I'm back and I'm black, or at least, I'm back

We got back to the city last night around 2:00 AM. I am jet lagged and generally whooped but it was a great trip. I was really amazed by how consistently remarkable the architecture of Paris was. Every street was truly a feast for the eyes as it would have magnificent buildings, charming twisty byways, or super-hot French or Spanish or Italian chicks, or all of the above.

Regarding the women, it as if the entire country is somehow wearing an invisible, but powerful, magical T-shirt reading "NO FAT CHICKS." It's not like everybody is supermodel skinny, just in decent shape. Then when I got to the Washington DC airport for my layover, my field of vision was once again swamped by terrifying visions of lardasses in mumus and their bloated children, squinting at copies of DIABETES FOR DUMMIES. The plane was packed with mammoth flesh nightmares spilling out of their seats, their pants and even their hats. Perhaps there is something to be said for bypassing the 2.5 lb burgers once in a while. I feel vaguely treasonous for even suggesting such things so I will stop here.

Anyway... we rented a TINY studio apartment. I wish I had gotten a picture of the place, but the camera pooped out at the end of the trip. What I will say is that the landlord mentioned that the place was owned by one "M. Baggins." The ceilings themselves were not so low but at the end of the entrance hallway, where you entered the apartment proper, was a mammoth crossbeam approximately 5'8" from the floor. I am 5'6" and I almost whacked my head on this thing many times. It also happened that directly underneath this beam was a section where the floor had suffered water damage and you HAD to sort of jump/step across it. Thus bringing you an inch closer to peril every time you moved through the hall. Also, this beam ran through the wall into the bathroom, directly above the shower entry, which also was elevated above floor level; so to get into the shower you either had to step upwards while crouching, or try one of those Half-Life simultaneous jump/crouches (I never tried that).

Anyway, this would be a major hassle for anyone taller than me but for us was really just a minor inconvenience. Other than that the place was great. We got this apartment essentially randomly but it turned out to be in a really cool district of Paris with a lively nightlife and lots of great clubs/bars/restaurants.

I could go on and on but I suspect most of you have already been to France or at least Europe, so I won't... suffice to say that this was my first trip to Europe (and first trip out of the country in over six years) and it was both an interesting view into how other people live, a great sightseeing trip and a great opportunity to wander around half-loaded all the time. I ate a lot of cheese and wine and ate some bread and did some other stuff. It was great! (THE END)