Fall Break: Paris Day 1

On Friday October 23rd, I boarded a train to Paris, flush with a new Eurail pass. Once in the capital city, I made my way to Oops, where I made my first jetlagged stay after arriving in Europe. I was less impressed this time. The place is a "design hostel" which means contemporary rooms and bathrooms. I would prefer decent water pressure. After dropping my luggage, which seemed less secure than ever in my 4-person dorm, considering my recent loss in Marseille, I headed to the Les Halles area. I walked past Tour Saint-Jacques, investigated the Forum Les Halles (underground shopping mall) and eventually made my way to the Saint-Eustache cathedral. The cathedral was impressive in size, but weathered. Inside, workers were setting up for a concert, while a performer rehearsed on the organ.

Cathédrale Saint-Eustache

Organ

Nearby, the Centre Pompidou's bustle beckoned. I avoided the street performers and made my way inside, hoping the Elles feminism exhibit had made way for something new. Minus my student visa, I persuaded the cashier that I really was studying in Metz and he begrudgingly let me in free "Exceptionelle," he said. Whatever. Centre Pompidou houses le Museé National d'Art Moderne, as well as galleries with additional exhibitions. Once inside, I tried to see the new gallery exhibitions but was denied with my free pass. I descended into the Museé National and was disappointed to see the Elles exhibit still there, but I saw a sign for the permanent collection, which I definitely hadn't seen when I was here in September. So began a tour of some of the most famous modern art in the world, from artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Calder.

Recognize This?

View of city and sculptures from Pompidou

Even great art gets tiresome, or maybe I was just tired. I made my way back to the hostel, and met Julien, my roommate for the weekend. I slumbered, woke up, and headed out for dinner after dark. Although my Let's Go travel guide was stolen in Marseille, the book has an affiliated website, with the same information. I loaded it into my ipod before my trip, and accessed it as I made my way from Place d'Italie into the Butte aux Cailles area of bars and restaurants. I chose a restaurant called Le Parocqu, and enjoyed it enough to return two nights later.

Back at the hostel, I met my second roommate, Mr. Araj, a slightly insane 35-year-old Iranian Metallurgical scientist. He spoke a little english, and asked me many questions, but as I responded and conversed he frequently said "OK", or "oh yes", without understanding a word. We talked basic politics. Mr. Araj interrogated me, "Mr. Greg you like Ahmadinejad? You like Obama? Obama good man") and he explained he was very happy to be out of Iran.