Finally...

Finally... 

That was alot of work writing those extra posts over my trip to Paris, I'm actually glad it's finally done. Back to the normal writing, lol. I had alot to write about, it sure was a big adventure the whole Paris trip. Tomorrow a day off, though I have some things to do. I guess it will go fine, though slightly a bit nerves about it. I'm gonna do the 'taxes changing' tomorrow plus getting my 'new medications.' They are the same medications like the old ones, but just I was out of them. Probably I will call my old Doctor in Nijverdal aswell, I'm still registered there said my new Doctor. 

So let's see if that's right. I don't like phone calls, I hope my phone doesn't dy in the middle of the phone call, lol. Should I charge it just a bit more? naah! Today's work went just a as last Monday, everything went fine. My chest pain is so so, let's say it's not as pain full that I think that I really need to see my Doctor. Let's see how it goes until next week, when I don't think about my chest pain the pain is less, probably a hint. They for spelled rain tomorrow aswell, me don't like that. In the weekend we get colder weather, I hope we get some snow too.

Let the Monday begin...

Let the Monday begin...

Today's work went better then last Friday, still a bit of a chest pain but it felt better to work with it. I was kinda worried that I would get more pain during work, but no. Though it's a strange thing, if it is worries or stress, why does it go badder then? I have to release the stress, but I can't think of a thing what would stress me. Yeah, I worry so now and then, but to say I have stress? No, or maybe un-known. Time will tell, that's what I always tell myself, "Time will tell." Worry less, and continue with what your doing. I'm happy I have work, I notice that I talk alot more then I used to did. I noticed this when I got back from Paris.

I feel comfy with the talking, I guess the Paris trip did me good. I wasn't quiet either with the trip, I even searched for passengers to talk with, it went so easy. Yeah, work was good today. We did alot and got much done. I like when my team leader comes to me and tells me what to do and I get it right away, just a "Okay," and I do what I have to do. I wonder what this year wil bring me, I started searching for a flying trip. But nothing found yet, I have no clue where I wanna fly too, flying is expensiver then with a bus. Oh, I will see. This month or next month I will make a decision.

Trip to Paris - day 5. 

I slept well, I went to bed early last night. The bus returned at 8:00/8:15 pm last night, I went straight to my room and finished packing my suitcase. It wasn't that much work, most of it wasn't even un-packed. I took out what I needed and putted it back when used. After packing I put everything ready for tomorrow's last day,  phone alarm 6:00 am, medication, etc, etc.  I went to bed at 8:45 pm, at 6:00 am I got up and 30 minutes later I went to get breakfast. I was ready to go home, it's been a adventure the last four days. I made a huge breakfast, including lunch aswell, it's free and it's handy while I'm in the bus traveling home. I was almost first with breakfast, when I had my serving plate full of what I needed more passengers were coming. Wow, it seemed everyone came down, the little restaurant was packed. Our group is a mix of almost any age, I could get along with almost everyone. Nice people, though there are always some people who are not that open, and like to be more on their own, that's alright, I respect that. I ated my breakfast and grabbed my ready made lunch and went to my room. My suitcase was already packed. 

At the Eiffel Tower, early in the morning.

I grabbed my last things and went downstairs once again, I checked right away out at the hotel lobby. After that I went outside with my bag and suitcase and waited for our bus driver, more passengers were coming with me.My suitcase was packed and I searched for a decent seat in the back of the bus, the back in the bus is my favorite place, long legs, well, you know. But the back seats were already taken, I sat almost for five days in the back, and now all of a sudden the seats were taken. Some friends wanted to sit with each other and they were just a bit not that polite, but oh well. I complained just a bit, but understood 'them' aswell, I didn't wanna argue, these guys were nice people all the way trough this trip. As long as I can stretch my legs every seat is fine, I choose to sit somewhere else where I could stretch my legs. All was good. The bus took of for one last adventure, "The Eiffel Tower." Eek, I'm gonna do it! It was early, (7:30 am) the bus driver told us that the morning traffic would be very busy this morning.

Cause it's just a normal regular working day again for Paris, France. The Eiffel will go open at 9:30 am, And guess what? We were way to early, the bus driver was surprised aswell. We got out of the bus and the Eiffel was huge, wow, I never been that close! I thought, "Should I really even go up there?" Yes, I will, I promised! There was already a little line, I stood with some other passengers in that line and waited. 70 minutes to go, then the gates will open. It was cold, must have been the early dawn. Though the time past well quickly, the sun came up aswell, nice. I looked several times up to the Eiffel Tower, it's so frigging high. I already deiced while looking up the Tower that I won't go to the third stage, that's the highest. the second stage is aswell just a bit to high for me, the first stage is perfect. Yep, first stage is good. 9:30 am, the gates went open and my nerves began. We were in a no-time inside, the way to the lift took a bit long, but once in the lift everything went fast. We had to buy our own tickets though.... 

Here we go!

Third stage costed 14 Euro, second and (I think) first stage costed 8 Euro en 50 Euro cent.8 Euro en 50 Euro cent is perfect, I had to take care of my money aswell after the 'New Years taxi!' Damn! Anyway, the lift went up and there we went. Damn, the lift went straight to the second stage, there wasn't even a first stage, ugh! Though the elevator I could see how high we went, and that wasn't a pleasant vieuw. I just wanted to get out as soon as possible, just to get it over with. The doors of the lift went open and there I was, second stage. Being on the second stage wasn't that scary as being in the lift, but don't look down. I never knew there was so much space to walk on the second stage, there's asfalt on the ground, in the middle are shops, bathrooms and litlle rest areas. I surely didn't look down and didn't come to close to the edge, though it looked solid. After taking some pictures and talking to a couple of passengers it was time to go down again, our bus will leave at 11:00 am. It was a bit of a awkward feeling going home again, kinda looking forward to it aswell. 

Once out of the lift I was happy I stood on the ground again, but happy aswell that I did it, oh yeah! Our journey back to Holland had a bit of a difficult start, lol. Some of the passengers were doing awkward and difficult over their seats, sigh. Most of our passengers do have (automaticly) their own seats during the last four days, (I had too, lol) This morning was a bit different as you noticed, I had to pick another seat too. When we went in the bus after the Eiffel Tower visit it all started again, some passengers had to changed seats again, cause some 'other' passengers decided to sit somewhere else. The passengers who had to 'changed seats' got shouted at by other passengers who were actually sitting there. Our bus is full, when you sit down as we take of, then that's actually automaticly 'your' seat. The argue began and it escalated, there wasn't a solution it seemed, not even after twenty minutes. Though it were all words, no violence. The bus driver had enough and ordered everyone to get out of the bus. 

Everyone out of the bus!!

While everyone stood outside our bus driver told everyone to get in the bus again when he told us to, we had to get in the bus two by two, or actually couple by couple. Fair enough, though I was alone, so I could pick a seat last. Sigh, ofcource my second seat from this morning would be already taken, I didn't even look for it. Some other passengers told me that I could sit here, so I did, nice of them. I t was a nice seat, and I could stretch my legs. I sat next to a guy who wasn't that much of a talker, he was reading his e-reader and took so now and then a nap. I knew that it would be a long journey, so I tried to have a nap too, or just close my eyes, it makes the journey much more shorter. We stopped two times on our way back, for a wee wee or a snack. Just before 6:00 pm we arrived in the south of Holland, we were going to have a sort of 'goodby dinner,' just like last year. We stopped at a place called, uhm, I forgot where it was, but I knew it was in the south of Holland. More then three hours still away from Almelo, my city. Where our bus stopped, more other busses came back from their trip. It's a meeting point from all busses from the company where I travelled with. 

All the six busses who took of to several countries five days ago returned. Dinner was nice, the restaurant was packed with lots of passengers. All passengers from the other busses sat here, nice, flashback from last year. The food was food and alot, I sat next to a very nice lady who was sweet and talkable, she was with her girlfriend. It was a nice talk, awkward was that she was also part of our group who traveled to Paris, though I couldn't remember I saw her. At 8:00 pm it was time to head to another bus, before dinner every passenger has got a number of a bus where they have to go to, if they wanna go to home, lol. I had bus number 11, this was the same bus was going to the middle and east of Holland, I live in the east. It took a while to get in bus number 11, cause we had to get our suitcases first from our first bus, the bus what took us to Paris. I wasn't expecting to be early at home, though I wished it. But as usual with this company, something will happen and I will be much later home. And yes, I almost thought, "Hey, I'm nice one time, this time." 

But no, the bus driver drove past my home  and drove first to another city. A so called detour, sigh! More passengers weren't happy with this. But ah! At 00:20 am I was home, instead of 23:00 pm. I went on the computer, downloaded my Paris pictures before I went to bed, lol. I couldn't wait. This whole trip got me exhausted and tired, I really needed to have a few days rest. This trip to Paris was a busy one, but I wouldn't wanna have missed it in the world. Paris is nice, the group where I travelled with was maybe the best group where I travelled with. Yeah, a nice trip, a real adventure!

Living healhty but where to start and when...

Living healthy but where to start and when... 

I have been searching a bit to find out what's going on with my chest pain, I didn't even want to cause the internet makes it mostly worse then it is. I looked for five minutes and what I saw satisfied me. When I have to sneeze there's a little stabbing pain going trough my chest. It turns out that that's my chest muscle being silly. I red that on a forum, I googled sneezing/stabbing/chest/pain and found the forum, lol. What I red satisfied me enough to stop searching further. I probably have to move more, perhaps a little more stretching in the morning or during the day. During work I work sometimes a bit hard, heavy lifting or a awkward holding while working isn't that healthy. It could also be stress, it makes the muscles more tight up.

Stress? Stress from what? It's easy to worry for me, small things is where it starts with. Sometimes things where I don't even have to worry about. Then when I think about it more  the nerves begin. I have to loosen those little worries, that ofcource is easier said then done. Last week I thought that it would be easier to get used to those worries, it's just a part of me, it's in me. I can't get rid of it just like that. Once I get used to those thoughts and worries, it might be going easier then to live with it or perhaps even get rid of it. Perhaps the worries or stress will vanish then. Living healthy might help too, eat healthier work healthier, etc, etc. Let's see how my chest is holding this week.

As you know I don't do that much on Sunday's, so, yeah, today was the same. Resting and enjoying my staying inside. One load of laundry, a shower, and preparing a dinner is all I did today. This week I will have to do some important things, my Doctor told me two weeks ago that I'm still registered with my old Doctor. He could see that in his computer, so this week I will have to call my old Doctor and tell him that he has to un-register me as a patient. Aswell since I have a permanent working contract I will have to visit the taxes office and Gak, Gak is a welfare company who gives me half of my whole income, the other half I get from my Boss. 

My handicap is that I can only work for three days in the week,that's why I have welfare. Gak has to know that I earn a little bit more now that I have a permanent contract, Gak will lessen their half income, just so I get the right minimum wage. Taxes has to know too that I earn a bit more now, every time my income changes, taxes has to know, that's the law. I have a little income from taxes aswell, that's why. I have 'housing and health benefit' from taxes. Enough to do this week, I will be sure to take it easy aswell, I promises.

Trip to Paris - day 4. 

What a day yesterday, my clothes were still wet when I got up this morning. 9:00 am I got up, my shoes were the worst, wet and dirty. I planned not to do anything today, I felt exhausted and tired last night. It's better for me to have a good long rest, I need it. At 9:30 am I went down for breakfast, it wasn't even busy in the tiny little restaurant. I think I was the  first one of our group. I was surprised I was that hungry, I never ated that much as this morning. Four sandwiches, a yogurt and a cup of orange juice. More people of our group came down for breakfast, aswell a couple where I was with last night. She was one of the girls who was wearing high heels, they both asked me how I got to the hotel, and I asked them the same. There were laughs and there was lots to tell, they were aswell tired and told they got a taxi last night just as me and the 'deaf' couple took off. "It was a horror night," the guy told me. And we knew both that we had to split up anyway, cause with seven people in one taxi is not possible. 

They are nice people, and fun to talk with. Funny aswell that I didn't spoke to them earlier when I saw them, "Not my type of people," I thought. I asked them if they are gonna stay inside and do nothing aswell, they told me that they will go out today and join the activity, "We payed for it, lol," I payed for it aswell, but I didn't care last night, I was so tired. But, after this morning breakfast I decided to go anyway, I feel okay. And it's only a short afternoon. Early to bed tonight!!  More people of our group were asking how I got to the hotel last night, gosh, it's the talk of the day it seemed. In the end we all could laugh about it, sure it was horror, but hey, it was a adventure aswell. At 12:00 the bus took of again, with me in it, the couple where I spoke with this morning, and the 'deaf' couple! Wow, surprise. I felt okay, I was tired but it went, just taking it easy this afternoon, I thought. On our way we dropped of some people who wanted to do other things then today's activities. The rest of us went to 'Mont Parnasse.' 

The Mont Parnasse!

Vieuw from the Mont Parnasse.

That's a huge skyscraper where you can have a panorama view over whole Paris. There was a long line waiting for us when we got out of the bus, there was a cold streaming wind aswell. I could feel slowly the less hours of sleep from last night plus last nights adventure coming in, I tried to take it easy as much as possible. We stood in line for more then a hour in the cold and hard wind, once when it was our time to get in everything went pretty fast, show the ticket, in the elevator, elevator up, and there we were on the 56th floor. What a amazing view, it reminded me of the CN tower in Canada. Ofcource I took several photo's, though we couldn't stay long cause our other activity was waiting. Our second 'City walk,' waited for us, it was the same guide where I sneaked out with a couple of days ago, wonder if she recognize me and dislike me, lol. But I guess she didn't the 'City walk,' was nice but in the end to long, the tiredness kicked in of all of us. The 'walk' was to long, the tour guide stopped several times by a monument of other object to do her story, for us it was resting time, lol.

Our little group walking the city walk.

Beautifull scenery!

Finally after three hours walking the 'tour' ended, there was one little nice gesture our guide offered me. On the first day of our trip I bought some cards to send to people I know, yesterday it was my luck that I finally found a tobacco shop where I finally could buy some stamps, sigh! Now I only had to post them, but a mailbox was no where to find in Paris, I thought, maybe the 'guide' could help me out. I asked her after our walk, her response? "I will take care of that, no worries." I didn't even ask her to post it, that was really nice of her. wow! I thanked her two times I think. Next activity was a calm one, dinner! This activity costed 20 Euro, just like every other extra activity where I had to pay for. Dinner was good, tastefull and cozy. This cheap restaurant had even a piano player, lol, one of the waitresses sat all of a sudden down behind the piano and started playing. after dinner back to the hotel for a long, long rest. I started with packing already, it wasn't that much. The only things I left out were the things I needed in the morning.

Writing, writing, writing

 Writing, writing, writing.

It's quiet a work to write these 'paris trip posts,' while being in Paris I had a little note book, and wrote all of my daily adventures down. Sometimes some passengers saw me and told me, "Are you writing everything down?" I told them, "Yes, just a little diary." Every time I had a little time over I wrote, mostly in the bus, or I just sat down somewhere on a bench outside. Once I got back in Holland I write them over in this blog. Alright, on with this day, well, not much to say actually. Resting and staying inside the house, around 4:00 pm I went for a quick groceries shopping. The store here is walking distance.

When I got back from Paris a 'friend' of mine wanted to drop by for a coffee, we planned it on a Saturday. It was Janine, I didn't ask her, she wanted to drop by for a coffee. And yeah, she cancelled it again. I lost count with Janine's changelings, and you know what? It doesn't bother me at all, the trip to Paris did me good and made me think aswell. The time before I went to Paris I was kinda addicted to have or get friends, no matter what kind it seemed. I was probably thinking, "The so called 'friends' are the only ones I have, I really have to do my best to stick with them, no matter what." 

While enjoyning my Paris trip I thought to myself, "What on earth was I thinking?" Why did I overwhelm myself with this silly addiction? If these so called 'friends' need me they will come, let them. If they wanna visit, fine, if not, fine aswell. It's not that important for me anymore. I did sometimes silly things just to hold on to those so called 'friends,' it's a relief now I feel or think that 'that' is not important anymore. It's time aswell to get some new contacts, but everything on time. Perhaps my 'Buddy wanted' contact Johan was right, 'First be happy with doing things on your own, first you need to get that feeling of that it's really okay being alone."

Busy week ahead, I had my rest hopefully, let's see how it goes at work upcoming Monday. The pain on my chest is still there, though it comes and goes. When I worry about it, it goes worse, ofcource. If the pain still bugs me then upcoming Friday I will see my Doctor. Tomorrow one more day of rest, ofcource Sunday is always my resting day. Janine canchelled yesterday's coffee visit, but wanted to call me later in the evening aswell, what she didn't do. She told me aswell that she wanted to do the coffee visit tomorrow.... yeah,yeah! Wi'll see, like I said before, if they wanna visit, fine, if not, fine aswell. Really.


Trip to Paris - Day 3. 

Day 3 already, time flies here in Paris. This is going to be a long post, I think the longest post I ever written. Soon it will be 2013! You know, being here I sometimes ask myself what day it is. It's so confusing having not my daily things or my daily rhythm, I think that makes it so confusing. Anyway, today the planning was a city tour with the bus at 12:00 noon, after that a city walk, then at 6:00 pm back to the hotel for a few hours rest, and then at 9:00 pm we will leave the hotel for celebrating New Years in the centre of the city. At 2:00 am our bus will take us back to the hotel, looooong day. What I noticed the last three days that the day activities can always change during the days, or takes longer then they usually should. I didn't feel much for the 'bus city tour,' Hmm I perhaps rather go for a walk in the centre again, I don't know, doubts! I still feel a bit of a chest pain and stomach pain, I felt a tiny bit better when I got up this morning. But after my breakfast the pain returned, I hope it's not the thyroid. 

The beautiful Arc!

Could it be nerves or stress? But why nerves or stress? I'm in Paris having a holiday, there's nothing to be stressed or nervous about. I had breakfast, had my rest afterwards, and at 11:30 I went downstairs for the start of the day. I always make my lunch while having breakfast in our hotel, it's easy and cheaper ofcource. Plus, there's enough to grab. At 12:00 we all hopped in the bus and took off, the 'bus city tour' has started. The bus will take us first to "La Defence," a huge area full of skyscrapers, monuments and shops. Our bus driver told us that you can compare La Defence with Manhattan. The bus stopped for a hour, so we could explore this lovely area. What a amazing place that was, the skyscrapers were huge, I took several pictures, I loved it! After La Defence the bus took of to the centre of Paris, while on our way we passed several sight seeings and our bus driver told stories about them. Though, I wished he would stop sometimes, so I could take pictures. But that's sometimes not to do, cause of the busy traffic here. 

Huge skyscrapers at the La Defence.

I have been thinking this morning that I would rather go for a walk in the city, but naah, I decided to stay in the bus. I didn't wanna miss La Defence either, lol. On our way we stopped a few times to let passengers out, so that they could do other things. Everyone is free to do what they want, you can be a part of the activities or you can go out by yourself. The tour ended in a huge underground parking lot in the middle of the centre of Paris, wow! This parking lot was huge, Though I think this parking lot is only for tour busses, cause that's the only vehicles I saw. Hundred busses were parked here, amazing to see. Above this parking lot there's a huge shopping mall, there we could spend several hours. At 6:30 pm our bus will pick us up at the same meeting point as yesterday, 'Cource de la Reine.' I sure knew now where that was! The shopping mall was nice and crowded, though I didn't stay long. I grabbed a coffee at Starbucks, (yay, Starbucks) I ordered a hazelnut flavoured coffee, large one. Ordering there was fun...

Starbucks, yay!!

Behind the desk are three people, one takes your order, the other one let you pay for it and the last one serves you. Funny was that in the end I had my hazelnut in a cup with my name on it, "John." LOL! I left then the mall, cause I had other plans, I still had three hours to enjoy myself. Three hours is more then enough, I was in a no-time out of the mall, the Starbucks coffee gave me a boost. Being outside felt so much better, the mall was to crowded with shopping people.As I was walking I saw several nice things, I came so close to the Eiffel Tower aswell, but didn't went there. It still was a bit to far, so the closeness to the Eiffel seemed to trick my eyes. I could feel my legs and I still had to eat aswell, time sure flies while your in Paris. And in the back of my head I thought, "I have to save some energy for tonight's New Years eve too." While I was searching for food I saw only expensive restaurants and brasseries, I walked towards our bus meeting point and searched further. I saw food stands and markets with food as I walked further. 

Oh the Eiffel was so close by this day.

I crossed the Seine and saw more food stands and markets with food, there was a long street with typical Christmas stands. This whole street was covered with Christmas decorations and lots of people. I dashed trough the crowd and it was actually quit a nice area, I saw food stands aswell. I ordered a Donner kebab at the first stand, oh fattening stuff! On my next coming trip I really, really, really want only healthy food and healthy living. This Donner kebab was filled with onions, shoarma, peppers and some french fries. I was stuffed afterwards, I didn't ordered the 'kebab' with sauce, but maybe I should have to just get it down easier. I felt cramps coming as I was walking towards our bus meeting point. Poor stomach needs a vacation too, lol. When I arrived I sat down at the park near by the meeting point, it was dark and in the back ground I still could see the Christmas market. I was nice on time, I still had thirty minutes. The bus came a bit earlier then expected and I went in and sat down, more passengers came aswell. 

The huge tourist boats, waiting for passengers.

The bus waited until 6:30 pm and took of to our hotel. I still didn't realize that much that it's the last day of the year, it's so awkward such days while your traveling between Christmas and New Year's. Again I had to ask myself what day it actually is. At the hotel we could have a rest until 9:00 pm, it was just a few minutes past 7:00 pm. Perfect! I rested and tried to sleep but I guess I was a bit excited to have a little nap, the rest was good. At 9:00 pm we took off once again to the 'centre,' this time the bus parked near the Arc de Triumph.' I thought, "That's a long walk towards the Eiffel Tower," cause that was my plan to go to, or near the Eiffel Tower. I would love to see the countdown to a new year ofcource, I already had a plan I went in the bus. I will stay with a few people of our passengers group, I already had a few people in mind. There were two things I really wanted this evening, see the countdown for the new year, and be on time back at the bus. I had already flashbacks from last New Year's fest in London. 

On our way to the Eiffel, it's almost New Year.

It sure will be crowded and you really have to be back on time at the bus. The couple I had in mind to stay with this evening were a little anxious aswell for the fest. They are a nice couple, I already talked to them several times. So all good! As we got out of the bus I couldn't find the 'couple' I had in mind, they disappeared just like that, and so fast. I thought already where they were, what happened? I searched for a bit but couldn't find them, I decided to find another few people of our passengers group, and even that was hard to find. I could aswell go on my own, and stay near the bus. Or try to. But I found a bunch of people, in the end we were with seven of us. They were, a Sister and his younger Brother and two couples, both young at age. One of the couples were having a handicap, they were both deaf and used mostly hand signals, or how you call it. This deaf couple I tried to talk to before in the bus, that went pretty well, there nice and so not used to such fest I noticed. It started to rain and we decided we all take the subway to the Eiffel Tower, it was all fine with me, "Stick with them," I thought. 

Ready for the countdown!

Hey, I'm in Paris on New Year's, I'm going to have a great time, enjoy! The Sister of the young Brother guided us trough the subway, she knew a bit of Paris and aswell of the French subways. She warned us to stick together once we were in the train, people seem to push and pull alot here. Beware of rude people, it gave me already then a bit of anxious feeling. But either way, fun being here was the main thing. Once we got out of the subway station I was glad I didn't had to walk the whole piece, I noticed aswell while walking to the 'Eiffel' that most of the crowd during this evening aren't so nice. Beggars, thief's, being rude and loud, I surely didn't trust some of these people, I was on my hood. I felt sorry for the 'deaf couple' aswell, they sure weren't use to this, I stick with them to give them a safe feeling. Once we arrived at the Eiffel we found a place where we could hide for the rain, looking at the huge crowd of people it reminded me of last year with New Year, London was crowded aswell but friendlier. That should have been my warning to stay a bit closer to our bus, just like I did last year. 

It rained, and the place was packed with people.

I must say, I never been so close to the 'Eiffel' before, it's really huge, and a beautiful construction. Our little group of seven stayed together tight, the amount of people at the 'Eiffel' was enormous! It was easy to get lost or loose a member of one of our group. And the rain didn't stop, it went on and on. I bought something to drink aswell, a hot chocolate to stay warm. Then just before 12:00 I grabbed my camera and started filming, I didn't care about the rain. It sure was a happening to be here! At 12:00 the Eiffel lighted up and the whole crowd was cheering and clapping, and that was actually it. No fireworks and no light shows. We decided to go back to the subway to get ahead of this enormous crowd, but we weren't the only one who had the same idea. 10:000 people or even more turned around and went everywhere, most of them straight to the subway. I saw even parents with their kids. The adventure began, we tried to get to the subway station and we succeeded, but don't ask how. Some people were pushing, yelling, and were violent. 

Happy New Year!!

There was even a fight just before the subway station. We managed to get to the spot where the train would stop, oh man, it was crowded with yelling people, mostly youngsters. The train came but was packed with people, so the train drove on. More trains passed us packed with people, and more people came waiting for a train. We decided to turn around and walk to the next subway station, and 'that' wasn't even easy. It was a struggle to get out of this station but we got out, pffeeww! I was getting pretty wet because of the rain, but we went on to the next subway station. Two girls from our group were wearing high heels, ugh, ofcource there feet began to hurt after a hour walking. They slowed down, and with them a few others. Me and the 'deaf' couple were walking a bit ahead, cause we thought we might get on time for the bus. But it was already late, it was 1:45 am. I was pretty sure that we wouldn't make it on time, the distance was just to far. Arrived at the next subway station we saw the same thing, a crowd of people, yelling and shouting. We had to find another option, a taxi was my idea.. 

Subway station, packed with people.

Or trying to get on time at our bus, perhaps the bus driver was waiting for us. The two girls with the high heals couldn't walk anymore, they stopped at a taxi stand and just waited for a taxi who hopefully showed up. But that wasn't easy, ofcource there were hundred of taxi's, but none stopped for us. Our group splitted up, I was with the 'deaf' couple, they still tried to be on time for the bus, I figured that I couldn't leave them on their own. The others were hiding for the rain under a taxi stand, hoping and praying for a taxi. Me and the deaf couple went to the Arc de Triumph, the place where our bus still will be, we hoped. It was already way passed 2:00 am, we even called our bus driver a few times, but he told us that he won't pick us up. Awkward and rude? Awkward yes, but not rude, I guess the bus driver has been there before. We arrived at the 'Arc,' it was 2:45, we were wet until our undies, no bus ofcource. I felt sorry for the deaf couple, they can't hear me, and they can talk yes, but not clearly. We were lost what to do, we stand in the rain waiting for taxi's, but none stopped. 

Look at that crowd!

Yes, one stopped but it took to long for the taxi driver. We had to explain where we wanted to go, but it was hard to find the adres of the hotel. The deaf girl had the adres in her purse, but was to late to hand it over to the taxi driver, he took of. Sigh! We stood in the rain for more then 90 minutes, the deaf guy wanted to walk to the hotel, but that's way to far. I started to feel lost aswell, the taxi's just didn't stop, I just had to trust on my luck that I sometimes have, but, sigh! The deaf girl came quit often to me for asking for options, the deaf guy didn't like that in the end and told her, that he was here also. I really had to do with these two people, this whole New Years night was such a huge test on their relationship. It almost looked like a romantic movie. Finally, out of no where a car stopped and the driver opened his window, "Taxi?" he yelled! We all said, "Yes!" It was just a car, no taxi, this was just a bit suspicious. I didn't trust it at first. The deaf girl tried to grab as fast as she can for the adres where we wanted to go to, the so called taxi driver was patient. 

Clothes hanging to dry.

He showed us the price we had to pay, "100 Euro!" He told us with a loud voice, "It's not 10 Euro, it's 100, you see?" He yelled. Later on he told us 150 Euro, cause he didn't know we were with the three of us. It was all fine with us, bummer for the 50 Euro each but we were lost, cold and soaking wet, and tired. As we sat in the taxi a breath of relief followed, the taxi was warm and the chairs were comfy. The taxi driver was nervous but patient aswell, though I didn't trust him the whole ride. Finally he putted the right adres in his navigation system and we took of in the way to busy traffic headed to our hotel, I hoped. I could tell the driver was a bit hyper, I was thinking the whole way that he all of a sudden could get fed up with all of it and throw us out. I was calm and quiet, being friendly and give short answers might help was my strategy. The taxi driver kept asking as a few times if I loved Paris, I answered him many times with yes. He asked me aswell where I came from, I told him Holland, then he started about Amsterdam. The deaf couple was quiet, ofcource, they can't hear. 

Ah! Bed, I missed you!!

I explained shortly to the driver that the couple in the back was deaf, he responded short with a "Ah." Finally we were getting closer to the hotel, with here and there a few miss leading roads we arrived at the hotel. What a relief, and here I was not trusting this driver, I thought the baddest things about him, he could easily pull a gun or rob us when we arrive at the hotel or somewhere else. "Your are our hero," the deaf people try to shout out, I thanked him an shook hands. We got out of the taxi and hugged each other, the deaf couple and me, we been trough this night trough thick and thin. It was already 4:30 am, and I had already a plan for tomorrow, nothing! I'm gonna do nothing tomorrow, I thought, staying inside and not do any activity. I was tired and soaked to the bone, I hanged my wet clothes to dry in the shower/bathroom and pulled a extra blanket out. Nice and warm. I slept in five minutes.

Back to work!

Back to work! 

I felt quit okay this morning when I went out of bed, was quit excited to go to work aswell. At work the fellow workers shook hands with me and said, "Happy New Year." Does me good. I had to get used to the work again though, but that didn't last long. I got excited and just did a bit to much, I felt good, so there I went. I really have to take more care of myself, cause after lunch the pressure on my chest started again. It worried me, and the worrying makes it worse. In the afternoon the pressure went of and on, I wish I knew what it was, or what I have. It can't be my thyroid, cause the blood results were good, perfect actually as the Doctor said.

Though it feels like it's my thyroid, out of breath, pressure on my chest. Just so now and then heart beating, I don't know. Can it be that I'm still tired of the trip to Paris and that I didn't take enough rest? Cause it sure was a sitting still vacation, I don't know. I will take my complete rest during the weekend, and then we will see how I feel. I was quit busy at work aswell, just did a bit to much. I need more rest, perhaps I sleep not enough during the night, some say I need seven hours of sleep. I sometimes sure don't make that. Eat healthy, hmm, yes and sometimes no. That all is a good thing to start with in this new year... I'm ready!

Trip to Paris - Day 2.

After a much better sleep then the night before I woke up at 7:00 am, I didn't get up, just layed a bit, slowly waking up. At 8:00 am it was really time to get up, it's going to be a long day for sure. I had to get used to the bed last night, first I had a thin blanket on my bed, I thought it wasn't enough. Cause at home I  have at least 2 blankets and a thin sprey. I had two beds in my room, that means I had two blankets aswell. I grabbed the second blanket and covered myself, ah, nice and warm. I woke up at 1:30 am with a pressure on my chest and sweating, the two blankets were way to much. One blanket of, and oh what a relief. One blanket will do.  At 8:30 am I went four floors down for my breakfast, breakfast was simple and plane just as my room. Just the things you need and nothing extra, there wasn't even a waitress who would stop me and asked me for my room number first. 

A look at my desk and TV in my hotel room, I didn't watch much TV though, there wasn't much on. And our schedules were busy, so sometimes we didn't even have time to watch TV.

I just could walk straight in, grab some food, sit down and eat. I wasn't that hungry though, my stomach was a bit upset. Maybe because of the many blankets I had on last night, or maybe that I held in my bathroom visit a bit to long yesterday, I don't know. The half of our passengers were already leaving for their first 'activity' today, they are going to Disneyland Paris! I didn't feel much for Disneyland, so I skipped this activity. I could choose between a historical city walk or Disneyland when I booked this excursion trip, I choosed the city walk. I can't actually wait to see the centre of Paris, with all the sight seeings. After my breakfast I grabbed quick some croissants and some fruit for today's lunch and went to my room, the waitress didn't notice I.. ermm, I stole(?) some food for lunch. After a little rest I went down again at 10:00, cause at 10:30 we will head of for the historical city walk. 

"Good morning day 2!"

Before everyone got in the bus they had to pay for the extra 'activities' during this vacation, yeah it's gonna be a full program. I payed as usual for extra activity, it's never that much extra to pay. Only the extra dinners what our bus driver took care of were chancelled, our hotel didn't do dinners, only breakfast. So, our bus driver arranged that we could have dinner some where else during the five days, but that's been chancelled too,sigh. Now I will have to look for decent, healty, cheap dinner for myself, though that shouldn't be a problem, only the language will be be a bit. "I can't speak French, I don't understand French." Alright on with the bus tour, we took of at the right time to the centre Paris. Already in the bus I saw many sightseeings, I just wanted to get out and see them closer and take pictures. That feeling became only more. 

To bad, I didn't even met this huge monument in real, I only saw it several times when I was in our bus. There's almost no way the bus could stop here.

When we stopped at Alexander Plaza some passengers got of the bus to have fun on their own, exploring the centre of Paris. Me and the rest of the passengers stayed in the bus for another activity, 'the historical city walk.' I had doubts, I was thinking, 'Shall I get out? Or should I just stay in the bus?' I too wanted to go out and explore the centre, lol. But, the bus took of again and stopped miles further, there was our guide for the historical city walk. I didn't want the tour, but either way the tour began. The guide introduced herself and told us where we go and what we all will see. Well, I didn't like it, the guide told us that we will not go where it's busy or where the sightseeings were. We will go to secret hidden treasures of Paris, old historical buildings, sigh! While we were on our way with the tour, I thought of sneaking out, and that's what I did after five minutes walking. 

The beauty of Paris!

I felt relieved, but bad aswell that I sneaked out. I knew where to walk to, the river Seine, that's where the bus stayed beside while driving. It was easy to find. I really had a great time while exploring, the whole afternoon I saw so many things, and I took many pictures. Paris is great only you have to find the right spots, though once you know the spots it's easy, everything is almost walking distance. Though it was all great, I had a worried feeling aswel, cause every passenger has to be back at 6:45 pm at a certain meeting point. It's where the bus stopped for the first time, the spot where I actually wanted to go out of the bus. I knew that spot but I wasn't that sure. Though I had a idea where it was, one thing I knew sure was that it was beside the river Seine. And that's easy to find. After 6:35 pm the bus driver will take us to a little harbor for a boat trip. The 'city light boat tour.'

The Eiffel towe, the sun went down, it was time for food.

It was 5:00 pm and I decided to have dinner, I knew already where to go. I saw a nice little brasserie/restaurant earlier somewhere in a park near the Louvre musea, I was tired and felt my legs hurting a bit. I was still a bit concerned about finding the bus's meeting point, I knew where to go but still wasn't certain. I found the brasserie/restaurant and ordered risotto with asparagus, and a little salad beside it. It looked a bit weird but it tasted okay, the service there was fast and polite. I had a coffee there too, such a small cup and the price, lol. 2, 99 Euro! After my dinner I decided to search for the bus's meeting point, the nerves began. I walked towards the river Seine, and I went to the spot where I almost certain was that the bus would pick us up there. I walked back and forth between spot where I almost certain was where the bus would meet us, while doing that I looked to the people's faces who passed me. 

I think I had my best dinner on the second day of this trip, risotto with aspergus.

They might look formaliar to our passengers, now that would be a relief. But, it was dark already, so that was not that easy. I was already thinking how to get back to the hotel without our bus, yeah I was almost lost. I just couldn't find the right meeting spot. With the subway is nothing for me, I have to switch many times then I think, that will be such a puzzle, so no! Bus? Same thing! Taxi? Yes, sure, a taxi will bring me right away to the hotel, but, for ho much money? But it would be my only solution if I miss the bus. After walking and searching for more then a hour beside the river Seine and between the 'certain' spots, I just choosed one spot and that's where I will stay, I thought. "It just has to be here." I thought, but no bus, and no formaliar faces. I was lost! I was about to give up and take a taxi! Though I had a note with all the activities for the next three days on it, I looked for the activity 'city light boat tour.' 

Many bridges over the river Seine.

I saw it and saw aswell where our meeting point is where we will leave to go to the little harbor for the 'boat tour.' I had to go to 'Cource de la Reine,' that's our meeting point, that's where I have to go. I looked around and saw right away a sign with the name 'Cource de la Reine.' Just my luck! But still no bus, and no formaliar faces. While walking back and forth for the last few hours I saw aswell a amount of busses across the street, I looked several times to the busses but never saw our bus. Then I thought, "When our bus is gonna pick us up, it might aswell that the bus driver is still on his way. The place where all those busses were was actually Cource de la Reine, our meeting point. I decided to go there and have a closer look. I thought, "I will wait for the bus there and if it doesn't show up, well, bad luck, then there's always the taxi, sigh! 

The area just aside the Louvre musea.

As I was walking and nearly arrived, I saw all of a sudden the half of our passengers, lol. I was so happy, what a relief. Some of the passengers asked what happened with me, lol. All of us waited for our bus driver, he was 30 minutes late when he showed up. Finally we took of for the 'Boat tour,' the boat was huge. I think more then 200 people could fit on this boat, the upper deck was closed, to cold I guess. Though we could still sit inside or outside, it wasn't even cold on the boat. I stood outside and tried to take pictures, but my camera felt retarded with no flash, though I tried and some pictures came out quit good. The boat tour lasted for a little 75 minutes. After the boat tour there was the 'Bus, city tour,' this time we could stay in the bus, nice and warm. This day was long, tomorrow we have New Years, that might take even longer. 

On the boat I took this picture, pretty good I think, with a camera with no flash.

The excursion trip is going okay so far, our activity program is a bit messed up now. That's not the bus driver's fault though, just circumstances. Organized dinners for the next three days aren't going trough, sometimes not being on time for activities, cause of the crazy traffic here. Even though all that, we all try to make the best of it. I'm actually not feeling that well this day, don't know what's going on. A pressure on my chest and a hurting stomach still, though it comes and goes. And the hurting mostly comes after dinner, just a bit concerned here, I should stop that. Easier said then done, lol. Time will tell, ort better time will heal hopefully.

Thanks for this resting day... (plus a post from day one 'trip to Paris.'

 Thanks for this resting day... (plus a post from day one 'trip to Paris.')

I must say, I felt good today, just one nap I needed to come trough this day. I'm ready for tomorrow's work. Today has been a un-packing day and a laundry day, though I can do only one load a day, cause of one washing rack. I had a visitor aswell, Ina dropped by for a coffee and a wishing me a good New Year, nice. Finally I had some decent food, what I actually missed in Paris. Uhm, I meant my regular food, food what I'm used to. The food in Paris wasn't bad, but I guess you have to be rich, lol. 

Tomorrow work is calling again, I'm looking forward to it. It's only one day and then the weekend starts, during the weekend I have nothing planned yet. Yeah, resting I will do for sure. I need my rest after these five filling vacation days, cause it sure wasn't a calm and take it easy vacation. I will be writing the next five days about my adventures in Paris after I wrote about my actual day. Here's the first day.... 

Day one, trip to Paris! 

After a not so well sleep, (as usual before a trip) I got up at 4:00 am and did the things I needed to do.  I got another few things ready and wake up slowly. I couldn't get my sleep last night, ofcourse there where the usual nerves before the trip to Paris, but I heard aswell several fireworks in the neighborhood. I went to bed at 10:00 pm, I think fell asleep at 0:30 am. Three hours of sleep, oh well, I'm used to it. I think I even slept more then I usually do before a trip. "I will be fine today", I thought. The few things I had to do before my leaving weren't that much, but it kept me busy. In the last minute I had to rush things, darn! Lock the doors, heating off, lights off, check everything twice, etc, etc. At 6:05 am I took off, five minutes later then planned, ,lol. I wasn't worried, I'm a fast walker. I really licked my little suitcase on wheels, so smooth it went over the pavements. 

My gift from work, a perfect little suitcase on wheels. Perfect for my trip to Paris.

I was nicely on time at the train station, here I will be picked up at 6:40 am with the bus. It was 6:15 am, nice! A few passengers were already at the station waiting for the bus, I spoke to them, and the time past fast. The bus arrived actually 10 minutes earlier, wow! It surprised me that I wasn't even nervous while waiting for the bus, but I guess the bus being on time made the nerves disappear. More passengers were coming aswell, when the bus took of it was pretty full I must say, all heading on a vacation. The double decker bus took of and I sat down stairs with a nice bunch of people, we were laughing and talking. And what'a ya know, there was a guy who sat in front of me who I met last year aswell in the same bus at the same time, wow. We both recognized each other and shook hands, he's a nice guy, and lives near by in another village. 

Meeting point Didam, all the suitcases out of the bus.

Funny enough, he just got back from Barcelona a day ago, and now he's heading to Berlin to celebrate New Year's there, crazy! The bus was on his way to the meeting point in Didam, just like always. While were on our way the bus picked up other passengers up aswell in other cities and villages. When we arrive at the meeting point we will meet six more busses, aswell packed with passengers. Each bus will get a number, and each bus will have a different location to travel to. Berlin, London, Prague and ofcource France, Paris. Arrived at our meeting point we all had a coffee and a biscuit first, the bus drivers will unload the bus, (getting every suitcase out) and stall them at the bus where they came out. After our coffee everyone grabbed their own suitcase and went to their bus, the bus what will take them to their destination. I had bus number 405, the bus to Paris. 

Our first stop in Belgium, wee wee and snack time.

This time I sat in the back up high in the bus, I have to be able to stretch my legs, long legs you know. I had a better view aswell. I sat next to a young teenage (gay) couple, one of them had even longer legs then me, lol. Friendly guys, I looked around in the bus while sitting, and I saw a mix of young people and old people. Actually this time there were just a bit more youngsters, let's see how that goes. It gave a bit of a awkward feeling, I was used to have people of my age or older during the trip. As a surprise we had to pick up even more people on our way to Paris, we went to two cities more to pick them up. After that the bus was packed, a whole double decker full with passengers. I couldn't stretch my legs anymore, but oh well. I had a German very young couple sitting next to me. Thank God for the two stops we had before Paris, my legs and bum were numb.

Half way, but we were already in France.

I really needed a wee wee. that's one of the things I don't like, sitting that long ans aswell holding my bathroom visit. It was such a long drive, it reminded me of the ride to Berlin, aswell a long, long straight road. I felt tired and sleepy, I closed my eyes many times for a little nap. After ten long hours we finally arrived Paris, Before arriving we past two borders, Belgium and France. Paris what can I say when we entered the big city, it looked a bit like last time entering Berlin. Grey buildings, factories and grafity. It gives aswell a bit of a special feeling being in another country, I don't know, it just does. The bus driver took us first to a area called Boulevard de Clichy for a snack and a look around. It was already in the evening. Boulevard de Clichy is a famous street in Paris, though this area is not that a pleasant area. Thieves and robbers are everywhere warned our bus driver.

Boulevard de Clichy, Moulin de Rouge.

"Watch out for that," he told us. Beggers are here aswell, it gave me just a bit of a un-pleasant feeling walking here, but it went all okay, I had actually fun. I took pictures and ated a huge pizza in a local brasserie. The French language is a huge barrier, I have no clue what they talk about when they talk. Aswell in the brasserie, they French waitress started to talk French and I had no clue, I talked back in English, and surprisingly he talked English with a bit of a French dialect back. We could spend at Boulevard de Clichy three hours, then we will head of to our hotel. Paris is expensive, the pizza costed me 12 Euro, though it was huge. Searching for the brasserie was not easy aswell, this area is a dangerous area, so I really looked inside this brasserie for decent people and decent waitresses, it looked good and then I went in. After the huge pizza I spent a bit more time on the boulevard. 

La pizza, look at that size!

When it started to rain I went back to the bus, it was nearly time to leave aswell. More passengers cam aswell, the rain was not that pleasant. I spoke a bit to the bus driver ans then went back to my seat again. After 15 minutes we took of to our hotel, I could tell we left this area cause on our way to our hotel I saw nicer and more decent buildings and area's. Our hotel is just 12 km's from Boulevard de Clichy, the hotel is called campinula. When we arrived I saw that the hotel was just a plane hotel, not much luxury, just the things you need, simple. The bus driver checked us in and we grabbed our suitcase, or key and went to our rooms. I had room number 405, fourth floor. I checked my room and yes, no luxery, just plane and simple, it's all good. I went to bed early, tomorrow will be a long day aswell. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's breakfast, that's always good, I'm sure. "Night!"

And off I go!

And off I go! 

Almost ready to go, I had as usual not a good sleep. I haven't got a clue long I slept but I woke up just before 4:00 am, nice time! Alright, a quick wash up, shoes and coat on and, Au revoir!