'Tres Bien' Doesn't Mean '3 Good'

Good Evening, Faithful Readership!

Let me just say that I get so much encouragement from your comments and knowing that people care enough to read my descriptions of my adventure. You guys keep me blogging!

Last night, after my post, I went to the Hostel and was distracted by a myriad of musical sounds, coming from seemingly every direction! After consulting the front desk, I was informed that it was a nationwide musical festival! Knowing this, I walked around the neighborhood near the hostel and saw a DJ with his two turntables and helpers picking out his records, and a large African-French marching band playing ethnic music. It was glorious and I really enjoyed the music and the sheer authenticity of the occasion.


Upon return to the Hostel, I went on the patio to read but was foiled once again by awesome conversation with my fellow backpackers, who were from Canada, Brazil, Australia, and Oklahoma. We shared stories and travel tips and just had a blast. I loved it. I also talked to a girl who works in Shanghai, and she gave me her email when I voiced an interest in interning perhaps in Shanghai. All these people are awesome! And I've only been here for 6 days- I wonder how many more people I will meet?

This morning I awoke early and hopped on the Metro at 8:30, apparently way too early for the late-partying Parisians, who left evidence of their merrymaking in the form of beer and soda bottles everywhere in the streets. I was headed for the Musee d'Orsay- an Impressionist mecca where I saw plenty of Van Gogh's and Monet's. It was pleasent enough, but then I headed to the highlight of my day.


I took the Metro to the Latin Quarter where the Ritte's, a German-French family who are old friends of my father, live. There I chatted with them and their two kids for a while, sipping tea and coffee, and then headed to a restaurant in the middle of a park with Dr. Ritte's brother and friends.


It was a very pleasant meal and I enjoyed discussing French and American politics with their daughtor and music with their son. Once the adults had departed, the kids, who are about my age, took me to the Paris Mosque, a glorious piece of Arab architecture where we drank yet more tea (Moroccan, this time) and talked about France and her culture. After a walk around their section of Paris, we went back to their apartment where their son and I shared our musical tastes on our iPods. Its amazing how far American music spreads across the world!

Now I am still at their house, waiting eagerly for our home-cooked dinner, which is bound to be scruptious. I will then head back to the hostel, pack, and wake up extra early for a 7:15AM train to Bayeaux, my next stop.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for the comments!