Jan
13
Wrapping Up
Filed under Paris/London 2008
Well, boys and girls, I made it back home! Our 9-hour flight, with daylight all the way, went smoothly especially since they serve free alcohol! No worries, I had me a serving of wine with the dinner and a cup of Bailey’s coffee afterward.
I have some loose ends about my travels that I haven’t yet logged in this blog, yet, so I wanted to take some time to do so. No, I didn’t hear “cheerio” in London, but I was called darling and love a few times; cheers is used frequently, such as a replacement for “thanks;” thank you is used in different ways than we Americans use it—for example, when purchasing items at a store, the cashier thanked me first thing when I brought my items to the counter, and on a game show similar to Wheel of Fortune, a contestant told the Vanna White which letter he wanted and she thanked him; the lady checking my passport at Gatwick said “lovely” when everything looked ok; I bought a cookie and the cashier called it a biscuit; and of course I was told many times to “Mind the Gap” in reference to the space between the subway car and the platform.” Oh, and the automated voice in the cars reminds people to “please take your litter with you when exiting.”
Both in Paris and in London, I observed that restaurants do not rush customers to finish so that they can make the most profit from the maximum customers in a day. Instead, in Paris it was very prevalent that a waiter did not bring out my next meal course until I had completely finished the previous one. In fact, when I didn’t finish all of my salad during a lunch outing, the waiter looked puzzled and asked if I didn’t like it. After that, I was very paranoid to leave food on my plate, which was difficult because my stomach is not very big. When you are ready for l’addition (the bill), they don’t bring it to you until you ask for it. Dining out is an experience for the French, and to a slightly lesser degree the English, and it should not be rushed one bit. Noelle and I often were out to dinner for up to three hours. Breakfasts were at least 30 minutes, and my first one in Paris lasted an hour-and-a-half.
I already miss my full, freshly prepared English breakfast. With the few coins I had left, I bought some English breakfast teabags at Gatwick and have already consumed two teapots, of course with milk and sugar. I made myself some hot chocolate this evening, but it doesn’t compare to the French chocolat (in a bowl!). I just need to go back; that’s obviously the answer.
I should report that I think all is lost with my beloved camera lens. But other than that, nothing terrible happened to me. My left foot has not gotten any better—I’m still limping—so I might have to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
Now that I’m back, I can also report that surprisingly I spent less money in London, about $150 less. I still owe this to the fact that the city’s museums are free which is where I spent most of my time.
Did I mention that I figured out the London bus system? Riding on top of the double-deckers is a great way to see the city, not only the sites, but also the people and traffic below. I am amazed at how bus drivers maneuver those vehicles.
I hate to say it, but I need to go to bed because the real world is waiting for me tomorrow. Thanks for reading; I do hope you enjoyed the read! Be sure to stay tuned for more photos. I’ll post an announcement here when I’ve got some more up. Until my next travel adventure, au revoir and cheers!
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Kat –
I enjoyed reading about your adventures in Europe. When I am there this summer (Switzerland, Venice, and Budapest), I hope to set up a travelog. I also thought your pictures were wonderful!
Austen
Welcome back to the States, darling! I hope you had a wonderful time. It sounds like you did! Good for you! I enjoyed your pics and blog very much. And I got your postcard today – how very thoughtful! Love you!
Someone got a postcard? From Paris?
Yes, Noelle! Some nice person at that bank took my incorrectly mailed “bank deposits” and put them in the “real mail” for me! Huzzah!