05 October 07
I've noticed some things from "Paris to the Moon": the green uniforms of the garbage collecters; the "Ici tombe... Mort pour la France" signs... somethings else.
Adam Gopnik writes: "You swim in a second language and breathe in your own."
I'd say I mostly tread water today. My accent is terrible, it's Spanglicized and my cold doesn't help my ear. I must admit, like Berlin, my opinion of Paris is improving BUT I cannot see myself living here.
Last night before the bar we went to a grocery and I got a thing of blackberries. Some were really good, some tasteless. Still so lovely to walk along and eat berries. We passed a loud, Jewish-sounding ruckus coming from a 2nd floor. We went to a sports store today to look for a swimsuit for Lera. Don't think I've been to a foreign sports store before.
The Rugby World Cup is here. The Kiwi team has a huge ball thing by the Eiffel Tower, supporters buses are here, pictures, "Watch Rugby Here" at cafes and bars, etc.
I've noticed that, more than other European countries, the women actually dress like the magazine pictures. These ballet flats that EVERYONE is wearing are so bad for the feet.
I walked to the canals. It looks pretty different in person, but the guard was closing the park as I got there. You totally can't stand where Amelie does to skip stones. I was asked twice for directions on my walk. I think a woman walking alone with confidence makes people think you belong.
Oh right! I went to the Opera House this morning. It is outrageously ornate and quite a bit creepy. You can imagine the Phantom lurking in passageways. Overpriced to get in though! 8Euro for an unguided tour. There is a huge statue of Rameau in the entrance hall. I had to take a picture in memory of my plaigerized translation term paper Sophomore year.
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