I meant to wake up so early, I wanted to surprise Blue with breakfast, back in Abu Dhabi I was taking cooking lesson, as I am not very familiar with food, so I just want to show off, hahaha..with my new found talent - even if its only breakfast. Anyway, I walked through the kitchen and realised that there was nothing inside the fridge except the items I saw already, oh..and one wine bottle missing! Blue must have drunk it by himself while I was asleep. Hmmm..
Anyway, I had no choice but to wake him up, pretended I wanted to ask what he wants to eat. He said he would rather sleep if he has to go and buy breakfast. I thought, this is not good! That means, I will have to go on my own if I insist on breakfast. The thought of it scares me and it run some goosebumps into my spine. Although, I wouldnt mind to try. So, Ok, I made a decision, I will go and buy on my own. I had a 3 months french lesson - hehehe this should help me survive or at least will help me come back to the flat.
I asked Blue to draw me a sketch to where I should go to find the things I wanted for breakfast. He was convinced that my idea was ridiculous but made the sketch anyway. I also wrote down the the list of items to buy in French in case I cant pronounce it properly so I will just hand over the paper and make the vendor read. What a clever thought. Huh? So, I went.
The wind was a bit cold but the sun was shining and no sign of any rain ahead. A lot of people walking opposite the street where the river is. Some people walking thier dogs, and most of them I assume buying breakfast. So, I just followed most of them, while checking the sketch from time to time. " blocks straight, turn left, straight 1 block turn right and then straight. Voila! I found the "boulangerie" (bakers). First thing to say "Bonjour"! The vendor was an old guy, he smiled and said "Bonjour" before I even opened my mouth. So, I replied the same. There was only me inside the boulangerie, so, perhaps most people came before me. This one is easy, they have prices next to the bread. So, all you have to do is to point the bread you want and hold up your fingers with how many you want. Then calculated the prices in my head, so I dont have to ask how much. When I got out of the bakery - I felt like a pro! Now ready for the next one.
Walked for another 2 blocks and then I reached the metro, on the right side before entering the metro there was "le supermarche" (supermarket)..hehehe..what a relief, I can buy all the things in my list in just one stop. And plus I dont have to say much... So, I went in, apparently, you have to insert 1 Euro in the cart to be able to use it, as per my observation (so I did this!). Hmmm.. felt like I did this a million times. So, I went around took all the items and then to the check out counter. The cashier was a young guy, he looks like an intern. He had a big smile when he saw me, I dont know, but there was something different in his smile, its like telling me that he anticipates humour. Anyway, he said "bonjour" and usual I replied. Then he started to speak in French, that my mind find it hard to digest. So, I smiled back and said "tu parles anglais?" (u speak english?), he smiled and said "yes but very bad" - with a french accent. Whew - that's all I need to know at that time. So, I explained to him in broken french that I speak french very bad. " je parle francais, mais tres mouvais".. while he was calculating the items in his cash register, I was just amused by my little adventure. When he was done, he asked me if there is anything else. I said no more, then he asked me 58Euro. I paid and he gave me the change. I stood there and he looked at me surprised that I didnt move. Then he explained that I have to put the items in the bag if I brought any. I said no. So, he explained that I have to buy the plastic to put all the items I bought. So, I have to pay .25 Euro per plastic. Huh! I cant believe this. I was so used to being at home that there are baggers (one who place the items in the bag for you)...hahaha..they dont have it in France!!! and pay the bags too....So, anyway, I bought the plastic and put the items in. Once I was done, I return the cart back to where I took it and i got my 1 Euro back!
When I knew that I didnt leave out anything, I basically flew out of the door. I cant wait to tell Blue my encounters. On my way back, I basically retraced the steps when I came in. A number of old couples holding hands that I passed by on the street, giving me a nice smile. There were couple of people too, on their business suit and roller blading their way on the street. What a weird place Paris is? Well - at least my mind is saying so. I was so satisfied with myself thinking what I did. Body language is by far the best communication, you could ever equip yourself with, in most times it helped me a lot.
When i came back to the flat Blue was dressed already, and made the table ready. He knew I have something to tell him, I could see the anticipation in his eyes. While I was narrating my adveture over breakfast, he was just shaking his head as if he saw it with his eyes and chuckled in between mouthfuls. Blue told me that sometimes my spirits encourages and amazes him more than he anticipates. hahaha
I dont know about Paris much, but Im beginning to love this place. I asked Blue if we could stay for another two days before we set off for the country side to see his family. In the heights of the moment, I just wanted to enjoy Paris while Im having a grip of it.