What if I can't 'hack it' for that long? Can I survive the hostel life?.... Through my journey, I knew I would discover all the answers to my burning questions and learn more than what I ever thought possible. And I did just that.

Life's too short to be mad, sad, or down in the dumps. We all need to stop taking life for 'granite'. (Treating it like it's unbreakable. Strong. Durable.) and start viewing it like we did when we were kids. Do you remember what it was like to be so excited for the day to start, to go to school and see your friends, or sit in science class next to your crush,  or the anticipation of the big game? The days where you couldn't sleep because you were so excited? I miss that. I crave that. I need that. Perhaps I shall start living like that...

Having said that, some words I think we should all learn to live by.

If an opportunity presents itself, TAKE it. If you can dream it, you can do it.

And that is exactly what my next several entries will entail taken directly from the journal I wrote while abroad. So get comfy, grab a seat, and take a walk in my shoes with me during the ups and downs of my journey. I'm confident it will bring to tears of laughter and maybe even bring you tears of hope.

Life is a gift. Cherish it. Embrace it. Live it. And never take the people you care about most for 'granite' as we never know what tomorrow may bring.

Granite: durable, unbreakable, strong, resistant.
Granted: soft, fragile, breakable, delicate.

At the end of writing this, I attempted to make a list. I put granite on the left hand side of my paper and granted on the other. Lets just say, one side is completely empty while the other ran out of space. I'll let you ponder which is which.

Tonight: Ponder where you stand on my 'granite' vs 'granted' debate. Make a list. Check it twice. I bet you pick up the phone and call someone you love. I know I did.