My Awesome Vacation Package from God

Right outfront my hotel front door
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March 19, 2006

well - my adventures began with a bang!!!!!!

I put on those socks and put my flip flops back on . . . NOT what I would call Paris chic

My flight from Atlanta was a little over 2 hours late taking off due to Delta preparing for a strike. When I checked in at the gate to get my seat assignment (5 PM), I was the last seat available. By 6:15 PM, it was oversold by 15 people and they were taking bids to get volunteers to give up their seats.

Paris in the spring time . . .
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6:30, we were to start boarding, however no one had cleaned the plane yet - 777 . . .lots of trash there!!!

7:15, we get on the plane. 7:45, we begin to taxi off, but are called back to the gate - the luggage for one of the volunteers had not been removed from the plane - by law, a plane cannot take off anymore with luggage not belonging to a seated passenger. So, back to the gate . . . 9:15 PM, we take off.

I had been nervous all along that my 1 hour layover wasn't going to be enough in Paris should everything go right. Well, 2 hours late taking off - I knew that I was going to miss my plane.

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I sat next to the sweetest couple - their granddaughter wants to be a missionary - so, we had lots to chat about. I hadn't really slept well the previous two nights and had come done with a cold on Thursday. I was definitely ready to get some shut eye -- I put my ipod headphones on, dark sunglasses and my little airplane pillow (thank you, Scottie!!!) Every time I would have just drifted off - Mrs. J, my neighbor would tap me on the shoulder - "honey, I've just got one more question for you - do you mind?"

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We landed in Paris at 11:15 AM - my connection to Cameroon had left at 10:35. Upon landing, we were instructed to stay in our seats - due to the impending strike, they were looking for someone to bring the stairs for us to use for de-boarding. We waited on the tarmac for an hour -- now, I know without a doubt that my plane is long gone.

I headed to the connections desk to get a new ticket. Yaoundé is a hot destination, let me tell you - flights every other day. So, if you are going to get stranded somewhere in the world - Paris isn't bad!!! right? :-)

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After getting through immigration and over a baggage hurdle, I was told that Air France would comp me one night in a hotel - the next night would be up to Delta's discretion. I headed for the Delta counter -- they took care of me all right . . . I'm staying in a HILTON!!!! It's amazing!

I got to the hotel around 3 ish, figured out how to use the phone and called Lorrie so that she could contact (via email as I don't have a phone #) the couple who would be picking me up at the African airport. After the call, I collapsed into bed . . . 6 hours later, I woke up and ate some dinner and went back to bed.

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I popped out of bed this morning ready to conquer Paris. Map in hand, I headed for the bus station. I had been told by reception this was better than using the train.

Little side note here - I wore clothing appropriate for landing at my final destination . . . capris and flip flops . . . not clothing for Paris barely into Spring -- it is COLD here!!!! The night before I left, when Lorrie saw what I was wearing, she laughed at the flip flops -- she wasn't able to talk me into tennis shoes, but did suggest that I put a pair of socks in my carry on, just in case. Thank GOODNESS!!!!!

I waited for my bus for almost 2 hours . . . finally, I asked a passerby where all the buses were (in French - mind you). Apparently, the students were demonstrating and there were a few riots yesterday (and more today) - so, the buses were not running. By this time, I had decided that I couldn't stand it anymore (my feet felt like they were turning blue) - I put on those socks and put my flip flops back on and said thank you to Lorrie out loud!!!!! . . . NOT what I would call Paris chic. I received quite a few looks and points at my silly feet today - but, they were warm and I was taking pictures in Paris - what do I care????

After hearing the news about the buses - I headed for the train station -- it took me a while to figure out how it worked -- there are five major lines, each with off-shoots -- I knew that I wanted to start with the Eiffel tower, so that was my goal.

From there, I headed to Notre Dame -- there was a demonstration there with police everywhere - so, I kept my camera tucked safely away and didn't stay long -- by this time, it was pushing 5 and I wasn't sure what time the sun would be going down (since I slept through sunset the night before). I needed to buy the boys post cards, so I found a little shop and headed back to this side of town.

I never got lost today and would have gotten 100% except I took the short train rather than the long train on the way back. Short train meaning that it stops at every stop along the way rather than just at the main train stations. It was quite a bit more crowded than the train I had originally taken down town . . . but, I was rather pleased as punch with myself for getting out in a huge, strange city and actually finding my planned destinations.

I even stopped at a little cafe and ordered pain du chocolate and cafe for myself just to say that I had spoken only French in a shop.

My flight for Cameroon leaves in the morning and I have post cards to write - so, I'll sign off now . . . but, thought you all would enjoy my little Paris layover as much as I have.

Toodles!!! and much love!

kk :-)