So ive cycled 600+ miles in two countries, no major dangers, i had been walking less than 45 seconds out of the hotel, went to cross a road, looked the wrong way (Brit abroad) and nearly hot hit by a car!! and when i say nearly got hit, i dont mean a car was there, stopped and the driver waved his fist in a half angry half 'oh Monsieur you little tinker' way. No, the car literally skidded around me, luckily the driver had the skills of Hamilton and managed to keep control. must remeber, look LEFT!
I can't tell you what an overwhelming day it's been today. 119 miles that felt like an absolute lifetime. But rather than collapsing on to my bed, I've managed to shower, change and get straight out into the city!! I'm so happy, I had a vision of seeing myself ride under the Arc de Triumph, although having seen the traffic, I was glad I ditched the bike. Not to proud to admit I had a major wobble yesterday. I'm not a homebod by ny stretch but I really missed being home. Being out of touch with everyone with no real knowledge of where I was headed was enough for my arse to nip a little. I couldn't feel more different today. I've had 2 Big Mac meals, not because I wanted a McDonalds, it's just they have the only decent wifi in the whole of Paris. Once I get through here, I'm back to the hostel, with as many cans of cheap French lager I can carry and I'm going to sit and unwind.
I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sent a donation or a message to me. I can't tell you how much I needed that, especially yesterday. I will get round to replying individually when I get a moment tomorrow. I actually feel a bit emotional still just thinking about it (pussy) I think I must just be dehydrated!
So, what is Paris like I hear you ask. So far, wet! I've been before and it was lovely and felt quite compact, not today. Everything seems really spread out. The cycling was fun, easily the scariest thing I've ever done in my life. Such a massive adrenaline rush. Needless to say that I've learned a few French Swear words from the lovely taki drivers.
Whilst trying to find the place I'm staying, I asked LOTS of people. One Old French man who was clearly a bit worse for wear at 3.30 on a Tuesday afternoon insisted on calling me Tour de France and laughing histericaly. I think he followed me about three blocks. If it was quieter on the street, he would have had a swift right hook. Everyone else was really helpful, even with my pathetic attempt at GCSE French. I did however find out the answer I have (childishly) been asking forever. Ous Est La Piscine...? Turns out its on the same road as my hostel, which by the way is amazing! It's called hostel Woodstock and its fantastic. Full of weird Americans who are "discovering Europe" but the place is awesome. It has pictures of Hendrix and the Beatles everywhere and half a VW Beetle hung on the wall with a skeleton driving it. I know it sounds like I might die here, but compared to the rest of the places I've been staying in, this is f'ing amazing!
I did think I saw Amanda Seyfried earlier. It probably wasn't and I haven't stalked her twitter to see if she is Paris. If it was her, she missed a really good opportunity to meet me today!
I've seen the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Eleysee today, tomorrow I'm going to be a total tourist. I'm looking back at the photos I've taken so far, I've become a backpack wanker haha, if I saw me in the street, I would take the piss! Never mind. If I start wearing sandals and socks though, I've crossed the line.
Ok, I'm going to see some more sights then back home to bed!!
Bon nuit mon ami et Merci Beacoup
Xx
I can't tell you what an overwhelming day it's been today. 119 miles that felt like an absolute lifetime. But rather than collapsing on to my bed, I've managed to shower, change and get straight out into the city!! I'm so happy, I had a vision of seeing myself ride under the Arc de Triumph, although having seen the traffic, I was glad I ditched the bike. Not to proud to admit I had a major wobble yesterday. I'm not a homebod by ny stretch but I really missed being home. Being out of touch with everyone with no real knowledge of where I was headed was enough for my arse to nip a little. I couldn't feel more different today. I've had 2 Big Mac meals, not because I wanted a McDonalds, it's just they have the only decent wifi in the whole of Paris. Once I get through here, I'm back to the hostel, with as many cans of cheap French lager I can carry and I'm going to sit and unwind.
I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sent a donation or a message to me. I can't tell you how much I needed that, especially yesterday. I will get round to replying individually when I get a moment tomorrow. I actually feel a bit emotional still just thinking about it (pussy) I think I must just be dehydrated!
So, what is Paris like I hear you ask. So far, wet! I've been before and it was lovely and felt quite compact, not today. Everything seems really spread out. The cycling was fun, easily the scariest thing I've ever done in my life. Such a massive adrenaline rush. Needless to say that I've learned a few French Swear words from the lovely taki drivers.
Whilst trying to find the place I'm staying, I asked LOTS of people. One Old French man who was clearly a bit worse for wear at 3.30 on a Tuesday afternoon insisted on calling me Tour de France and laughing histericaly. I think he followed me about three blocks. If it was quieter on the street, he would have had a swift right hook. Everyone else was really helpful, even with my pathetic attempt at GCSE French. I did however find out the answer I have (childishly) been asking forever. Ous Est La Piscine...? Turns out its on the same road as my hostel, which by the way is amazing! It's called hostel Woodstock and its fantastic. Full of weird Americans who are "discovering Europe" but the place is awesome. It has pictures of Hendrix and the Beatles everywhere and half a VW Beetle hung on the wall with a skeleton driving it. I know it sounds like I might die here, but compared to the rest of the places I've been staying in, this is f'ing amazing!
I did think I saw Amanda Seyfried earlier. It probably wasn't and I haven't stalked her twitter to see if she is Paris. If it was her, she missed a really good opportunity to meet me today!
I've seen the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Eleysee today, tomorrow I'm going to be a total tourist. I'm looking back at the photos I've taken so far, I've become a backpack wanker haha, if I saw me in the street, I would take the piss! Never mind. If I start wearing sandals and socks though, I've crossed the line.
Ok, I'm going to see some more sights then back home to bed!!
Bon nuit mon ami et Merci Beacoup
Xx