I was walking along Champs Elysees the other day, thinking about what my girl friends ask me --- whether or not I've met any French guys already ---and the reaction I always have to that question. Everytime I get asked that question, only one thing comes to mind, FEAR. I'm afraid of meeting any French guys at least in the "non-conventional" way (if thats the correct way to put it). The idea of actually "going out" with a French guy I've only just met, even talking to them in a bar somewhere is scary. One, I dont know where they're coming from. Two, I'm not really familiar with the Manila dating scene, what more with the French scene? Three, the guys I see around literally scare me. Even the young ones. Maybe its because of the language barrier which means I dont have a clue what they're saying hence, I dont know what they're thinking.

And what perfect timing, as I was walking away from the Money Changer booth (the reason why I was at Champs), some guy started talking to me. Small talk, really, where you from, why you here, how long you here...etc etc. I could barely understand what he was saying because of his accent (he's from somewhere like Madagascar, or something) and I wasnt really interested since paranoia was making me think that he saw me while I was at the Money Changer, and thus, he could very well be looking for an opportunity to steal something from me.

BUT he did ask for my number. Too bad he wasnt cute. I wonder if I would've given him my number if he were cute.....

Fast becoming my most memorable experiences in Paris are the past two weekends I've spent with my "Partners in Crime" walking around Paris and choosing Metro stops and surrounding areas to explore. I've been to the Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, Chateau de Vincennes, 2 other Churches whose names I can't recall as of the moment, Jardin de Acclimatation and of course, the common Paris sights -- the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacre Coure, Moulin Rouge, Versailles and even Parc Disneyland.

I now have two weeks left before I head home. Would've been lots of time if it weren't for the fact that I work the rest of the week and I only go out on weekends. This weekend I have to buy those souvenirs I've been wanting to buy. And maybe finally do a little window shopping. I have been doing my best to avoid shopping places since I got here. Primarily because everything here is much too expensive. I got away once, and bought myself a pair of cheap boots. But that was it. No more shopping. Not when there's a crisis at home. Haay. I wish I were rich.

But anyway, more pictures are in my gallery.

Last Sunday was a record-breaking day for me. It marked the longest time I was ever on a bike.
We went to Versailles, the ever famous palace for the French Royalty, its residents include Marie Antoinette. I was expecting the palace to be really grand and unbelievable oozing with grandeur and impracticality. Of course, I wasnt disappointed. What surprised me was the HUGE size of the palace grounds. Entire stretch of Makati could possibly fit within those grounds. And of course, we wouldnt be able to explore the grounds on foot. Well, yes we could but then again, it would've taken the whole day just to walk around. So we rented a bike.

The big question was, "sinong hindi marunong mag bike?" And of course, I didnt reply. After all, I can ride a bike. I never said I was good. I just knew how. But the minute I started moving, it seemed harder than I remembered it to be. A few minutes later I noticed I was moving more to my right no matter what I did. Apparently, the darned thing wasnt aligned! Of course I had to notice it just when I was riding close to a jogger...needless to say I ended up hitting his foot, and I fell. Thank god, they didnt see me. Well okay they did, but they saw me after I fell. Which is good. A salvaged a little bit of my pride.

But the longer I was on the bike, the more comfortable I felt. So maybe I still didnt like having anyone close by while riding, but then, the fact that I was doing okay was good enough for me.

So anyway, later in the afternoon we went inside Versailles. Too bad there were too many visitors at the time, some of the rooms, particularly the antechambers (and the antechamber to the antechamber...), were full of tour groups and their guides speaking in tongues. The Hall of Mirrors was grand, but a little construction on one end of the hall ruined the effect.

I wish I can stay longer so I can come back and savor the place some more. But I guess I'll have to wait for some other time. Maybe next year, or two years from now, or more...

*sigh*