Another Day, Another Line

At a protest (Photo by: Vincent-Charles Hodder)

I'd like to say that I had mixed emotions about leaving for Europe a couple of days ago, but the only emotion that I had on the way out was excitement. Apparently both my fear of flying and homesickness have all but vanished and after running into a pretentious, very impatient man carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, a mad dash to gate 58 and a six hour flight to Paris, Vincent and I made it to our first destination without much of a hitch (security was A1- I didn't even need to take off my shoes, Dad). From Charles de Gaulle, we were tested on Paris' extensive public transportation network; despite the murky signage, Vin and I successfully navigated ourselves to our hostel The Young and Happy on Rue. Mouffetard (it must be our innate navigational talent). After a 30 hour day, our day finally ended with a restful night in a dorm for eight. 

Our hostel is pretty decent aside from the occasional cieling clinging bug and the occasional creepy asian boy who watched us as we slept. We're now staying in a double room (barely room for two), for only a few extra euro per day. 

Yesterday we did some touristy things. We visited Le Louvre (attempting to sneak in at the Lion Gates, which didn't end up working out too well), met up with Vin's sister and hit up L'Arc de Triomphe only to finally hike up La Tour Eiffel. 

Above: Staircase at the Louvre (Photo by: Vincent-Charles Hodder)

Today we took a train to Le Château de Versailles (I got away with a free pass because Urban Planning/Architecture/Arts students get in free). We're currently at the Canada House at the University of Paris relaxing after another 8 hours on our feet. 

It's really obvious why everyone in Paris is so thin-- you can walk everywhere! Montreal can't even compare. 

A Saturday afternoon in Paris (Photo by: Andrew Funamoto)

That's all for now, and tomorrow we're off to Montmartre and to Cathédrale Notre Dame. Tomorrow night we're hopefully meeting up with Vincent's family friend, Thomas for dinner.

Peas,

Andrew and Vincent