Finishing up France

After I left the internet cafe on Saturday I headed out to the trainstation in an attempt to return to Italy. I had no luck---everything was sold out for Saturday and Sunday except a spot to Milan on Sunday afternoon. I couldn't risk waiting for something better so I bought the train ticket and headed back to Lili's.

While I was supposed to be out of Lili's by Saturday morning, she said that in an emergency, I could crash one more night. I emailed her, she said it was ok, so I dropped off my stuff. Friday night, Lili, Shen (an American traveling through France--he is making his way down to West Africa so he can study percussion) and I had gone out for appetizers and drinks. We started off drinking kir (cheap wine with cherry liqour to make it taste better) at a grunge bar, then went to a Brazilian bar and had delicious smoothy drinks, to a punk bar, and then finally another punk bar with good live music. A not so long story short, while the company was good...I only enjoyed the Brazilian place, the drinks were way out of my budget and tasted like crap, and by midnight I had spent $40 Euro, wasn't even buzzed, and just wanted to go to bed. So Shen and I left.

Saturday night I knew I couldn't or better yet--shouldn't, spend any money. Especially, after the previous night out---so I decided just to hang out at Lili's alone. Before crashing at around 10:30, I was able to call my little brother, my Dad, and Spence. Each time one of them answered the phone, I was surprised to find my voice squeaking and my eyes welling up with tears. Hearing a familiar voice when you have so much time either alone or with strangers, is very soothing to the heart. I am privileged to have such wonderful people in my life and their presence is a constant blessing.

Sunday I woke up early and headed to Versailles (see other blog). I had a great time there, where I acted fully American by only speaking english, drinking my Starbucks (I don't even drink Starbucks in the States), and then got McDonald's to go. My train ride to Milan was about 7 hours long...boy, was that an interesting journey!

After I boarded the train in Milan, I figured out where I sat but then found that I couldn't lift my pack onto the top shelf. As much as I am proud for slugging that thing around, I still find that I cannot lift it above my head. It's heavy and awkward...so I must always ask for help. There was a nice guy from London sitting behind me and he graciously put it up for me. I chatted with him and his Dad for about an hour. Turns out he lives in Torino but had gone to London to buy a car and drive it back. On the way back, he hit black ice in France and totaled the car. He and his Dad were very lucky to survive and now were making their way to his place in Torino.

I eventually turned forward and hadn't been reading my book for more than an hour when the woman immediately across from me starting screaming. She was screaming "Marko, Marko" and slapping her seat partner's face. The man slumped over and she continued to yell. People started shuffling around and calling for a doctor, but it was all in french so I couldn't completely understand what they were saying. There I stood, book in hand, getting pushed up against the window as people laid the man down in front of my feet. I cannot describe the feeling of looking at someone who appears to be dying. He was not responsive, his eyes weren't moving...I stood stunned and totally helpless. I couldn't stop thinking, "am I really watching this man die??? this is a dream...."

I don't know the exact length of time it took, but a doctor did appear and thank God--- the man did regain conciseness. The man stayed on the floor next to me for the next two hours as the doctor came back and forth. It wasn't until the man returned to his seat and appeared to be sleeping that my heart rate calmed down. I was never able to find out exactly what happened, but regardless---it was intense!!!!

At the last stop in France, an Italian man finally occupied the empty seat next me and having finished my book--- I was welcome for a new friend. Paulo was great, we talked about our countries and he offered advice on traveling in northern Italy. When we departed on the train, he even gave me his cell phone number and told me to call in the event my couchsurfing host did not show up.

Overall, I really enjoyed the long train ride. Trains provide more freedom than planes. It's easier to move around and you can go buy food in one of the cabins. Since I've also recently developed this weird fear of flight, it was nice to take a trip somewhere when I didn't feel the need to receit the Lord's Prayer or Palsm 23...LOL.

Well I am very comfortable in Milan. My host Alberto has a huge 3 bedroom apartment and gave me my own room last night. I was able to do a load of laundry this morning and take a shower where I could outstretch my arms (amazing!). Alberto has now woken up and is going to take me exploring, then tonight we are going to a couchsurfing party with 25 local Milan couchhosts--it should be great!

A few interesting points on France before I go (I will do this for Italy upon my departure):

• French people do really walk around with their small dogs on leashes
• If Rome is for stray cats as Naples is for dogs...Paris is for pigeons!
• Almost every metro station has both a KFC and McDonald's nearby
• French men do not dress as nice as Italian men--but still nicer than American men
• At least every fourth person is carrying bread
• I cannot attest to the quality of the baked goods, but if they taste a fraction as good as they smell---it's sure to be fantastic!
• Paris is very urban city with lots of immigrant growth, it reminds me of New York--a blending point of cultures.
• Crepe stations are everywhere...wish I could tell you how those taste too :(
  
• The French are not as unfriendly as everyone makes out, perhaps, just misunderstood.
• Gypsy women are everywhere and will pull on your clothes to get money from you.
• Men play the accordion in the subway in hopes of money...but its great to listen too!

There is more...but I must run! Ciao!