Stopped by Vin Diesel between Belgium & French (Part 2)

He could arrest me any time..haha!

Previous post was all about me on my journey between Brussel Belgium to Paris to catch my train to Strassburg was a drama. You could see it here.

When they told me to unzip my  luggage i was thinking about the 5 pirates DVD i bought from Kuningan Jakarta, fake Louis Vuitton handphone organizer, and the worse hahah indonesian food like gado-gado pasta, and one plastic bag of my meds and jamu, the traditional Indonesian herbs!! omg! hahaha i was smiling and i know i will be in trouble because honestly forgot if i ever read what kind of drugs that allowed to bring in to Paris. Even some cold meds are prohibited in certain country. Uhmm... not wise!

When i unzipped my bag, there you go everything pops out, first my purple VS bra and the whole thing i wore last night... geez.. i was blushing hahaha... but they seemed relax (he catch it and put it back to my suit case... errhh sure.. its a bra.. so what?) and then one of the dark skin passenger shout in French and some of the police round him.. oh oww.... i tried to focus on my own problem here.

White Vin Diesel search my luggage, his charming friends try to talk with me in French, i trieeddd hard to understand, and most of time said "Je ne compre pas!" he tried again in english, ask where i go, and what am i doing in Paris, and who will meet me there, where will i stay. I said i am just passing by to catch my train to Strassburg. He check my passport, and Vin Diesel found my Indonesia food and smell it one by one. Hahahah omg... you dont smell Indonesian food seasoning!! its too strong! haha and i see his nose hit the smell hahah.. poor thing!

He found my medics plastic bag and check it one by one, ask to me what is it for. The friend, which is nicer always smile ask me if i ever went to Paris before, and i said yes, i told him that i was in Paris before went to Brussel, and he ask again, where did i go, what did i see in Paris, hahahah this is short of flirty convo.. hmmm nice :) but they do made me relax and i feel lucky i didnt get any short fuse officer hahaha i am dead from nervous if i did!

Vin Diesel finally smile and said so sorry to cause trouble and made my travel bothered, they just looking for drug trafficker and illegal immigrant, and wish me a very nice stay in Paris and safe on my journey. Awwww... such sweet guy! i just said "merci beacoup" senyum manis..  his friends smile nice again and leave me with my luggage wide open and messed up... aaaaarrrgghh!!

I tries to do the exact same thing but this time faster, sit on my suitcase and zipped it up!! the whole drama still there. There was this American girl with more than 5 bottle of parfume and she said its just collection, because she love perfumes, and the other woman bring painting ohh wow... i don't know if boarder patrol could be this intense.

I drag my suitcase back to the bus compartment and lines up to get to the bus. I passed Thierry who still interviewed by the police, just gave him the smile and he grinned back. The African guy was the last and when he get to the bus he was seemed still pissed off. The bus slowly back to highway again.

Thierry look at me with that funny face, "why are you so nervous?" he ask, hahah i said because i might done something against French law, and he look at me more weird hahaha... i said its just a joke! In Indonesia might not like that, i mean with the whole troops and everything. But what do i know! Indonesia have much longer boarder to guard from illegal drugs and illegal immigrant. Thierry also said its just difficult to fight those drugs trafficking there in Europe its just like fighting with ghost!

Its just something to think of, like its everywhere problem, drugs, and imigrants... i think Indonesia facing the same problem with a quite different approach i guess. In Europe of course people take it more serious. We had death penalty for drug trafficking in Indonesia i said to Thierry he said well might also the same there. But it will still happening. Its a never ending war, might not stop the drug trafficker but at least slow them down i told him.

One hour later we were there at Gare Routier Paris Gallieni. We went with the same train from there. But half way i have to continue by my self to Paris Est... hahah and he took a picture of me sitting on train with my suitcase. We talk a bit more about his art project in Paris. I wish him good luck with that!

Its always a pleasure to meet new friends on the road, even when we're just two strangers but it feels good when things like the police search happening and you're in panic mode there are someone with you, that at least help you out to clear your mind from bad thoughts (and translate things haha) this kind of experience wanted me to travel more for sure :) even though i was scared so much, but its fun to remember this stuff! not all experience should be good, the bad one sometimes good to laugh about..like what i am doing now hehehe

Thierry took this picture-we finally arrive in Paris!

I wasn't late for my train at Paris Est. Even had the chance for cup of tea and change my clothes and refresh my self before departing. When people said most of Paris people are arrogant i wont say that all true, i had some great friends from street.. and even after the thing that happens in the hostel i still would like to come to Belgium and met people like Thierry.

Next would be Strassbourg, and soon the Germany, land of castles, knights and scientist!

I can't wait for my next adventure! Merci beacoup mon ami Thierry!

 

Stopped by Vin Diesel between Belgium&French (part 1)

(if its real Vin Diesel i would beg him to arrest me---ohhh yeah *drools*) keep on dreaming! hahah! 

May 24, 2011

I had no idea that my journey from Belgium back to Paris would be so tense.
Let me start from beginning.

Brussel.
It was before 8am i was rushing from Van Gogh Youth Hostel to the Brussel Midi/Bruxelles Midi train station. I wasn't able to fine the Eurolines bus office at the train station the day before. Because i was tired the day before and i was thinking it should be there at the train station. Its so huge!

Huge Brussel Midi

I did very huge mistake. I was mistaken between EUROLINES with EUROTRANS. Its huge mistake that i didn't see it very good hahaha.. Eurolines is the bus company and Eurotrans is the train at the train station!! i thought its just like in Indonesia should be the same company etc. But its not.

Eurolines Bus in Brussel

So when i was arriving at the train station i went there, and i ask the security that standing there with very little english he said he doesn't know where Eurolines bus office is! I should check in before 10 am and i made huge mistake.


I was still walking from one end to another at the train station, try not to be panicking to find someone who able to speak english! the main language in here either French or Dutch and both i am not mastered!

And some help comes from those who you never expected..always like that. I went out to one of the train station ends.. because its like a long straight line from one to another. I was at the door, with my purple huge suitcase when i almost step on wet floor that a young guy just moping the floor. I said sorry right away. But he said in fluent English, no problem, and he smile. I was walk away and then think, he speak English! i went back and poke him and said sorry again for bothering! i ask if he know where Euroline bus office is. And he knew!!! he said its outside the train station! hahah thats why i can not find it! he even went to the street and point the directions and distance! omg! On the ticket that i had it only said Bruxelles Midi which is the train station!

Hidden Eurolines Office next to Bruxelles Midi

I was dragging my suitcase, i had to cross the cobble street.... its the Avenue Fonsny, from across the street i could see there is a bus station next to the train station. But the Euroline bus office not there. Because i were there yesterday afternoon. I had my ticket booked before i even leave Indonesia (i use online booking). The bus office is right across the street where the bus station is like that guy said. But its just not that easy to spot too!

After walking about 100 meters passing a hotel (hotel Continental) i finally spot the white door with Eurolines name on it. Its very tiny like 4X5 meters big after a convenience shop. The worse part when i went in the two old guys on the counter not really speak good english. There are two people there beside me a couple from Spain. The husband good enough to help me to translate from english to france, merci beacoup! :) i bet i hurt his ear much with my Eng-French hahah..

Sitting there on the back of the office i was thinking its not that very different than any Indonesian bus office. Small.. at the back of the office there stack of chairs and tables... don't know what was that for.

The guy shout in French i had no idea what he said but seeing those couple grabbing their luggage i went with them and ask if the bus coming, he said yes and we had to hurry... where?? lol i was half running following them, their suitcase bigger than mine! the two old guy not even following us they just stay at the counter office.

We walk back to the road where i came before and cross the street. Right between the train station and the bus office in the middle of road there are short of small pavement. Stood there the winds are chilling! the guy ask me where i came from i said Indonesia, he had no idea where Indonesia is! hahah but i told them its where you got most of 33C degrees the whole year. He said some part of Spain just like that... the wife not speaking english but i know she try to understand our conversation. The husband translate it for her most of time. When he ask if i study here or going with someone else i said all by my self, he explain that to her and she took my hand haha and said something he translate that his wife said i am very brave! haha.. Its very nice of her :)

Not long after 15 minutes our bus coming. I just dont want to made mistake i ask the driver before jump in, is this goes to Paris? he said "oui mademoiselle" ok thats it.. haha there are 4 more people come with us. There is no bus seat numbers on my ticket. I had to show my ticket to the bus driver, he took one of the ticket for him (print it double!! dont forget!)

When i got in... i see the seat mostly full on the back... i had a choice to sit near seemly a father and daughter, a big woman with big curly hair (and pierced lips) and ohh very sour face old woman, and old man who smile too much to me.

I walk in and ok what ever the big lady smile to me she might be my age... so.. i went there and put my backpack on the top compartment and said "excuse moi" she smile, ok thats good sign... i put my ipod on and just try to enjoy the journey.

Soon i start to realize the next person to me not a woman!!! lol when i put my hand next to "her" omg my fingers and palms are much smaller.. i was lol really gasping!! omg! hahah such pretty guy! he look at me and smile again. I end up had small conversation with him. His name is Thierry. Very nice and friendly guy. He was several times look at me before we talk... hahah i was afraid *about psyco girl duuhh* but then he ask me... what are you listening to? so i share my ipod with him.

I introduce him to Anggun, and some of indonesian song, his face was frowning. We still had some language barrier sometimes as he speak in French and i try to understand it. He speak little bit english. He said he never travel to Asia, i said he should try. He check up my play list and laugh when he know a song there, mostly i put 1980-1990 song there especially rock band. I also had huge range of music on my ipod from classical music such as Mozart and Bethoven, some pop Nsync, Michael Buble, Linkin Park etc. He love music as much as i do! Thierry is an artist and he also on his way to Paris :)

My beau new friend Thierry!

It was a very nice journey with a friend to talk with. Event hough most of time he will speak in French and me in English. Its quite funny tho... its a good example about ... hey you shouldn't worry about languages!! haha better if you know French, English, and Arabic etc.. but most of time the willingness to communicate.. at least you try! And it worked for me :)

You can not wait until you brush up your languages abilities to travel around :D would take you ages to travel then!

About one hour the bus stop and i ask him what happened? because we're not even close to Paris, he said just stop at resting area. Its near gas station. So i went down and go to toilet like most of passenger. Thierry ask me if i want to eat anything, i said i am full. He went to eat some frites. I share the story about the best frites in Brussel. All the debate about the best frites comes :D

We had to go back to the bus again when the driver turn on the engines. Unlike Indonesian bus, he didnt count the passenger anymore hahaha in Indonesia bus driver re count the passenger every time he stop incase if he missed anyone! but its not the case there hehehe... i cant imagine what happened if i dont know about this and went to toilet and the bus left me hahah...

I was almost fall a sleep while Thierry still busy with my ipod, when i see the blue and red lights on the bus window and sirens. I was thought... woooww.. a real highway chase!

Soon then i realize they were surrounding the bus from both side and there were loud megaphone sound saying things in French and oh my the bus still running! i was like whats going on? i was panicking a bit, Thierry?? same he say its ok but i know he also worry!

I was thinking something bad like bus hijacking or terrorist on the bus as they were so many police involve!! and the worse the back passenger were starting to yell and very noisy in French language... most of the passenger on the back part of the bus are dark skin-African people. And now i am more worried.

The only thing i was thinking that time--why on earth this driver still driving fast??!!

Then i found out he was trying to find a wide open space, a gas station with few trailers parking there and omg over 6 police cars and the whole troops. Babies were crying other passenger were seemed very worried, and me? i was saying "here we go, i will be on Indonesia news this time"---news flash "indonesian girl among those arrested with the terrorist gank with over 1kgs dope and trafficking guy and illegal immigrants" hahah... *had very active imagination when i am in panic mode*

one of the scene came on my head!! *too much CSI*

Suddenly Thierry said, prepare your passport, its probably just a boarder check. I was like hahah ok grabbing my passport tight! When the bus finally stop. The police rush in, and talk in ..again French language and then German language ohh shuutt.. hahah i dont understand both!!. They said we stay in our seat, and prepare documents-Thierry said. They told the bus driver to open the luggage compartment.

They check our passport one by one and, one of the guy ask me where i came from and why i want to go to Paris etc. After that, they ask all guys come out first one by one. Thierry look at me.. and im in despair omg no translation anymore hahahah.... He said just walk outside when they told you to, and show your passport.

And then after all guys go out, i could peep on window all luggage was on the asphalt on the gas station. One by one they arrange it. What the?

And then a police shout again, and the woman on front move out. I think they ask the woman all out one by one too. They search on us one by one. Policewoman do the search.

The police use complete automatic weapons that i could see on movies, and bullet proof jacket and there are dogs... omg what is this??? **as crazy as it sound they all looks good>>this is my stressed out brain talking**

They point one by one the suitcase and ask the owner to open it up. Check every details of it even the sew lines the back of the luggage. I saw Thierry stand next to his backpack and talking to a police. And when every single suitcase was pointed mine still there and no one check it yet.

A police came and see my suitcase tag and ask around people who stood up next to the bus including me, i raise my hand, i guess they ask whos luggage is this. When i get closer then i was thinking.. geezz this one looks like Vin Diesel with French language, and pretty damn killer smile... *should listen when he said mademoissele* ohh ohhh ohhh... hahahha.... and then his friend came a long gezz... this one even nicer.. and they ask me to open my luggage... darn!! hahah i was sitting on my suitcase to close the zip... hahah.. im dead!

I was thinking about the 5 pirates DVD, fake Louis Vuitton wallet, and the worse hahah indonesian food like gado-gado pasta, and one plastic bag of my meds!! omg! hahaha i was smiling and i know i will be in trouble because honestly forgot if i ever read what kind of drugs that allowed to bring in to Paris. Even some cold meds are prohibited in certain country. Uhmm... not wise!





............to be continued......................

Paris~Day Out With My Host!! (Day 2)

If you reject the food,  ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people you might better stay at home...

James A. Michener 

I was talking to Guillaume last night until about 1am. We talk a lot about things. He missed Indonesia for sure! we talk in Indonesia, and sometimes in English when we can not find the words to say hahah!

He cook for me last night too, it was very nice! and i sleep smiling with full tummy and happy thought about i had new friend here in Paris. I can not say how lucky i was because he was willing to accept me at his apartment!

His apartment is small as he said on couchsurfing and i don't expect much, its enough, the sincerity and welcome feeling that i had, its more like staying with your old friends! I gave him the Glen Fredly MP3 CD not really what he expecting, but i could see he missed the song hahah so he feel ok with that! (so sorry! could be better than that!!)

So  the next day, Guillaume promise will spent sometimes with me.. well i think its ok, because he seemed so busy, but awwww he just so nice! so wake up at 8, and we walk from his apartment, we will explore Montmarte!! but we had to do it quick because he had to go back to his workplace and prepare some stuff for a meeting in his hotel. I said thats fine :)

First place we see is the Sacre Couer. It was a mix of everything its beautiful, the building also the park near it.... we actually only walk only like 2-3 kilometers from Guillaume apartment.. the surrounding neghbour hood are awesome, Guillaume said this is where the Paris rich people live.... beside that the location on the top of the hill made us possible to see the whole city from the front of the Cathedral.

Inside the cathedral, i was amazed by the mural on top of the Cathedral. I was amazed how much effort people made to show their love to God. I definetly speachless to see it my self... there was 4 huge angels carved in very detail shape, also the lights help to pop up the angels characters....

We went for lunch with some frites and gyros again. He knows that i can not eat pork, and its so nice to meet someone who could understand this without judging first!

At his work place, as i assume Guillaume still very busy with a meeting that he had to arrange at his hotel. So, i decide to explore a bit the area surrounding his work place. Its actually pretty close to Jardin du Luxembourg and the palace.

It was beautiful!! i like the trees and the artsy statue... and to enjoy this by my self i feel slight guilt... i wish i share it with my sisters or my very best friends.. huhuh.. wish you were here guys!

Spending sometimes at park, and visit the palace with loads of people enjoying the sun.... its an amazing palace.. its just too bad i spent literally 10 minutes for pictures and just passing by in front of the park.. as i had to go back to Guillaume working place.

I will recommend it, as a must see if you went to Paris!! its beautiful with the trees and lots of people jogs.. amazing place to enjoy the sun with fountain and lots of statues .... love it...

When i went back Guillaume done with his job, he said sorry over and over hahaha.. i don't really that mind.. i spent sometimes at the garden too... so i wasn't missing things that much!

So from his work we went to the city center then walking along Seine river. Its around 4 that time....

Parisiens--people of Paris, love sitting and drinking wine with friends and enjoying their time at the river banks... sitting down enjoying sunset.. it was beautiful afternoon. Its also a romantic place to walk with your SO... i wish... *sigh* Mr T is here hahahaha.....

So we decide to do the BatoBus tour! the price is 14 Euro (stab my pocket deep hahaha!) but its really worth to try when you dont have enough time or only had short stay in Paris...

My Paris BatoBus pass

With this pass i could take the boat and jump within 8 stops; Champ Elysees, Louvre, Hotel de Ville, Jardin des Plantes, Notre Dame, St Germain de Pres, Muse D'Orsay, Tour Eiffel. But because this is the last boat then i am so very lucky then..and not lucky too hahah because i can not jump on and off the boat!

So... i better gave you a glimpse of my amazing tour!!

 

Love this picture from Seine River

Paris Afternoon @ Seine river

sunset at Paris

Wedding on Seine cruise at sunset.. aww.. this is VERY romantic!!

Sacre Coeur-Loveit!!

Inside Paris Batoboat Tour

Meet Guillaume my very..very sweet host!!

Parisiens dans Seinne (hope this is the correct french! haha)

Sunset at Paris Pont Neuf Bridge

Pont Neuf

As the final stop for the boat, also the enclosure is.... of course the Eiffel tower!!

Eiffel from distance

Its a very beautiful sunsets with Eiffel standing above the Seine River... there are hundreds romantic song playing in my head.. i feel static.. i came so far for this... i TAKE FRENCH course to get here.. but i never thought.... this is it!! i am heeeerrrrrrreeeeeeee!!!

Je t'aime bien!!

As i get closer to this tower, i swear i feel going to cry.. its so beautiful! I just can't believe i went here not with my husband or even boyfriend.. ugghh! lame... but i always thank God, i did had the chance to see it my self... with all of the grace and..errh tourist.. hahaha...

Eiffel and grey afternoon sky..

Me & Eiffel from Seine

This is sooooo perfect afternoon!

Sampe jugaa!! finally here! i can't believe it! its EIFFELLL!!!

We stay for a while to watch the lights show from the park near the Eiffel. After that we had long ride back to Guillaume Apartment. I can not stop talking about how beautiful it was! i bet Guillaume think i was a crazy babbling girl! but i had the most awesome afternoon... ever!

Paris Adventures-Day 1 part 2 (with pictures)

....Its just me and my pocket camera in action around Paris on my first day.....

Setelah letakin tas aku lanjutin petualangan aku di hari pertama di Paris. No jet lag buat Fika-----sok kuat! bwahahaha!

Tips aku soal jetlag?? boss aku pernah nyaranin minum aja lu alkohol trus bobo dah.. besoknya bangun segar.. keknya boss bule gue gak kenal yang namanya antimo! haha beneran gue sampe segar deh di Paris setelah tidur total di pesawat lengkap dengan eye mask dan ear plugs, sayonara!!!

Dari Stasiun Vavin aku turun di Les Halles.. tadinya mau nyambung buat ke Louvre-Rivolli.. Tapi aku piker rugi banget kalo aku Cuma liat underground melulu! Jadi aku pilih jalan aja…

Jujur gue gak pede pergi jalan BELON MANDI! tapi menganut asas backpacker yang pantang keliatan jelek ato bau (yah backpacker ala gue lah) ganti baju kaos yang aku siapin di backpack sama modal tisu basah sama sikat gigi di hotel tempat Guillaume kerja, lumayan deh..... lebih exotic! bwahahah gak dandan looh! *lirik para wanita*

Secara terhitung terakhir kali aku mandi tuh tanggal 18 pagi flight gue dari Jambi-Batam di lanjut naik ferry nyebrang ke Singapore, dari Singapore terbang ke Munich.. dari Munich langsung ke Paris.. nooh makan dah debu jalan!!

Dari sana aku keluar ke jalan.. wowowww belum apa2 dah ada bangunan yang menarik banget.. mirip sama mesjid dengan kubah besar berwarna biru kehijauan… dan di dekat sana ada jalan yang isinya restoran sama café dan begitu banyak manusia yang duduk di kursi2 yang di sediakan di trotoar jalan, menikmati sinar matahari judulnya…

Aku jadi lapar juga… baru ingat Cuma makan sarapan sama sebungkus kecil Jacobs crackers di Airport Munich. Cari tempat buat makan aku lumayan keder secara dah lama gak bicara bahasa Perancis… oh miiii Gooodddddd….

Pesan kentang goreng dah berasa kek kuiz pecahkan sandi rahasia campur tebak2an ala pramuka… amit2… tapi berhasi memesan kentang goreng dengan satu gelas jeruk dingin…

Lumayan… tapi eitsss.. kenapa minum gue gak dikasih.. lirik tetangga yang lain.. ternyata self service tapi .. mereka di kasih gelasnya kenapa aku tidaaakkk.. huhuh… enak aja lumayan itu 3 euro.... jiwa pelit mengalahkan rasa malu..

Jadilah aku colek om tampan sebelah bilang “Vous Parlais Anglais?”/bisa bicara bahasa inggris gak? (jurus sakti gue hahahah!!) doi magut2 aku Tanya soal minuman, dan aku juga gak dikasih return pembelian loh.. si om tiba2 berdiri dan jalan ke kasir dan minta gelas Styrofoam buat gue cihuyyyy baekkknyaaaa… mana senyumnya tersipu malu gitu (sampe pengen ngelap tisu dimulut apa ada sambel di bibir ya?)

Oh ya soal sambel.. kemana2 aku bawa sambel sachet ABC sama kecap manis!! Disini kalau mau makan saos itu harus beli!! Sama kek minumannya! Gyaaaa!!! Pelit banget sih!! 

Beruntunglah saya bawa sambal ABC sachet (jurus turis gembel nomor sekian) tadi.. lumayan hemat sekian sen.. hohoho…

Kenyang makan frites alias kentang goreng sama minum jus, aku liat lagi ada toko kelontong kecil di seberang tempat aku makan…aku masuk dan beli air botolan yang 1 liter.. huhuh sakit bo!!!!, air botol harganya hampir Rp 15.000,- sebotolnya. Ya ampuuunnn di Indonesia mau beli satu liter setengah aja gak ada 1 euro.. huaahhh! kudu simpan botol plastik nih!! *buat di isi nantinya kalo ada keran!*

My 1st Picture

Aku jalan lagi dan sampe di Place de Victoires dan ambil beberapa foto lanjutin jalan melewati Banque de France, Bank Indonesia-nya Perancis. Hehe.. guardnya cakep, lirik2 gitu deh doi.. hohoh.. foto dulu…

Bank of France in Paris

Trus aku jalan lagi ternyata dah nyampe di daerah "Petite Champs" aku senang dengan cuacanya.. walaupun sinar matahari luar biasa ngejreng teriknya tapi gak panas (salah besar jendral!! aku pulang ke Indonesia dengan kulit gosong!!)

Aku malah masih pake jaket aku dan gak keringatan… well orang lain lalu lalang dengan rok pendek dan celana pendek gak masalah juga siihhh tergantung dengan kemampuan masing2…..kalau aku masih butuh jaket sebab anginnya lumayan kencang jadi dingin gitu juga…

Sebenarnya sekarang dah masuk musim panas (akhir dari musim semi) tapi yang gue rasa walaupun matahari terik bersinar, tapi anginnya bikin kulit kering sama dinginnya nusuk gitu!

Waktu aku jalan... aku liat ada palace gede banget yang keknya aku kenali..

Louvre Palace

Ternyata aku jalan dah nyampe di istana Louvre/Palais du Louvre. Tapi waktu itu aku belum liat atap museum Louvre yang kek piramid dari kaca itu. Setelah foto2 sana sini di tengah terik matahari, dan minum air sampe habis (1.5 liter bo!). Menghitung waktu di Indonesia, waktu itu aku ngitungnya di Indonesia jam 9 malam, tapi di Paris masih sekitar jam 3 lewat (bantuan ipod tersayang!)



Di balik istana megah itu aku kemudian liat the famous Louvre Museum!

Me & Louvre

Aku ambil banyak banget foto di sini. Turis bertebaran di sana sini...sebenarnya gue agak kecewa dengan keramaian disini.. tapi wong ini salah satu tempat yang most wanted di Paris.. Lovre bukan milik gue seorang--hiks sedih ya!

Oh ya ada tips, kalo mau saving sedikitm datang ke Louvre hari Rabu atau Jum'at harga tiket masuk hari itu cuma 3 euro aja!

Louvre from Front-Place du Carrousel-Jardin Des Tuileries

Gue sebenarnya pengen masuk kedalam museum ini. Tapi setelah melihat antrian.. gue tau waktu gue gak banyak sebelum jam 7 gue harus balik ke tempat Guillaume kerja. Gue gak mau ngaret gitu! walopun akhirnya ngeret sih hahah...

Dari depan museum Louvre dengan berat hati gue jalan lagi, kali ini tujuan gue selanjutnya adalah Pont Neuf, ato jembatan baru di atas sungai Seine. Nih jembatan sejarahnya adalah jembatan besi pertama di Perancis sono. Walupun judulnya "jembatan baru" jembatan ini adalah jembatan tertua di kota Paris! Jadi lumayan bersejarah.

Random shoot around Louvre Palace to Pont Neuf

Oh ya, aku juga rada tertipu sama peta online hahah.. Paris sama kek Singapore... kalo kamu gak malas semuanya within reach by foot.. alias bisa jalan kaki! paling cuma 1-2 kiloan antara satu atraksi dengan atraksi lainnya. For me thats no problem... cuma 1-2 kilo hehe...

School Kids Touring with bicycle in Paris -- tertib dan rapi!!

Pont Neuf ternyata rame dengan turis di kedua belah sisi. Aku sirik sama nih semua pasangan! huhuhuh foto romantis di jambatan di siang bolong gini... trus ada rombongan anak sekolah yang tur dengan sepeda, pake helem dengan tertibnya.. pengen nyulik.. cakep2 semua!!

Peletakan batu pertama Pont Neuf di lakukan oleh Raja Henry III pada tahun 1578. Pont Neuf selesai di bangun tahun 1607, dan di resmikan oleh Raja Henry ke IV. Woowww.. lama ya buatnya! (wajar banyak perang bo!)

Moi et Pont Neuf (aku dan Pont Neuf)  

Dari Pont Neuf ini kita bisa ambil foto menara Eiffel di backgroundnya walopun cuma keliatan separuh. Aku duduk cukup lama di jembatan ini... bayangin.. kapan ya.. Jambi bisa gini?? Jambi mirip dengan Paris.. ada sungai di tengahnya... tapi yang ini, sungainya hidup dengan kapal2 besar.. ada yang bawa mobil2 baru segala pula!

Sungai Seine adalah sungai yang membelah kota Paris menjadi dua. Dari dulu memang udah terkenal dengan kapal yang lalu lalang... duduk2 di pinggirnya sore2 sambil nikmatin sunset dengan sebotol anggur dan teman2 juga keren... hehe kalo di Jambi juga sama... duduk2 di tepi batanghari sambil makan jagung bakar sama temen2! hahaha

Pont Neuf-Seine River & Eiffel in distance

Air sungai Seine ini katanya sudah sangat tercemar dari sejak jaman revolusi industri pada jaman dahulu kala... jadi tak layak diminum lagi.. humm sayang... tapi katanya mereka dah dengan daya upaya mengembalikan air sungai ini ke kondisi semula.. walopun makan waktu lebih dari 50 tahun ungtuk melakukannya (sumber dari host gue sama orang2 di jalan yang gue tanya2). Amit2 jangan sampe sungai di Indonesia kek gini amat kali ye.. keingat sungai di Jakarta yang hitam legam.. haduuh kalo gini di bilang tercemar.. apa kata mereka liat sungai di Jakarta ya??

Next... gue buka peta dan.. gue tau sudah dekat dengan "Notre Dame de Paris" (Our Lady of Paris) katedral terkenal di perancis. Yah sutra.. perjalanan gue lanjutkan. Menuju ke sana gue melalui beberapa jembatan lagi... salah satunya jembatan "cinta" yang terkenal di kalangan pasangan yang umumnya turis.

Nama jembatan cinta ini adalah "Pont L'archeveche". Dari ujung ke ujung.. jembatan ini di hiasi dengan berbagai macam bentuk gembok dengan berbagai ukuran pula! gak ada yang tau siapa yang mulai letakin gembok2 ini disini. Katanya siiiihh.. kalo sepasang kekasih ngukir nama mereka di gembok, trus ngikatin tuh gembok disini, trus kunci gembok di buang ke sungai Seine yang ngalir di bawahnya, tuh pasangan bakalan balik lagi ke Paris dan cinta mereka bakalan langgeng. Duueeehhhh.....

Pont de L'Archeveche-Paris Love Bridge

And guess what?? gue lagi di sana ada pasangan yang minta ambilin foto... gue tanya mau pasang gembok ya?? mereka bilang, mau renew gembok!! lha?? mereka bilang mereka ketemu di Paris, trus jadian, trus kemaren barusan nikah di Paris, jadi mereka balik buat gangtungin gembok baru di sebelah gembok mereka yang waktu pertama jadian di Paris.. OMG!! so sweet!! *berlinangan air mata* gue kasih selamat buat mereka, mudah2an langgeng!

Dengan perasaan berbunga2... terngiang2 kisah pasangan romantis tadi.. gue mikir memang suasana kota yang romantis bikin Paris pantas di sebut city of Love! uhhh.. TT,TT napa gue ke sini sendirian coba!!huhuhu (ratapan wanita single)


Next destination?? Palace de Justice. Alias penjara sama kek pengadilan Paris. Oh ya.. bangunan ini masih di pake sampe sekarang buat penjara. Tadinya Palace du Justice ini sebenarnya istana Royal Palace of Saint Louise. Palace du Justice ini nempel sama penjara Conciergerie-tempat Ratu Marie Antoinnete di penjara sebelum akhirnya di hukum pancung.

Palace de justice ini searah ne Notredame, jadi yah nyambi lah gue jalanin... angin yang kencang dari arah sungai Seine buat aku lumayan cooling down.. enak uap airnya terbawa sama angin...

Bagian dari Palace de Justice

Aku gak sempat buat masuk ke dalam buat tur di Conciergierie, walopun gue suka banget dengan cerita Ratu muda yang cantik Marie Antoinnete. Gue pengen banget liat ruangan dia di tahan. Mungkin lain waktu kali ya... hehe kalo balik ke Paris lagi.

Gak seberapa jauh dari Palace de justice, aku dah bisa liat dari kejauhan menara katedral Notre Dame. Bergabung dengan ribuan turis di sana, aku merasa sedih... huff... gak bisa share dengan teman2 keindahan katedral yang sempat berganti2 fungsi ini. Cuma bisa ganti status FB doank.. hiks..hiks..

Notre Dame Cathedral-Paris

Notre Dame terletak di 4th arrondissement, di pusat kota Paris merupakan salah satu tujuan wisata untuk turis dari dalam dan luar negri Perancis. Kenapa gue ngebet ke katedral ini?? menurut beberapa sumber, katedral ini adalah salah satu contoh gereja peninggalan gothic dengan arsitektur terbaik di Perancis dan benua Eropa!!



Aku ikut masuk dalam katedral. Aku belum pernah masuk ke dalam gereja seumur hidup... but no worry, aku tetep ingat ini tempat ibadah.. manners girls manners!! ada yang sedang berdoa.. flash light gak boleh di pake.. jadi aku matikan flashlight.. walopun aku gregetan sebab hasil foto ku jelek semua/kabur.

Inside NotreDame-Joanne D'arc my fave girl and the rose stained glass, AMAZING!

Aku serap moment di sana... betapa indahnya bangunan yang dibuat manusia buat muja tuhannya. Aneh.. tapi aku tersentuh. Dengan semua ornamen, betapa manusia cinta banget dengan sesuatu yang lebih besar dari apapun di dunia ini. Aku kebayang Mekah dan Ka'bah di sana. Kalau perasaan aku gini waktu di Notre Dame.. gimana aku di Mekah nanti ya?? huhuh...

Alasan aku ngotot datang ke sini cuma satu. I love Joanne d'arc. Gak peduli orang bilang dia gila, gak peduli orang bilang dia penyihir... prestasi dia sebagai gadis umur 18 tahun yang menggerakkan pasukan Perancis yang dah patah semangat dan menang perang itu lah yang patut di banggakan. Gue kagum dengan kekuatan dia sebagai perempuan! jaman dulu lohh... apalagi dia cuma petani yang gak punya pengalaman perang!

Di dalam katedral ini ada salah satu patung Joanne d'Arc yang lainnya ada di jalan di Paris dekat dengan Louvre tadi (but i couldn't find it!).


Setelah foto2 gue keluar. Ada niat mo naik ke atas menara Notre Dame, tapi liat antriannya gue dah ilfil. Tapi ada yang harus aku lakukan lagi.... eng ing eng...

Tourist thing-It will bring you back to Paris again they said??

Berdiri di "point zero"nya Paris yang terletak di luar Katedral Notre Dame. Ini katanya buat keberuntungan trus make a wish dengan berdiri di atasnya bakalan buat kita balik lagi ke Perancis... wahhh saya mau itu!!! jadi gue..ibarat tante2 ceriwis, teris ke rombongan anak2 SMP di sana "EXCUSE ME!!" ya Allaahhh judesssnyaaa... mereka barengan liat gue dan terdiam... gue nunjuk tuh bulatan yang mereka duduki.. ihhh.. apa coba. Langsung make a wish;

"mudah2an gue bisa balik lagi ke titik ini someday... mudah2an gue punya kesempatan untuk sekali lagi berpetualang di Eropa, dan ini bukan yang pertama dan terakhir kalinya aku bisa nginjakin kaki di titik ini..." AMIEEEENNN!


Setelah gue foto2 jadi banyak juga yang foto di sana! hehehe... ngantri!

Sejarah dari  point zero ini katanya berawal dari zaman dulu kala, di depan Notre Dame ini ada patung. Nahh.. kalau penduduk Paris mau bepergian (jalan kaki tentunya) mereka selalu mulai dari patung itu dan menghitung jarak mereka pergi. Sekarang patung itu udah gak ada lagi dan di gantikan dengan lempengan hitam bundar. Mereka percaya kalau ritual ini di lakukan mereka bakalan balik lagi dengan selamat ke Paris.



Belum puas aku kitarin Notre Dame, ambil beberapa foto... dan guess what.. i heard my fave song played.. gue dengar Canon dari Pachbel di mainkan dengan biola dengan syahdunya, aku langsung cepat2 jalan ke arah suara. Oh Myyyyyy!!!!!!


Ada taman di belakang Notre Dame, dan mawarnya CANTIK!!!! ini pertama kalinya aku liat mawar sebegitu besarnya!! aku sampe nangis....

Terbawa suasana aku duduk di salah satu bangku taman... its so beautiful, dengan suara pengamen jalanan yang merem melek mainin biola dengan syahdunya... angin yang bawa harum bunga mawar... I've made it to Paris... i've made it.... to see things i want to see!! few check list on my bucket list!! terharu-biru..ohiks ohiks...

A park/Jardin behind the NotreDame Cathedral

GUE DI PARIIISSSSS!!! GUE DENGAR SUARA BIOLA DAN GUE DI TAMAN NOTRE DAME dan gue nangissss!! huaaahhhhhhh!!


..merasa alay, gue langsung cepat2 hapus airmata gue dan mulai foto sana sini!


Dari sini gue baru berasa lelah dengan emosi dan dah liat jam 5 sore, dah malam banget di Indonesia. Gue jalan menuju ke taman lainnya di seberang Notre Dame yang punya akses wifi gratis!! hehehe

Another park across NotreDame for free WIFI

Upload beberapa foto dan skype dengan Mr T yang buat gue kembali nangis huahuah! mellow deh gue!!

Setelah berhasil upload foto dan ngobrol, gue lanjutkan ke pemberhentian berikutnya Quartier Latin. Ato alun2 Latin hehe.. yukkk mari...jalan di sepanjang Rue du Petit Pont  nyambung ke Rue st Jacques.... dan di simpang belok kanan ke Rue des Ecoles penasaran aku juga masuk ke jalan2 kecil yang ngarah ke Quartier Latin.

Di arah ke Quartier Latin, sempat foto2 di depan 

Setelah nasar sana sini... akhirnya saya sampai juga di tempat kongkow anak muda di Paris. Kelaparan akhirnya sayamemutuskan untuk makan french fries LAGI plus kebab di kedai Gyro punya orang turki. Lumayan, porsinya LUAR BIASA!! bisa buat 3 orang haduuuhhh!!

Puas jalan2 dan nyasar di Paris, aku dah lumayan capek... liat jam dah jam 7 kurang heheh aku dah tau pasti telat deh!! berhubung metro dekat jadi nyampe di tempat kerja Guillaume hampir jam 8!

Tapi tenang.. ini dah masuk summer.. satu hal yang bikin aku takjub dan berkali2 bilang "Subhanallah" aku baru ngalamin matahari terbenam jam 9 malam!! memang Allah maha kuasa!!

Akhirnya aku naik RER lagi ke tempat Guillaume kerja, dia dah cemas banget sebab aku gak balik2 hahah orang Eropa on time! haduuhh baiknya host gue! Kami pun akhirnya pergi ke rumah Guillaume di daerah 12 arrodissement.. lumayan jauh juga ternyata dari tempat dia kerja.. huff mana bawa tas koper segede gaban.. 

Guillaume dah berbaik hati mau nolongin.. cuma gue gak mau aja.. abisnya..hiks dia dah baek hati ngebolehin gue tinggal di rumahnya.. (thanks to Couch Surfing!) jadi gak mau ngerepotin.. juga gak mau nunjukin tipikal cewek asia yang repooottt banget! rumah Guillaume gak jauh dari metro, cuma kurang lebih 50 meter! asyikk besok gampang deh jalan2nnya!

To be continued lagi...