few thoughts 121008

1. So...yesterday, I slept on a subway car and I went 2 stations over my actual destination. Yeah, I walked all the way back but it was a good walk.
2. Went to Louvre, Champs-Elysses then Saint-Denis to take a look at Stade de France, the place where French shocked the world (mainly Brazil) in '98 World Cup as they became the world champion. Anyway, before all that crazy sight-seeing, I had to get my priority straight; film shopping. The day before my arrival to Paris was national holiday in Italy so most of shops were closed including this film shop that I go often. Thus, I had to search for photo shop in Paris. Honestly, I thought I wasn't going to make it and I thought about just buying crazy amount of disposable cameras to compensate. However, Paris is photographers' heaven. Many photographers ([cough] including yours truly, Dizzle [cough]) came to Paris to show the appreciation to the city through their own aperture. Paris apparently has an entire street full of cameras and film supplies. Near by Bastile, there is this street called Blouvard Beaumarchais and they have all the crazy camera shops from the official Leica shops to only place in Paris that sells medium format film. I even saw medium format Polariod camera and Nikon's monumental FM2 camera in real life. You think looking at Mona Lisa in real life is exciting but not as exciting as looking at those black metal beauty. Sorry, I'm a photo geek...what can I say?! Anyway, right off the bat, I bought 10 rolls of B/W 120 format film for my lovely Holga camera. Price wasn't cheap at all but the old lady who owned the shop was super nice...I almost wanted to kiss the lady because I was so happy to get them films. I could forgo a shopping spree at Nike Paris (they got some Paris exclusive clothes) so I can shoot more pictures. See how I have my priority straight? I know what I'm doing.
3. Seriously, French people are insanely nice. French girls...I'll just not say anything. Oh wow...that's all I gotta say.
4. Louvre was definitely overwhelming. I saw so many good works from Delacroix to Poussin to Durer (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) to Rousseau to Millet to even Picasso and some of sculptures from Borghese collection. My focus was on painting rather than sculptures and all the historical artifacts. Yes, I did see the Da Vinci's Mona Lisa in real life but that wasn't the highlight of my Louvre trip. I actually have two highlights. One is seeing Millet's work in person because I always loved his approach and subject to his painting and second is getting to see Delacroix' 'Liberty Leading the People'. 'Liberty Leading the People' is better than Mona Lisa in real life. Hands down. No, I'm not a huge fan of Coldplay. Another great thing about Louvre, if you are under 18...your admission is totally free. I am so taking my kids in the future to this place...seeing Louvre for free? Are you kidding me?!
5. This place is so incredible right now, Champs-Elysses is literally 'draped' with dazzling light sparkles so much that you can't take eyes off from it. Eiffel Tower at night lits up blue. That's not special because that blue is actually pretty gross looking blue. However, every now and then Eiffel Tower would glow and dazzle with white star lights and it will actually make you dizzy if you see them long enough. Paris is so magical. It really is. It's not just lights (it's mostly because of lights) but it's way the place reserves itself. It's completely different from Rome. Crepes are wonderful and I'm actually having cups of Au Lait like I did back in the States! Having Au Lait alone already makes me happy.
6. Oh so as I was making my way into Louvre, I saw some girl walking up to me with camera and I thought her and her friend wanted to take a picture together and I'll take a picture for them. Nope, these group of tourist (mostly girls, pretty) wanted to take a picture with me. Well, hello. Probably because of my hair...(and I'm pretty damn good looking) if you don't know what I'm talking about. I have been sporting a new hair-do while I'm in Europe. I tie my hair up with clothespin and also wears a headband (which was a string from my shorts). I guess I'll be pretty famous in Kazakhstan. I didn't mind it.
7. And I saw the hand print of Michael Jordan! What!!!!!!