Dépaysement

In French, the word dépaysement represents the feeling of not being in one's home country. It's not necessarily being home sick, but more of just wishing you were around your countrymen as opposed to being in exotic places. I am beginning to feel this, due to the fact that no one I meet understands me. Sure, plenty of people speak my language, but everything about my life is oddly foreign to them. They talk to me about New York and Los Angeles, and don't understand that those places are so far from me. As much as I miss my family, I am not homesick, and I don't wish my trip were over, but I guess I am seeing why people don't like to travel alone. Just having one person that you don't have to explain everything to goes a long way toward keeping a person sane.

My posts are not showing the correct corresponding days due to my lack of internet earlier in the week, but "today" is Tuesday, Oct 1. This is my last day in Paris, but I wanted to relax so I slept in quite a long while. After finally dragging myself out of bed, I headed toward Notre Dame. The building is amazing, and is covered in detailed carvings in the stone. I looked for Quasi Moto but couldn't find him... I did, on the other hand, find the gargoyles. I used the zoom on my camera and was able to see every little detail of the building. It was just fantastic!

After leaving Notre Dame, I followed along the river until I came upon the bridge where people come to put a padlock on the railing. They lock it, turn the key, and throw it into the river. This is supposed to symbolize their eternal love, which can never be broken. The cynical side of me says, "hand me some bolt cutters and we will see about this eternal love." The local government is worried about the weight of all these padlocks, as the railing was not designed to hold such weight. In the near future, they may cut all the padlocks away in fear of the railing breaking. 

Back in 1993, I was brought to Paris by my parents when my father was stationed in Italy. We have a photo of me on the carousel near the Eiffel, so 20 years later, I rode the carousel again. How neat is that? I tried not to look over enthused, and luckily I was not the only adult riding it!

I wanted to see the Tour Eiffel at night before heading back to the house, but it wasn't going to be dark for another few hours. I walked in a haphazard fashion and entered every souvenir shop I came across in search of my typical souvenirs that I get from every country I visit. I stepped into one owned by an Indian man and we discussed the Holi festival which I plan to attend next March. He made me a cup of Chai tea and told me a lot about his country. After awhile, I decided it was time for me to go, and he wished me a good trip, and sent me on my way with some trinkets to remember Paris by.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, it started to get dark. I made my way over to the tower and grabbed a baguette on the way. People, like in movies, really do carry baguettes everywhere with them. All day long, I pass people with a baguette in their hand, purse, or shopping bag. I figured I'd just join the party! The sun set, the lights of the Eiffel Tower came on, and I sat in awe. It truly is a magnificent sight! On the walk home, I grabbed a crepe from a street vendor. How could I come to Paris and not buy a crepe? I chose nutella and banana... Wow what a good combination!

Upon arriving back at the house, I stepped into Italy. Three Italian girls were staying the night, and were cooking a traditional Italian meal. Apparently I arrived just in time! We talked for a few hours, laughed constantly, and just enjoyed learning about each other's lives. It was such a perfect way to spend my last night in Paris.