Danya and EricaAnn the three of us could have much fun in Paris. Of course I would be the thorn between two roses.
Danya and EricaAnn the three of us could have much fun in Paris. Of course I would be the thorn between two roses.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
No my friend, you would be the sweetheart between two roses.
I agree with Erica Ann. I hope you take lots of photos to share.
Hope you have the time of your life!
Hugs,
Danya
"First you jump of the cliff
and build your wings on the way down."
~ Ray Bradbury
I am only ten days from following my dream. This will be my biggest adventure. This is just about me and what I want to do. I know I have mentioned this before because of what this represents for me. The healing, the adventure and the freedom from fear. A far cry from my precastration days.
My friends who loved Paris say Paris will change me. I am looking forward to the joie de vivre. Paris has always represented the center of culture in art, cuisine and fashion (which I do not follow). All the expatriates who called Paris home is of interest to me. Writers, musicians and people of color found acceptance in Paris. Nina Simone one of my favorite singers found a life in France.
This will be a time to learn about me. I will be away from any preconceived ideas about me. As I look at art and discover a new culture I can think about me and my place in the world. I will leave the negative words I have heard in the past. I guess to simplify, this trip will define me. I find a new happiness each day and I think Paris will certainly add to it.
I will be keeping a log of my experiences. I wish I had kept a log of my castration experiences. I am not sure why but I think this trip will be as important as my castration was to me.
Time for my life's adventures to begin.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
I am so happy for you, Tugon, and I know you will make the most of every moment of your trip.Originally Posted by tugon
I will probably never have the chance to visit Paris, but I have read a lot about it. Knowing you, I am certain you will have a terrific time experiencing the many wonderful things the city has to offer. It is never too late to learn more about who we really are. I am glad you are giving yourself this gift.
I can hardly wait to read all about it!
Hugs,
Danya
"First you jump of the cliff
and build your wings on the way down."
~ Ray Bradbury
Tugon,
I am excited for you. I hear enthusiasm for life in your writing, and that is a good thing to hear.
I know you are into photography, and so do take pictures. However (as I have learned in my life), the camera-made image is not as important as the mental images that you will also be collecting. Take time along the way to see, hear, touch, smell and "feel" the real Paris and Parisians. For instance, while riding the subway, experience the impersonal closeness of others and their diversity; while sitting at a sidewalk cafe for coffee, tea, a meal, whatever, smell the aromas of the food; stop and listen to the sidewalk musicians, really listen and watch their expressions and dress and body language, etc.
What I am trying to say here is not to look at and record what you are seeing, but rather experience the moment for what it really is. I say this because I believe there are some similarities in our approaches to travel, with the difference being that I have a few decades and many travels more to have had the opportunity/growth now to approach things differently. For me, the real value that I cherish comes from having been involved in rather than just looking at things. Decades ago I used to schedule exhaustive itineraries so as not to miss anything; now I experience what I can and know that there is more that I won't see on that particular trip. For instance, several years ago I sat for the longest time at the opera house in Manaus (Brazil) thinking about all of the world class singers who journeyed there to perform in such a magnificent facility. And then you may also find that you start traveling more (not necessarily internationally) and having wonderful growth experiences.
I feel like I am becoming preachy here, and so I'll close with "buen viaje" but do travel safely (no Rolex watches, wallet in an inside pocket, etc.).
BB
I have to agree with this. Too many people spend far too much time looking at the world through the viewfinder of their cameras, ostensibly to record the experience so they will remember it later. The trouble is, when you do that, all you remember of the amazing things you see, will be trying to line up the perfect shot through the viewfinder of the camera.
By all means, take picture, but remember that first and foremost, you are there. Live it, experience it, see all that you can through your own eyes. By all means take pictures, but the best way to remember your trip is by living it while you're there, not by trying to pin it under glass for later examination.
I recommend, as a cafe resturant to sit and watch people go by and have a nice lunch of a salade composée and a little jug of wine, Les Marronniers, 18 Rue des Archives, 75004. Near the Hotel de Ville and in the nearest Paris has to a gay village...
London
I agree with Budley Bare and TheOtherSide to fully experience Paris. One of the reasons I will only be in Paris is due to my limited time for vacation. I am often asked where else I willl be going in Europe. I have been reading much and talking with friends who have stayed in Paris for an extended time about true Parisian experiences and not just the tourist traps.
I look forward to experiencing the cuisine, shopping in the stores and having a glass of wine in a sidewalk cafe and people watching. I look forward to getting lost in the city and making some great discoveries while I wander. I will visit places and think about the incredible age of the city and it's history. A friend was impressed with Notre Dame for the scent and sense of age about the church.
I do plan on letting my no T heightened senses full reign to enjoy the trip. I have some ideas of what I want to do but no rigid itinerary. I will be following my whims and exploring what might catch my attention. Since I am travelling alone there will be not time spent debating what we should do next. If I do not have a grand time in whatever I do it can only be my fault.
I think I have the security covered with a travel wallet that I will wear on a strap around my neck and under a shirt. No Rolex watch to be concerned about. I do have an international data plan on my phone to let everyone know I arrived safely in Paris.
Thank you both for your advice and shared experiences. Much appreciated.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
Thank you Danya for the encouragement. I look forward to walking the streets of a city that has held my imagination for so long. In french class I remember the movies we would watch to hear the language spoken correctly. I always imagined walking the streets and being fluent in french. Knowing that writers and musicians found acceptance and a life without judgement made me even more interested in the city. As a child I dreamt of living on a space station and in my later teens I wanted to live in Paris. During the dark years I would dream of an escape to Paris. Oddly now that my life is much happier and more stable I am now going to Paris. I think at this age and stage of life I will truly enjoy this adventure.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
Thanks for the suggestion. I will add this to my log of recommended places to visit. So many have given me many good ideas that the volcano may need to delay my return.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
I'm a Brit, not a Frog. And it's been half a century since I visited Paris. So I can't tell you where to go or what to see there.
But I did have a French wife for about 20 years. She was from Vendee (the west of France, where they fought against the Revolution) and I did get sort of indoctrinated into the Royalist, anti-Revolutionary attitude!
In Paris, you'll only get the Communard view of France. This quasi-communist outlook took hold in the capital, and in the industrial centres, and things remained like that from the end of the 18th century until, well, until now.
But out in the more rural areas there was - and still remains - a different view on life.
OK, they know they can't fight against 'La Republique'. But they maintain a lovely way of life that is so very French!
If you can, get out of the capital! The real French people aren't the ones you meet in Paris!
Interesting post but my interest is seeing the city, museums, monuments and enjoying the people and cuisine. I will enjoy any conversations I may have with citizens of Paris. Maybe another time I can visit the countryside but this time it will be Paris, Paris and more Paris.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
As a caregiver I enjoy my work but often saddened by the need for it. One of the few prayers I pray is to heal all sickness and make me look for a different job. I am currently working for two home health companies and I have another gentleman that I am developing a relationship with for his future care.
What has brought this to the forefront of thought for me has been the latest gentleman. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease well at least as well as it can be diagnosed. He is still very functional but knows the outlook is bleak. I have been going to his home twice a day to make sure he is taking his meds correctly. His family was trying to find help and at first he said if someone comes to the house to help he would leave and never be heard from again. So I put my best personality forward (that would be personality #7) and went to his house. I told him "I was just here to make sure he took his meds and then I would disappear". He looked me up and down and said "you must not disappear as easily as you once did". We both had a good laugh.
He had nothing planned for Saturday and said he would be around the house all day. When I went back Saturday evening for his evening meds I invited him to lunch on Sunday. When I went at 7 AM for his meds before church I mentioned again I would pick him up at noon for lunch. When I pulled in at 11:45 AM he saw my car and was ready to go. We went and had a nice lunch and good conversation and then I dropped him off at home before going to another clients home.
I know he will be a long term patient as he loses abilities. I am glad I am building this rapport with him now. When he needs me I will be a familiar face. His parents and my grandparents were great friends. In a small town you have many opportunities to connect with generations of people that have been close to family.
In the mean time I am going on vacation. I hope all are well while I am gone. I need this for me so I can come back and give my all. My homecare vicitms will have to hear about vacation and look at pictures. This may inspire them to use their walkers to get away from me and my endless talking.
One thing I have noticed from taking care of many how important kindnesses are to me. Recently I received a gift in the mail that was so incredibly important to my travels and a place I will be visitng. Sharing something that has been a part of someone's life to heighten your enjoyment is a great gift.
Of course when you are used to doing for others and you ask a favor when you are used to fulfilling them for others and the favor is not often fulfilled it can make you sad. Then I have to realize that just because I can do for others, others cannot. If I ask for a favor and you do not want to do it just say no.
Vacation is fast approaching and I will enjoy myself and when I get back I will check on all my folks.
Last edited by tugon; 05-25-2010 at 07:19 PM.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
This captures an important part of the person I know you to be. Funny, in a gentle way, while being extraordinarily caring.
I will send you an email to express my wishes for you.
Hugs,
Danya
"First you jump of the cliff
and build your wings on the way down."
~ Ray Bradbury
My dream for years was to visit Paris. I am on my way to Dublin. Tonight I missed my connecting flight. A little T might have kept me from getting emotional but it worked. I will arrive in Paris a few hours later than planned.
Maybe I can pick up some luck of the Irish. Or get lucky with an Irishman.
Tugon (two gone)
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Andrew Boyd
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