I am typing this in a cafe in Paris near Vanessa's place, where I'm staying. So far I am loving France. It is one of those places that you think is probably overrated, but end up being surprised that it is not. (Perhaps I should watch Avatar after all.)
So I touched down in Paris on Thursday evening like Marten said I would - it is interesting how my friends are more in touch with my travel dates than I am, at some point the dates just blurred and I am confused about the days of the week. I can't believe that it is mid-August already and I have to go back soon to pay my dues. Not before two more days of Paris, a week in Ireland and a week in England though! So I am keeping positive, as things will work out like the weather in Paris: always threatening to rain but never actually raining.
I spent the weekend with Linda in Alsace at her parents' and her grandparents', and it was really, really good. Her parents have a great sense of humour, and her grandparents, in their 90s, are so alert and interested in everything I have to say! Linda was an attentive translator and made sure that everyone understood everyone, so I had a long (bilingual) conversation with her grandparents, about their stories during the war, about Malaysia's education system, about traditional Chinese medicine... cultural exchange at its best. Really, as I said to Linda, I couldn't have enjoyed the experience more. And also Alsace is very beautiful - I was at Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim and Rouffach, I loved the buildings, the storks, and all the beautiful flowers!
Currently though, I am in Paris and staying with Vanessa, my Spanish friend whom I met in the States last year. She is such a dear, introducing me to her friends and walking around Paris with me yesterday! Also her friend just got dumped by her boyfriend (an arsehole, according to stories that I've heard about him), and I helped Vanessa avenge some of her anger - to him I said sweetly and clearly and in front of all his friends, "I'm sure you get this very often - but your French accent is so pretty!" He was positively mortified because he likes to think that his English is perfect. Here's to all the Lauras in the world!
But having said that, after roaming around Europe for a bit, I think French guys are the most attractive. They have such deep and smiley eyes! I was on the metro the other day and met eyes with this guy on the opposite platform - and I freaking blushed. WTF.
Anyway, should stop doing nerdy stuff and get going to explore the city. No Internet at Vanessa's, so till I reach Ireland, au revoir!
