Hola Francia

Today has been largely disappointing. I woke up late so I didn't geto visit St. Paul's Cathedra, which was a point that my former St. Louis roommate suggested, and I was too late to see the changing of the horse guard, which was suggested by the Frommer's book that my former St. Louis roommate gave me. I did, however, get to see the normal changing of the guard, which was nice. There was a marching band and 18th century uniforms and swords and horses, and real British cops on horses. It's very interesting to see such disciplined and historic soldiers.



I did make my way out to Harrods to buy myself some Turkish Delight and see what other amazing culinary treasures they have there. A lot, as it turns out foie gras, huge black French truffles, fatty toro tuna, Spanish iberico ham and so much more! It was ridiculous... if you know what those things are...

After I visited Harrods, I realized that I was starving and quite thirsty as well. Alas, I did not want to spend money... at all. And what to m big hungry eyes did appear bt the golden arches with big macs and root beer. The root beer did it. With what reluctance I could manage in my starved state, I did chow down and enjoyed it for what it was worth, which is definitely not much. I still felt hungry, but even with delays on the tube tracks, I managed to just barely make it to the Europstar train to Paris on time.

I want to return to London with three things:

1. friends

2. a LOT more time

3. A LOT MORE money - I took out about £100 ($200) and used £60 ($120). That included all travel and entrance tickets and all food etc. I guess the damage could be worse.



Paris day 1



30-60 minutes into the train ride (we made several boarding stops) a mother and small child boarded and sat right behind me and the gentleman in the window seat next to me. The kid was LOUD. I forgot that kids have that much energy and can produce annoying noise for prolonged periods of time. The man beside me had an interesting arrangement of facial hair, was reading a book in French and seemed rather annoyed at the child behind us. I wanted to talk to him, but his demeanor and general sighing sent unhappy Frenchman warning signs.

They shouldn't have! I finally asked him if he spoke English and asked him about Paris, he was just the nicest person I could ask for and not only did he know Paris, he lives here. I did not get his name, so we'll call him Mr. Niceguy. Mr. Niceguy had a wide assortment of suggestions of places to go and things to see and even had some suggestions of somewhat inexpensive places to eat! Now he's talking my language. He suggested first this place called Wadja, said it was somewhat new and foreigner friendly. Not one to ignore culinary teachings of any Frenchman, I checked into my hostel and went looking for this Wadja.



My first French dinner experience could have possibly been more pleasurable, but considering the circumstances of me being alone and foreign, I don't think by much. The manager and waiters were nothings but absolutely helpful and friendly and patient and kind. I was given a menu in english and ordered a French sausage as an appetizer with bread and for the main course a foie gras terrine.

The sausage was crisp and intensely flavorful, the bread was an esquisitely perfect specimen of French bread and the foie gras was... interesting. It took a little time to understand that it should go on the toast that was also put on the table. The manager (I guess he was) was extremely helpful and friendly about it. I took the remainder back to the hostel (I couldn't eat it all) and saved it for the morning to buy a fresh baguette.

At the hostel there are just three computers and you must wait in line for your very specifically half-hour allotted time on the computer. There is a whole sign-in process to it and it simply cuts you off if you run over. Last night I ran over while writing this, so that's why I didn't post last night, my apologies if anyone got worried I didn't make it to Paris.