From Le Louvre to Le Hood

My last full day in Paris was one of...well, extremes. As the title suggests, I went to the Louvre. It also suggests I somehow found myself in an unseemly part of Paris. Here's the story. 

I started the day by strolling down my quaint little Rue Cler and having lunch at a cute little restaurant. Reason #676 why I'm moving to Paris is they have carbs and they're not afraid to serve them. I had mashed potatoes at this place that taste like mine. And if you've had my homemade mashed potatoes, you know, that is some yummy goodness. Afterwards, I strolled toward the metro where I ran into this little boutique and met some really wonderful people. The boutique was owned by Virginie with help from her Armenian dad Ara and Italian mom Cecile. They'd all lived in Paris forever, knew a million languages and loved Salt Lake City where they'd visited family. What's better, they had beautiful items in the boutique and were having a pre-Christmas promotion. So after spending 2 hours with them and learning of Virginy's deep love for Cocoa Pebbles, they told me to take the bus to the Louvre, gave me directions, two bus tickets, kisses on both cheeks, hugs and I was on my way. 

I was excited about taking the bus because it's an easy way to sight see while on the way. For those not familiar, the Louvre is a big beautiful art gallery where the Mona Lisa lives. And the bus was the perfect way to get there. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to go in but just wanted to see it. At the bus stop I got off on, I ran into the most unique and amazing bridge. It was literally covered with locks. Of all kinds, colors, shapes, sizes. Pad locks, combination locks, shaped like hearts and circles. All symbolizing a couple in love who had committed to be together forever or those just having a fling. After that, I head over to the Louvre. It's a huge huge huge museum, really beautiful and a sight to see. If it's that beautiful on the outside, I can't imagine going inside. Definitely next time.

By this point, I'm a bit tired after walking and the bus ride. But of course I'm supposed to hang out with my new friend Horphet after 5 when he gets off work. We didn't end up getting together until almost 9 when I met him at the metro in a part of town where he said we can get good African food (per my request). After getting off at this metro stop, I realize that cute neighborhood I went to that I thought was Little Africa was Little (well off, we've made it) Africa. This here, was the real deal. It's like the difference between Cedar Hill and South Dallas. Same color of people, different economics. 

So the first thing to jump the evening off right is that I'm solicited for sex...in French. I get off the Metro and as I'm waiting for Horphet, this little guy keeps giving me the eye. So of course, I'm thinking that he wants to jack me, so I cross the street. Then he crosses the street, still giving me suggestive eyes. So then he approaches me and starts talking in French. I tell him in French that I don't understand and he keeps talking. Eventually, he says something about company, so I tell him yes, Im here with a company. He asks can he be my company with hand signals and eye gestures. I'm like "Nooooo, I'm waiting for mon ami." At that time, Horphet comes across the street where I nearly jumped him and said "here comes my company now!" He look defeated and walked away. So as I tell Horphet the story, he tells me that the guy likely thought I was a prostitute. Dude, if this is what hookers look like in Paris, they even have classy hoes! Lolllll

Anywho, after I narrowly escaped picking up a John, H and I walk a ways through a not so fancy neighborhood with him being very protective to a hole in the wall place his friend owns that had some excellent Congolese food and awesome Congolese music videos playing. We had goat in a sauce that I wanted to marry. Experience is good, we share food, chat, him in his limited English, me in my limited French, with him agreeing to teach me French if I help him freshen up his English. He also promised to be my tour guide around Paris the next time I come. Fun! 

After leaving, we walked to the metro (on the way, we saw a few prostitutes, a crackhead couple arguing and a cop screaming at a man who had cocaine in his hands while his wife yelled back). He put me on my train, gave me kisses on each cheek, a tight hug and went off to his train.

Whew, that was a rush. Oddly enough, it felt harmless. Not scary at all. Perhaps there's only so dangerous a crackhead with a French accent can be?! I dunno. All I know is it made me love Paris even more! 

My buddy Virginie's shop...didn't get to take a pic until on the way to dinner with H!

Locks of Love

Entrance to the Louvre

Just 1/4th of the Louvre...massive!

Me at the L

Ummm, I want to eat this picture! There's some yummy tender goat chunks under those onions.

Horphet translating something I said...see the furrowed brow, I'd stumped him!