"There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were nor how it was changed nor with what difficulties nor with what ease it could be reached. It was worth it and we received a return for whatever we brought to it." Hemingway

20.1.12

I am the only one left
From Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II
I left the apartment around 6:40 instead of 6AM. At the RER, I gave the sluggish couple in front of me in the ticket line a murderous glare to help them understand I was pressed for time and not happy about missing the first train. Several minutes later I repented, even thanked them, when I realized I'd forgotten my passport. If I had boarded the first train before realizing my mistake, I would have missed the flight. My bouncing backpack and sleep-deprived body burned but my mind, filled with the thought of missing my flight, was unsympathetic. Although I successfully boarded the next train for the airport with my passport in hand, I felt pale, sick and sticky for more than an hour after. As if that wasn't enough, I later nearly jeopardized not only my trip to Rome but the remainder of my stay in Paris. After a 1h45 plane ride and waiting 30 minutes for someone to tell me to disembark from the airplane—everyone else seemed to be waiting around too—I realized new passengers were boarding. Not good. Let me off. One of the flight attendants and an airport man scrambled me off the plane before it left to…Kuwait?
Do you know that if you had stayed on the plane you would have been held and deported? He sputtered anger and incredulity.
Well, do you know that your plane is not good at communicating?

4 comments:

  1. Sloane Hadley Walker21/1/12 00:11

    Dear Miss Emily,
    Great pictures!
    love,
    Sloane

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sloane Hadley Walker24/1/12 17:21

    Dear Miss Emily,
    How are you doing? I miss you! I got your post card I am about to send you a letter.
    love,
    Sloane

    ReplyDelete
  3. Can't wait to get the letter! I am doing very well. Rome was wonderful but I am happy to be back in my room and the familiar Paris.

    ReplyDelete