Originally Posted April 19, 2011
France
The shackles had been released. A traveler, imprisoned by the educational institutionalization of modern youth, was finally set free. He set out on a true adventure; a journey to forever remember; forever reaching for the horizon. No bounds, no worries, no hesitation, no regrets. A journey in search of truth, in search of life. Truth is in experience. It was a quest to astound the senses. A sight, a sound, a smell, a taste, a touch. Life became more than existence, it became experience. Every step of this adventure became more than one step closer, it became a memory. The world was waiting for him. He welcomed the invitation. A foreign land, a foreign language, a foreign feeling. Alone, yet surrounded. Beginnings were found in the city of love. A city, a country, so beautiful, it can only be described by the romance of its own tongue. Paris, c’est magnifique. Impending culture discovered around every corner. A city able to live up to expectation. Though a regretful exit was imminent, found was one riding the rails across the country. Astonishing landscapes soon realized, yet not to be ruined by words. Pictures best left to the imagination while witnessing unspeakable beauty. This train ride, accompanied by the voices of melodious foxes, became a realized truth. A truth, although known by one traveling gentlemen, was to be solidified in this moment. A passion for travel.
So I know you’re all wondering it, so the answer is yes. My trip has been planned around my following the path of the Da Vinci code. I will admit though, I am struggling. That Tom Hanks is one clever dude. I began my trip upon handing in all of my final schoolwork. I quickly booked my departure and was on a 10:30pm bus from London-Paris. It ended up being 7 or 8 hours, but being in and out of sleep, and the excitement of riding the chunnel, made it go by fast. I checked into the hostel, dropped off the bag, good as gold. I walked around the city and saw all the major sites, Notre Dame, The Louvre, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomph, Eiffel Tower, etc. I had fantastic luck with the weather. It was 20-25 degrees and sunny for all 3 days I was in Paris. I was sitting in a park reading my book on the first day and due to the lack of sleep on the bus, mixed with the excitement of summer, was rewarded with a sunburn on the face. I cooled off during happy hour at the hostel bar, where I met my first batch of fellow travelers.
The next day I went up the Eiffel Tower, which indeed was super touristy, but very cool none the less. I toured the city a little more after that and spent the afternoon in the park, where I wrote my previous blog entry, as mentioned. It was just a fantastic feeling sitting and writing, finally being on my own and traveling. Won’t soon forget that day. Later on I met up with one of my friends who is originally from Paris, but was studying with me in England. His family allowed me to stay at their flat for 2 nights, which again to the Nadeau family, thank you very much for having me (please pass along if you read this Arthur). A lovely family and extremely welcoming. I spent the next day with Arthur who hasn’t lived in Paris for 4 years, so what I thought would be a local showing me around turned into two tourists discovering a city. We had delicious coffee and croissants at breakfast and spent the afternoon walking the city. We ended up in a main square where we sat and watched buskers perform for a couple hours. Gorgeous sunny day, some beers to cool off, and great conversation with my French pal. Even though he said my knowledge of the French language was 1 out of 10, we still had a good time. Not bitter at all… We met up with his sister and a friend of hers that night and enjoyed some drinks and conversation. Lovely trip to Paris.
The next morning it was goodbye to the Nadeau’s and goodbye to Paris. I didn’t realize, but I was traveling on a Sunday during French holidays, so my multi-week trip almost got cut extremely short. After some panic, and a frustrating lack of English speaking ticket salespeople, I was able to squeak out a ticket to Marseille that afternoon. Although I had to bite the bullet on the cost, it was nice to ride one of the speed trains across France. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, this train ride ended up being an amazing experience. Views like I have never seen before. An amazing feeling witnessing it first hand and truly having the feeling of travel at its purist. France is absolutely stunning and the train ride was a perfect way to see it. I could definitely see myself there someday. I mean my French is totally more like a 4 out of 10, I’m laughin’.
I arrived in Marseille knowing little about the city, but was welcomed with some gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. I got in pretty late, so I found my hostel, which ended up being one of my favourite hostel’s I’ve stayed in, and walked around the city a bit. Note to travelers….Marseille is sketchy. I realize now I walked in the less favourable direction of town, but Marseille on a Sunday night is not a friendly place. Luckily I was rocking a few days of facial hair growth (aka awkward mustache and slight soul patch/chin scruff = pretty French looking) so I wasn’t bothered. Had a pint or 3 in the hostel and slept with plans to get up early and tour the city before my 12pm train. I did just that and was able to cover some solid ground. Had my first viewing of the Mediterranean, which was gorgeous on a sunny day. Went to a lovely park overlooking the city called Palace du Pharoh. Just tried my best to see Marseille in the little time I had. It was a nice little stop over, and a necessary stop when making my way to Italy. Had my last croissant in France and hopped on the train. It was another fantastic ride with astounding views of the coast and mountains. Had a 30-minute stop over in Nice that was filled with a phone call to my momma. From what I could see, Cannes and Nice have definitely made my list of places to visit next. I was on a trek that was to eventually take me to Cinque Terre, but due to my “play it by ear” slogan for the trip, I didn’t have a place to sleep that night. This was to set the stage for a lively story that took place in Genova. However this story must wait for the next installment of The Traveling Gentlemen – Italy edition.
I wanted to make a special note to Chris Wade and the Wade family. My thoughts are with him and his family, he will truly be missed. He was always extremely kind to my family and I. I will never forget that when I was coaching in the softball league, and hanging out at all of the parties, he would always treat me as one of the guys instead of just a kid of his friends. I always appreciated that, but never got to tell him. He was a nice man with a kind heart, I hope that he is on to a better place. Rest in peace Chris.
No Regrets.
Pete