Jetlag Catchup

So, it's 6am and my body is still adjusting to the time difference and recovering from traveling for almost 17 hours. While my system battles it out, I figured this would be a good time for more reflections and some catchup on the trip. I was unable to post as much as I would have liked. In retrospect, however, it would have been a waste to spend my time in France in front of a computer screen. Also, those internet cafes are expensive my friends. I think I spent the most money on this trip in cafes in two senses- coffee, which has left a lovely stain on my teeth- tis the strength of espresso, and the cyber cup of joe I would take every few days. Needless to say, I am here now, home, with unlimited internet and lots of time to recall the details that slipped through the cracks.

I was pleased upon my return home to find out that I had so many followers! I have heard from several people how much they loved reading my blog, and even one person who said that she was disappointed when she would check the blog and see that I hadn't written anything new. When making a blog there is the sense of thrusting your thoughts into staggeringly vast cyber space and wondering if anyone will happen to stumble upon your thoughts. I have my mother to thank for telling her friends and friends of the family and the whole family about my blog. My grandparents are reading it too! Ha! Hooray! I am honored to be read- thank you all.

To begin I'll fill you in on the last several days of the trip in Belgium, my return to Paris and last day there, and other stuff I think is important to tell.

Easter in Belgium:

In Europe Easter is a big deal- as a religious and cultural tradition... and food. Food is a HUGE part of Easter in Europe. Cholesterol is risen, it is risen indeed. Chocolate eggs, pastries, that really really really big Sunday dinner... oh yes. However, before eating, Kate and I went to church. I haven't been to church on Easter for a while. To be honest, I have preferred celebrating Easter alone. It isn't that I feel "shame" or "discomfort" worshiping in public, but I'm a private person when it comes to the things closest to me, even my faith. No, it isn't that I don't want you to know my beliefs, but rather I have seen the consequences and reactions of people when someone only represents their faith. I prefer to be "spiritual" than "religious" because I find the history of religion to demonstrate principles that are so far from what Christ had in mind. In any case, yes, I do like fellowship with other people of like minds, hearts and souls, and Kate is one of those people- therefore it was a pleasure going to church with her.

I delighted in meeting her friends as well- Denisa, a fiesty Romanian who I think, deep inside, is a descendant of the most fabulous Romanian royalty! She is just a delight- full of energy and passion, and the most beautiful skin I've ever seen. Her boyfriend, Tim, is from Belgium and was a bit more shy, but as the afternoon went on he opened up a little. And finally Pierre Ettiene, a frenchman and mutual friend of all parties above. Alas, I don't know what it is about the french but give me a frenchman and I will be a shameless flirt. I think I like frenchmen because they flirt back. After church, we were set to go eat at Denisa's apartment. I asked if Pierre was coming too ( a point I was later teased for relentlessly for reasons you will soon understand). He came along as well and we set out. I realized much much later, after flirting all through lunch, that Pierre has a girlfriend. I laughed. At myself mostly. This is why Denisa and Kate teased me so much later. Kate says I'm "shameless" when it comes to flirting. Yes, yes I am. But, what else can one do when confronted with a handsome frenchman? I ask you- would you not also flirt?

Moving on. We had a huge, scrumptous meal at Denisa's apartment, followed by the sexiest chocolate cake I've ever seen, eaten, smelled or touched. It had pear cream, ganache and fluffy cake inside. Oh Lord have Mercy. It was divine. Denisa, Tim and another friend, Sarah (who is as cute as a button and is as close as a sister with Denisa) all drove to the evening service early to practice and warm up for singing that night. Kate and I took a stroll in a magnificent park and stopped for a pick-me-up coffee in a chic cafe. It was a wonderful day, an Easter day, and a day of friendship and light.

Our last evening with Isaac and Norette (his beautiful roomate, also from Burundi) was laid back and fun. Kate called her hubby on Skype and there was a lot of fun and joking around for a few hours. We scarfed down a meal of mixed leftovers and canned veggies (still tasty, in my opinion- I like the peas) and drank tea and talked while packing until it got late. Before falling asleep, Kate and I had our final "pillow talk". Now, I know this phrase is usually reserved for lovers, but it took on something special for Kate and I during our time together. We would settle into the sheets and blankets, and slowly sinking into our pillows we would simply talk. I remember some of the conversations, but the more important fact was that we just... talked. Without agenda, discussion or resolution. Our voices would get softer and softer until we fell asleep side by side. It was one of the most wonderful aspects of my time traveling with Kate.

The next morning we all awoke early to say our goodbyes and Isaac and Kate went with me to the station to see me off at the train platform. Saying goodbye was difficult, yet I was filled with an unrelenting hope and almost a certainty that these two beautiful people in front of me would soon be seen again. I delivered my love from the open door of the train as the doors were just about to close. Tears, kisses, embraces, and the long looks given right before you turn away. And then, my train pulled away.

My last day in Paris was spent with Silas and Juan and several other friends who met for a grand lunch. So much food, and it was a wonderful way to spend the last day. Afterwards we strolled through a park for a few hours. It was a beautiful day. I smoked a small cigar as I strolled. It was a delightful walk, and afterwards Silas and I returned to his apartment for tea. I met Aurelie and Oliver one last time to say goodbye and we shared company at my cafe, Cafe Martin.

That evening Silas and I ordered out sushi, danced, talked and watched an old french film from the 60's. It felt like a peaceful way to end. We had our own pillowtalk before drifting off into deep sleep, me waiting for the morning and my long journey home to begin.