So last time I was in Paris, France I hated it. Lindsey and I were back packing around Europe and when we got to France at like 3am we had the brilliant idea of hitchhiking to our hostel. (Actually it was Lindsey…the older sisters idea! She said to sit with my bag on top of me in case we had to run. K…great!) The 3 guys that took us loved us a little too much and were quite upset that not only were we making them stick to their word that it wouldn’t cost us…but we also weren’t about to put out! So after fleeing what we feel would have eventually turned into a rape party we cried ourselves to sleep.
This trip I had planned to meet up with my hopeful new roommate in New York City – Hilary Pugmire. She’s here before she goes to a law school study program in Austria. I was ready to have a day away from my lovely family. (We have no Indians in my family…only Chiefs!)
I have always been infatuated with scooters. I think growing up riding 4 wheelers at Glamis makes me nostalgic for wind in my hair. I almost bought one last year as a self-given birthday present well deserved. But then my mom freaked out and I didn’t…why I still somewhat want my mom’s permission on things is beyond me and most likely very unhealthy! Hilary and I decided we would see if we could rent a scooter (without telling my mom!!! Daring I know!) in Paris for a day.
We met up the night before and walked and talked till we were exhausted. The exhaustion may have had something to do with avoiding the lines at the Eiffel Tower and choosing to WALK up the first two flights of stairs before taking the lift to the top. Yeah…they forgot to tell us that their version of ‘2 flights’ actually means going HALFWAY up the freaking tower!!! But we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset at the top of the Eifel Tower.
The next morning we met up at the scooter store trying to look as Frenchy as possible – red lips and all. (However I was very concerned about being one of those red lipstick-wearing things that has more on her teeth than her actual lips. It took a lot of energy to make sure that wasn’t happening!) I was so surprised that Pugs (Hilary) was all for the scooter idea I just assumed she knew what she was doing and would drive us around. That happened to NOT be the case as she said there was no way she was driving! I was dying…hysterically laughing out of fear and excitement. She obviously hasn’t been in the car with me driving. I kept thinking that if my mom knew what I was about to do she would probably have a heart attack and die right then and there!
Before I let her on I told her we for sure had to say a prayer for some miraculous protection! And let me tell you…our prayers were answered baby! We rode around like we were born doing it. Some would say we rode around like we were born doing it drunk…but without a scratch on us OR the scoot scoot – I’d say it was a major success. Pugs was a great navigator and without her I don’t think I could have changed a lane once. Although, I don’t know that these Parisians actually have what we’d call lanes per say. The scariest was by far when other motorists would come through the traffic right next to me. I would freak out every time! They’re a bunch of casual daredevils!
We went wherever we wanted and stayed as long as we wanted. It was the best way to tour a city imaginable. We had lunch and read under the Eiffel Tower, strolled down that one romantic road that leads to the Arc de Triumph (and had a ‘French’ kiss as well…not with her obv!), and ate delicious crepes. It was especially fun to be with Pugs because she’s obsessed with Paris like I am with Italy. Plus, it was her first time. I made her drive once the traffic died down and she did great.
It might sound silly – but touring the city on a scoot scoot with a good friend was probably in my top 10 greatest moments of life thus far. It was pretty incredible! Glad to have a new and improved love for Paris! Oui! Oui!
