Bonjour, oh la la, it’s time for another post. Currently on the top bunk- my thoughts about this later revealed. C’s watching Katie Price videos. And we have had a full day of exploring Paris. About to shower which I am unbelievably excited about- it’s hot. Might be too hot. We shall be heading out to see the Eiffel tour, in all its glory at night.
It’s funny as always send this to Mildred and C first just so they can check etc, see how much I’m ripping into them and if I’ve taken it too far.
I’m enjoying watching their reactions. There laughing at my retelling makes me happy.
Also funny, C’s getting annoyed at Mildred for making verbal reactions. C thinks she sounds like a Gremlin on this. Just to tell you all, C is one of the coolest chicks with the kindest hearts- just still a bit smelly and that’s ok.
I laugh and remind them they were physically there and present at the event so they don’t really need to stress.
When I wake up, I’m most consumed with my thoughts. Finding this a really helpful outlet.
It’s 8am, June 2nd, right now and we agreed to wake at 9am. I always wake up early but, only an hour before everyone is actually pretty good for me.
Do semi wish my thoughts would shut up but for the first time I’m actually believing them, which feels sooo good and a key hack to happiness in my eyes.
Thoughts so far:
I shouldn’t have chosen the top bunk.
1. every time I move it causes a mini earth quake in the room and I’m a wriggler. Sacrificing my comfort for Mildred’s sleep- think that’s a wise move. Not actually ever seen what’s she’s like in the morning.
2. I wake up the earliest so physically have to move e.g to pee or get my phone to type this.
3. I also have the worlds weakest bladder and need to pee when I get excited which is happening all the time right now.
4. Honestly why did I pick the top bunk.
5. The loud Americans next door are supplying entertainment but please shh a little.
Want to wake the others up as noted earlier, I’m impatient. Resisting the temptation.
Right now I actually feel this is a good time to type to do a good bit of writing as means I can be in the moment during the day.
Oh also side note, I’ve realised that I’m a really defensive person both in the way that 1) I can’t take compliment and 2) I see people’s criticism as a bad thing. But that’s just my own insecurities and I can honestly say I’m 100% getting better with them. So please folks, criticise and compliment away (preferably compliment) .
Also to all who have sent me a message saying they liked my blog so far that makes me so unbelievably happy ah, thank you for reading.
Oh also when traveling in a small group, don’t stress about money and people paying you back e.g at meal times- it will distract from the trip and chances are you’ve picked class people to go away with who Will obviously pay you back. They care as much as you.
Also snap-streaks shouldn’t be a thing while traveling. Reply when you can (sorry friends)
I do love seeing people faces who I miss though.
Literally just read back my blog posts from yesterday and realise I talk about my toe a lot. Hope you like feet ! I swear it’s not the only thing I talk about. Honestly, I was about to write about it again so I’m glad I read back and realised.
Also-bum bag over shoulder IS the way forward. See photo attached (if I remember).
Listen to people- you don’t always know what’s best and it’s annoying but true.
Realised I always try and go to sleep when I know the alarm is about to go off? Why?
Oh and quick tip. When your hostel door uses a key card to be opened, it’s not going to stay locked when you push the handle down. People can’t get in from the outside if they don’t have a key. That took us longer to figure out than it should.
Suncream before you leave the hostel- u can wash hands and feel clean. Also saws the faff on the street
Non underwire bras are the way to go.
I’ve told Mildred she can only borrow my suncream if she says thank you in the language of the country we are in. What’s mine is yours but you got to work for it.
Learning it’s okay to be silent in the morning- no matter how much I want to speak to fill the silence.
Blasting the tunes instead
Freckles by Natasha Benningfield has come one – my current anthem. C says she hates it. I don’t care.
Establish if you use the world ‘mole’ instead of freckles in the song it doesn’t sound as good.
Remember to put suncream on your eyelids and top of ears.
We all love the smell of suncream.
Don’t buy water, ask restaurants to fill it up. Fine in London – yet to try Paris. Guess it would be the same. Update: I’ve tried, it’s good. It’s a totally lie that you can drink foreign water.
The headband your going to see in all these pics is both a fashion choice and a way of hiding the grease.
C SAID THIS IS TRUE – Mildred is Rubbing off on her.
I like back packs to carry just about. C likes tote bag.
Mildred’s just told me you can email your notes and it’s saved me life. Don’t want to forget these memories. I am living in the moment too, don’t worry folks.
Have a good chat in the morning about how much we are going to spend. Aiming for €30 a day. Transferring from our main accounts to our, name dropping again, monzo account as we go. Trying to reduce spending.
Bring spare underwear. Just girly things.
Got up, out and sorted our shit in an hour- go us.
It’s now 10am and we are off to explore Paris.
C’s good at thinking about getting us to where we need to be. I realise I don’t think about that, just kind of wander.
Paris. Bakery. Pan au Raisin. Spoke French. I wanna learn french fluently. Warm.
Attempted to get a picture of my holding the Louvre- C and Mildred mortified. I don’t care.
Mildred and C are both so slim their thighs don’t chafe. I don’t think they even knew what they world meant- lucky girls.
C’s keeping us hydrated. Is it so hot
Google maps is a godsend.
So glad C and Mildred like walking everywhere. Public transport stressed me out and makes me feel claustrophobic. Also walking is the best way to see the city.
Breeze is appreciated walking by the river
Scooters everywhere. Equivalent of Boris bikes in London?
We are constantly Glowing (with sweat)
Share map navigating to save battery and let others explore more.
Passed the padlock bridge, it’s been replaced with glass and people write their love notes on it. Still sweet but not as nice. We thought it would be better for the bridge though. Walked passed a tour guide who confirmed this. Free knowledge.
Saw a lady on a buggy and brolley. Mildred and I both agreed it would be quite nice
My left and rights are not strong when navigating. Trying my best.
Fake Birkenstock’s are an issue- lesson learnt that sometimes it’s worth spending the money.
Slow walkers annoy me. How dare they stare and enjoy the scenery !
“Oh that breeze” catchphrase of the day
Wanted to see how the notre dame was doing- hard to get close. Also tired.
Heading to the shopping centre for shade. Heck no, Googled it. Too long a walk to do in this heat. Going to take some shelter in the shade by the river and reboot ourselves.
Tourist tour boat came along and totally ruined our zen moment.
The ducks here go right to the bottom of the water. I’m shook. Like one literally just appeared out of no where from the deep depths of the river.
Did play a good game of sweet and sour though. It was character building until finally someone waved at me and blew a kiss. Humanity restored.
Romance in Paris- duck found a friend and now they are having sex. That’s enough action for us.
Deep chats about prison reforms, punishment in general down by the river were interrupted by Millie getting shat on by a Bird. Very funny. And good luck.
Despite not wanting to spend money. The oasis was calling and it tasted SO good
Jimmy fairly- nice sunglasses.
Gallery la fayet
Catherine wants early grey and cucumber perfume.
Really pretty dome roof in the gallery la fayet. Wanted to get a picture but there was queue- we saw it and took a picture in our mind instead. (And just from a different angle).
Wanted to go see the rooftop views but it was closed. Sad but we go on.
C wanted to see the bookstore. It’s on the 6th Floor and I took the lift which is the definition of true friendships as I hate lifts. And yes I could have taken the stairs but it’s like 30 degrees out there folks, so I’m a bit hot and bothered.
Justice is restored. We found the stationary floor and I love stationary.
French women asked us for directions- must be giving off an illusion of confidence.
Turns out there is more than one
Galleries la fayette – we can see the view! Oh no, it’s not we can’t it’s the same place, just a confusing building. Don’t be fooled
Fancied a baguette for lunch but all the fresh bed was gone at the supermarket
This is hard if you don’t speak french well. Thank god for human interaction and facial expression.
Also, we just didn’t look. As if France could run out of Baguettes.
Learning to wait to eat. Want a nice view. Feel it could get tiring if we do this. Thankful my pals have more patience than me. Guess what- their right, it was worth the wait.
Found a nice grassy patch in the shade to eat out lunch.
Don’t buy water bring water and just ask cafes to fill it up.
Pick your park spots carefully. Wind + soil = occasional sprinkling of dust
How to explain to the earth that is more functional as vegetable patch than a flower garden- kamila shamshie. Good quote from C’s book as we read in the park .
Dresses are class to travel in yet bare in mind you do flash your knickers a lot, without realising. Sorry. Also be prepared for you legs to pick up any pattern of your seat of choice.
All in all, current thought I’d that its so nice being able to feel after not for so long.
C said she needs a pee and now I need one. We are in sync.
Yet we both cannot be bothered to find a toilet- logic.
It’s not nice but we found one. Thank god I play hockey and have strong legs to hold a squat for so long- I do not want my skin touching this seat. I have stage fright so C has to tell me a story. She picks ones about the toilets in india. Check how cultured we are.
Bring hand sanitizer. I did but I obviously forgot it and need it now.
It’s nice when someone just makes a plan. Like when to leave a place. Most people are happy with it and if someone doesn’t want to, they will say (usually).
C’s learning french. The way to make her remember your welcome, de rein, is by saying the name DERRY-ANN.
We went on a hunt to find a supermarket for our dinner. 3 later and despite our optimism all closed. It is is Sunday to be fair. We are keen to have dinner by the river- drink in hand.
Also keen to save on our meals and spend our money on drinks outside in a busy square or the like.
Inter-rail 2019 