Been there, done that

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Je suis arrivee (french sp.)

My first experience of the Airport in Libreville did not prepare me for the experience of having to use that airport for a departure. Imagine all of the country’s international flights leaving out of one airport. Then imagine this airport only has one terminal and one boarding dock. And if that wasn’t bad enough, they have one xray security portal. So no matter how wily you were to check in quickly (6 kiosks), nor how carefully you chose your immigration officer (3 lines), you are stuck in line after everyone else, and they have arrived 3 hours prior to departure. You have idled away your pre boarding time outside at the dirty bar. Oh and the Air Gabon people have no qualms helping their customers cut in line before other airlines. It is very hard to keep your cool.

Did I mention this is a post about Paris? Sorry to rant. The red eye flight to Paris was bad. I sat next to a guy wiG he sniffles and I was really paranoid not to catch his germs. I didn’t sleep the whole night and arrived in Paris very groggy.

But there is no time to waste! First thing was to catch a Rossybus downtown to the Opera. I was relying on my good sense of direction to get me to the hotel. As I had nothing noted down on paper/my phone and dragging my laptop out of my luggage was going to be an ordeal.

I arrived at the Opera without a hitch. I had to walk around the building to gain access o the metro ticket station. (Clutsy moment of the day: trying to pull full sized luggage through the turnstile. A gentleman tried to help me but I had to do all the heavy lifting. Afterwards, he pointed to a swinging door and said, “next time, use those doors. It will be easier.” Oh.)

I am staying at the hotel Bons Enfants by the Louvre. Upon surfacing to the street level the first thing that struck me was that this plaza (outside the Louvre) looked familiar. Of course! I had seen it on my walk around the neighborhood of the hotel using Google maps street view! I just retraced my path using my memory and Voila! arrived at the hotel. I owe much to Google street view. ;D

Paris, paris!

Tentative Paris itinerary:
Saturday: shop
Sunday: la Louvre and the Eiffel tower and the canal walks

Why am I visiting so few landmarks in Paris? Basically, I want to be able to enjoy it when I come back again (a longer stay the next time, I hope!)

Lucky I looked up some travel tips for the city. Apparently, all retail shops are closed on Sundays. To think I almost spent Saturday sight seeing!

I want to hit up many houseware and decor shops in Paris. I was lucky enough to spot a little decor shopping guidebook for Paris while on my way to Gabon. It has given me really good ideas and shop names. I hope I can carry all I want back to Toronto.

My worst travel fear, next to losing my flight and luggage, is to bring home unwanted criters. I will have to be extra vigilant when I leave Gabon tomorrow.

*yawn* one more sleep!

What to do on my own?

It was pretty much a given that I would spend the weekend on my own here in Libreville. My RK co-workers had work to do at the office, and although they are very nice people and have offered to show me around, Les Gabonaises have trouble following through. Anyhow, I was more than ok with that since I haven’t had a day to sleep in since last Friday. Wow more than a week now. The first few mornings I was sure I was going to hurl and pass out. I was very tired. So now comes the weekend and plan to take advantage! (Truth is I slept in til eleven an extra five hours!)
I spent the day calling home and watching movies. Difinitely not in the mood to do work.
So, Sunday I expected to throw myself halfheartedly at my tasks, but dang it to jupiter, the Internet is out. Now I really really become desolate. No phone to make calls (skype) no more chances to continue planning the Paris trip, and no email!
The hours dragged on and on. Lucky for me Ken called and drew me out of misery. It was much needed!
The next day while at work I found out that Sunday was a great beach day. How could I have missed that?? The beach is right across the street from the hotel. However, the traffic on this road ressembles that of a highway more than a city street. :S the thought of having to cross it twice makes me shudder. *sigh* I will just have to make it out to the Tropicana restaurant again to enjoy the beachside.

Oh, what was that word again…?

(Dang, my first time at this entry was blown away. This sucks. It witty too. Ugh! I took such a long time to write it too!
Drat!)

(Anyhoo…)

The short version is that, despite my best efforts, I lost the struggle with the French language. Today, I just made up my own word. “digestif” to mean “digestive” (I was explaining why I like to drink got water. It does improve digestion, though I was incorrect in saying it was digestive.) I Had to mime the digestive property by rubbing my abdominal area. I’m glad the personified was talking to supplied “oh, oui! Digere” (French sp). I was quite embarrased I tried to pretend I knew this word. I kept pretty quiet the rest of the night. ;D

Some good eats in Gabon

Barring the horrendous food at the Hotel Laico (worst food I have had all year!), there are some good food finds in Libreville, Gabon. Their French pastry is really great! Pain du chocolat, croissants and this other raisin flaky pastry roll are part of my daily routine now (10:30am break).

Then there’s seafood galore! Libreville is a coastal city, so I gather the local fishery industry does pretty well. Every restaurant I frequented had at least four fish dishes besides their seafood dishes. They also like to eat beef. A good chicken dish was hard to find.

I have to admit, though, the chicken I did have was much better than most chicken served in Canada. I think it’s the taste of free range chicken.