Paris adventure, sleepiness then some positivity
written in notebook, Wed, 2:30 pm Paris time
After checking in at the hostel last night I did end up falling asleep for a bit. After I woke up I spent some time on the internet then went out walking near the hostel, to look for a place to eat and write. I'm near Montmarte, so I guess I was walking there. I ended up getting pizza and hot chocolate, then headed back to the hostel to type up a workshop description. I headed to bed around 12:30. My roommates had already turned off the lights and were in bed. They had plugged something in the outlet right by my head next to my bed, so I moved it to the outlet by the floor near the foot of the bed instead. I have a hard time getting comfortable enough to sleep around randomness and strangers. I guess maybe because of messed up childhood stuff.
My plan for earplugs and the sleep mask didn't work too well. I felt too exposed to put them on. It took awhile to fall asleep and then the roommates started talking loudly just after 7am. I tried putting in earplugs then, but they weren't enough to mask the noise. After a bit I threw on some yoga pants and headed down for free hostel breakfast. A croissant, corn flakes, apple and orange juices, and tea. I spent a little more time on the internet then decided to see if my roommates were gone so I could crash for a little bit. Feeling so tired and unenthused. Unfortunately they were just going back to the room as I arrived, and they spent the next half hour discussing the days plans, again at full volume even when I laid in bed obviously trying to sleep again.
They left around 10:30 and I proceeded to fall asleep. Technically I think we're supposed to not be in our hostel rooms from 11-4 or so, while housekeeping cleans, but I decided to risk it. I slept off and on until shortly after noon, when a housekeeper came into the room. Showered, gathered stuff for the day, and decided to head to the subway stop labeled Notre Dame.
I am very unplanned for this trip. On the way to the subway station I popped into a bakery and grabbed a pain du chocolat. It was tasty and the weather was pleasant, but I'm still feeling really exhausted. I remember not being affected by jet lag at all when I went to Japan in 06, but on this trip it seems to be hitting me pretty fiercely. Trying to just acknowledge that and go with the slower paced flow my body is desiring right now.
Got off at Notre Dame and found a cafe to eat a late lunch at, with a table facing the side street. Ordered a crepe with chicken and veggies, a side salad, and a cafe moka, which is in front of me now. Guess I should stop writing and eat now.
--
I just sent Marc a text message (for Europe rates!) telling him I wish he was here. I miss him. I've traveled a lot alone before, but for some reason on this trip I'm feeling especially lonely.
--
Chocolate covered almond to end the meal with. That was pleasant.
===============
Writing now, 5:56pm Paris time
After the long lunch I did some walking around. Sat at a park for awhile. Saw Notre Dame and sat inside for a bit. Investigated maps and decided to head to the Cite de Sciences, where I am now. I'm late for the exhibits so I'll come back tomorrow, but they had restrooms and a place to sit with free internet for some catching up and writing. Next I'm going to head towards the water to meet up with an improviser here, and go see a show on a boat. http://www.improfessionals.com/shows/current.html
Still very sleepy, but maybe the lack of late afternoon nap today will help me sleep tonight, and maybe my roommates won't wake up so early tomorrow. :) And regardless, I have some plans for tomorrow which will help get me rolling I think. Cite des Sciences for real, and the Dali museum.
Looking forward to meeting some people, having a drink, and seeing some improv tonight.
After checking in at the hostel last night I did end up falling asleep for a bit. After I woke up I spent some time on the internet then went out walking near the hostel, to look for a place to eat and write. I'm near Montmarte, so I guess I was walking there. I ended up getting pizza and hot chocolate, then headed back to the hostel to type up a workshop description. I headed to bed around 12:30. My roommates had already turned off the lights and were in bed. They had plugged something in the outlet right by my head next to my bed, so I moved it to the outlet by the floor near the foot of the bed instead. I have a hard time getting comfortable enough to sleep around randomness and strangers. I guess maybe because of messed up childhood stuff.
My plan for earplugs and the sleep mask didn't work too well. I felt too exposed to put them on. It took awhile to fall asleep and then the roommates started talking loudly just after 7am. I tried putting in earplugs then, but they weren't enough to mask the noise. After a bit I threw on some yoga pants and headed down for free hostel breakfast. A croissant, corn flakes, apple and orange juices, and tea. I spent a little more time on the internet then decided to see if my roommates were gone so I could crash for a little bit. Feeling so tired and unenthused. Unfortunately they were just going back to the room as I arrived, and they spent the next half hour discussing the days plans, again at full volume even when I laid in bed obviously trying to sleep again.
They left around 10:30 and I proceeded to fall asleep. Technically I think we're supposed to not be in our hostel rooms from 11-4 or so, while housekeeping cleans, but I decided to risk it. I slept off and on until shortly after noon, when a housekeeper came into the room. Showered, gathered stuff for the day, and decided to head to the subway stop labeled Notre Dame.
I am very unplanned for this trip. On the way to the subway station I popped into a bakery and grabbed a pain du chocolat. It was tasty and the weather was pleasant, but I'm still feeling really exhausted. I remember not being affected by jet lag at all when I went to Japan in 06, but on this trip it seems to be hitting me pretty fiercely. Trying to just acknowledge that and go with the slower paced flow my body is desiring right now.
Got off at Notre Dame and found a cafe to eat a late lunch at, with a table facing the side street. Ordered a crepe with chicken and veggies, a side salad, and a cafe moka, which is in front of me now. Guess I should stop writing and eat now.
--
I just sent Marc a text message (for Europe rates!) telling him I wish he was here. I miss him. I've traveled a lot alone before, but for some reason on this trip I'm feeling especially lonely.
--
Chocolate covered almond to end the meal with. That was pleasant.
===============
Writing now, 5:56pm Paris time
After the long lunch I did some walking around. Sat at a park for awhile. Saw Notre Dame and sat inside for a bit. Investigated maps and decided to head to the Cite de Sciences, where I am now. I'm late for the exhibits so I'll come back tomorrow, but they had restrooms and a place to sit with free internet for some catching up and writing. Next I'm going to head towards the water to meet up with an improviser here, and go see a show on a boat. http://www.improfessionals.com/shows/current.html
Still very sleepy, but maybe the lack of late afternoon nap today will help me sleep tonight, and maybe my roommates won't wake up so early tomorrow. :) And regardless, I have some plans for tomorrow which will help get me rolling I think. Cite des Sciences for real, and the Dali museum.
Looking forward to meeting some people, having a drink, and seeing some improv tonight.