Change for a Twenty

Okay, so I am not ashamed to admit that I am not a regular on the social scene in Paris.  However, I decided to dust off my heels and go out on the town tonight.  I am fortunate enought to have a young, fashionable friend, Anna-Maria, to show me the sights, so, I had really high hopes for the night.  So, after some drinks her in her 18s sq.m  apt, A-M, her Russian friend, Jane and Jane's friend, whose name is still a mystery to me, hit the town.  First stop: Showcase.  I had no idea where I was going, but Showcase was a club, under the Pont Alexandre III, right on the River Seine.  There was a Parsons party there, so it was a fashionable crowd, but luckily I had on my thrift-store purchased Chloe shoes to at least make me feel worthy of entering.  I have to admit, the club was cool...spacious, live band, good seating without having to buy a bottle, etc.  I was having a good time.  However, after successfully purchasing 2 drinks at the bar (typical for a night out, right?), my night took a turn for the worst.  I went to the bar for my 3rd drink of the night, and after placing my order and showing my 20 euro bill, the same bartender that had served me twice before, asked me if I had exact change.  Now, after living in France for 7 months, this isn't an uncommon question for me, however, I didn't have anything but 20 euros.  Then, she informed me that SHE didn't have any change and therefore couldn't serve me, and turned her back and walked away.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME???????  If this were L'Enfant Cafe, I MIGHT understand, but I was at a major club in Paris, France and I was being denied an alcoholic beverage simply because I did not have exact change.  I am still mad just writing about it. 

So, furious, I find Anna-Maria and her friends on the dance floor.  The no-name russian girl was taking pictures of herself and her 17 inch-long extensions, but the others were starting to have a good time, but also ready to depart.  Despite my fury and readiness to go home, I let them convince me to go to another bar, Tania, off of the Champs-Elysees, so I gave in and decided to give the Paris nightlife another shot.  Upon arrival, there were 3 people at the door, none of whom said hello, how are you, allez-y, etc., so we just went inside.  It was empty and smelled like carpet from someone's grandmas's house, with red velvet furniture everywhere.  I decided to give it a chance and get a drink.  However needed to save cash for a cab, I  asked the bartender what beer they had: Heineken and Corona.  Hmmm, Corona sounded good.....so I got a Corona.  For 10 euros.  It was luke-warm and lime-free.  It took at least 2 minutes after paying for me to get the bartender's attention, need I remind you, the bar was EMPTY, to ask for a lime.  I mean, did I really just pay 10 euros for a Corona and not even get the lime without having to ask??????   I tried... Paris, your buildings are pretty,  but I am starting think that your people just suck.  

Street legal?

I would think not, but about .5 seconds after I took this picture a police paddy-wagon (they don't travel in groups of less than 3) pulled up next to him and didn't blink an eye.  This was in the middle of the city...maybe he's scared of motorcycles and the 4 wheels make him feel safer?  Either way, I have a secret love for 4-wheelers (check photos of apt. walls in Sevilla and you will find a Cutty Sark 4-wheeler bar sign).  Ride on!

New cultural experience: french aerobics class

In the dramatic lead-up to "getting a bikini-ready body for your wedding", I have decided to dust off the Club Med membership card and get into a workout routine.  After several months of simply using the cardio equipment and weight machines, I noticed that all of the excitement at Club Med revolves around the fitness classes.  Never wanting to be left out of fun and excitement, I decided to take part.  After having seen some of the step classes and being totally intimidated by what looks like choreographed step routines fit for a competition, I chose to start off with Body Sculpt, since that is, in fact what I am looking to achieve anyway, right?

Not really knowing what Body Sculpt entails, I just looked around at my classmates and picked up whatever they picked up: mat, giant elastic bands and hand weights.  I found my position close to the freshly painted column towards the back of the room and waited for class to begin. I was a little skeptical when the instructor, Frederique, was the same woman that I saw sneak out onto the sidewalk for a quick cigarette break last week (not joking!).  Rather than run through the whole 55 minute work out, I will list the highlights:

1) The Jane Fonda look-alike who looked like she had come straight from the coiffeur with perfect hair and make-up.  She was so thin that her spandex pants were baggy and despite being in the front row and putting all of her energy into the workout, she never broke a sweat

2) The various moves we were doing as part of the warm-up, if someone had asked me to give them individual names they would be: the scarecrow, the elephant, the speed-skater and the monkey.  At one point I wasn't sure if I was participating in Body Sculpt or Hot Moves for the Club.  I also was unsure if some of these exercises had any legitimate physical fitness benefits or if the teacher was just secretly trying to make an entire room of people look as stupid as possible

3)Mr. Vain, yes, hearing this early 90's hit song was one of the highlights of the class.  Aside from it being a middle school favorite of mine, I felt a sense of pride knowing that even though I don't understand what the instructor is trying to tell me to do next, I know all of the words to this song

4) The men: unlike the US where fitness classes are usually female-dominated, they are co-ed here in France.  Not that it takes a lot of talent, but the men in this class completely put me and my moves to shame.  I think maybe they practice at the clubs

Apart from the cultural experience, I found Body Sculpt to be one hell of a workout...next up Body Pump and Body Combat...

Better late than never

After 6 months of living in Paris, France with my fiance, I decided that it was time I do something constructive with my free time and start a blog.  This is an attempt to stay connected, share my stories before I forget them, and keep me occupied so I don't waste my days away looking at wedding websites and travel deals.  I hope to post photos, recount our adventures around Europe, and discuss food and recipes.   However, I can't make any promises because it is likely that I will get consumed with the eating and drinking that is meant to inspire my postings.