I was really excited to come home and blog about my day, with other topics rather than men. However, a turn in today's events leads me to another story to share.
Whenever you tell people you are going to Paris, almost always they suggest something of the following; french romance, finding a lover, or finding a strapping young gentlemen to sweep you off your feet take you on a moped tour of the city which then ends under the Eiffel Tour kissing or up on some secret terrace that overlooks the city kissing. I have to try and not laugh whenever this is brought up because while it is a lovely concept, it's not for me right now... or at least I don't think so.
Today I went to school to make sure I was all set for next week only to be told I should come back tomorrow because they will have figured out some glitches in the computer and it less hectic. Luckily that didn't ruffle me much, and instead of taking care of logistics today I leisurely strolled around the Latin quarter. After my lunch at this greek gyros cafe, I decided I wanted to go to the Notre-Dame de Paris. The cathedral was unbelievable I absolutely loved it, brought me to tears. I will being returning to go to mass, and just to walk around again. As I left the cathedral as was in one of those moods where nothing really seems to matter I was calm and enjoying soaking up all the sights.
As I thought about how to make my way home, I decided to take the RER to the metro. I thought that would be easiest but I wasn't exactly sure what stop to get off at so I was looking at a map when this man approaches me and asks me if I'm lost, I tell him no I'm just double checking what stop I get off at. He explains to me how it all works and the shows me where to go(which I didn't need help with but he happened to be going on the same train so what could I do)He starts talking with me and at first I'm like what harm can this old guy do? He seemed really friendly. I get on the RER sit down, thinking that I'm in the clear and don't have to talk to him anymore but then he sits diagonally across from me. I'm thinking what evs these are the last seats on the train he was tired too wants to sit down. Oh no, he then proceeds to tell/show me where to get off and how to navigate through this particular metro station to the M1 line. He then starts up a conversation that went a little something like this.
"Why are you going home so early?"
I replied with, "Je ne sais pas Je suis fatiguee." I don't know I'm tired
"It is too early to go home."
"That's ok I have things to do at home."
"Est-ce que vous avez visite le jardin Toulleries, that is my stop I get off at."
"What? No" (his French and English was hard to understand.... which is why i think he wasn't from France)
"You haven't been to the gardens?"
"Ohhhhh those gardens yes I have been to them they are beautiful."
"I will take you there it is on your way home. Maybe we can get a drink?"
"Oh no thank you, not now."
Chuckle "What you have American boyfriend?"
Pause... " Ya I do" ...Complete lie
"He is not in France, he is in America! Why not drink with me?"
"He's coming to visit."
"Come come you must have some time before you need to get home, and he will not know he is not here."
"No thanks maybe later I have to go garder les enfants." (watch the kids)
Then he walked the other way. I haven't yet decided if it was me saying no, or the part where I said I had to go watch kids that scared him. I'm hoping I can avoid future experiences like these. Hopefully soon I will not look like an American tourist, but a student who knows her way around.
It's sorta like the other night, when Kristin and I decided that for our nightly walk we would go into Paris so we walked all the way past the Arc de Triomphe. On our way back this older guy(younger than the first one but still too old for me) yells c'est magnifique! and we were like what is he talking about the dog? He yells back points to me and goes you are beautiful tres jolie. AWKWARD. To all you creepy french men out there, thank you for the compliments but keep them to yourselves. For heaven's sake I was in yoga pants and a hoodie, lets be real. Even today jeans and a sweater. Its not like I'm trying to attract htis sort of attention, it's quite the opposite.All I have to say is, I would really enjoy meeting some people my age, not old guys. Thank goodness schools starts in a week! I really look forward to the day where I can say in french, "hey you! stop hitting on girls that are half your age. "
Forever and Always, Morgan
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