Paris

Arriving direct from O'Hare little more than zombies, we caught our second wind upon catching sight of the Notre Dame, making the 8 euro transit ride almost seem worth it. We caught close to 20 hours of sleep that night after staying up for nearly twice that. Good bread, better cheese, and the best chocolate croissants. Eating in an alley sheltered from a slight drizzle. Overcast, misty, the gleam of gold in the sky was stark, but pleasant. Looking at that strange golden color, while slicing a tomato on a curb seemed to sum up Paris. Long lunches, but quick compared to dinners. Modern life seemed to be built around monuments, a quiet respect. Distinct smells, like nothing I've encountered here In Chicago. Something like flowers and diesel fuel. It might have been the reflection off the golden buildings but everyone there seemed to glow somewhat, good faces.

The Mona Lisa Picture. It's blurry I know, but as I was taking it I was getting yelled at in French, and was very unnerved. It's smaller than I had anticipated.

Two days in Paris and we jumped on our first of many trains to Nice. Two backpacks, one baguette, one half eaten brick of cheese, a tomato and some cold cuts in desperate need of refridgeration. Needless to say we made great sandwiches, but a seemingly awkward impression on fellow riders.