Headed to Paris

After a fantastic evening of just sitting in an out door area square with 3 bottles of wine, I felt relaxed this morning; rested. I got up at 9:30 and started to get ready. As I packed my bags there was music playing outside my window; Kiss me through the phone by Soulja Boy. I found that interesting. I checked out of my room at 10:30 to allow my self to take a couple pictures on my way to the train station. The plan was to take a couple pictures, purchase my train ticket to Paris (a departure time of no later than 3pm), then grab breakfast if time permitted.

In the metro light rail on my way to the train station, I bumped into Jon and Rachel - total coincidence. They’re train was scheduled to leave at 12:01.

We arrived at the train station at about 11:15 and I headed straight for the ticket window. After waiting 10 minutes in line I noticed there were two sections to purchase tickets: Future bookings and bookings for immediate travel. With the luck of the draw, I happened to end up in the future bookings line which took forever. I kept glancing over the other line and it was flowing rapidly. Because I was already committed, I stayed in the same line. I wasn’t in a hurry so I wasn’t concerned. I finally got to the ticket window and purchased my ticket which was scheduled to depart at 2:15. I asked for the earlier train that is schedule to leave at 12, but it was fully booked. After I purchased my ticket I saw Jon and Rachel lingering around the train departure schedule board. I hung out with them as they waited for their platform to be assigned. We said our good byes as soon as their platform was assigned. I then head out to look for food and found a restaurant just outside the train station. I had a ham and cheese omelet, orange juice, and espresso. With an hour and a half left to kill after my meal, I found a spot outside the train station to relax.

The train ride to Paris was great! Relaxed! I even had a tiny conversation with a group of elderly folks who where traveling through Paris. One of them was a WWII Veteran. During the war he was station near the border of France in Spain.

I got to Paris at 5:30. The subway to my hostel took an hour. Paris is huge city! I’ve been here before so I know walking to the Hostel from the train station would be a big mistake. My Hostel is located in the 19th district which is North East area of Paris. The train Station I came from is located in the south end of Paris. Walking to the hostel would have been at least a 3 hour journey. I made the mistake before on my first trip and wasn’t going to do that again.

My hostel is nice. It’s a new facility. The down side is the location. Located in the 19th district, there’s a plethora of building that look like project homes. There’s a heavy mix in cultures in the area. If you’ve ever been to the Apollo in NY, the look and feel of its surrounding shops in the neighborhood is very similar.

Just outside the metro was a Vietnamese Restaurant. I was tempted to try the Pho, but I didn’t want to pay $15 for soup when I know I can have it back home for $6.

After checking in and settling down I decided to keep to my self and relax. It’s funny how I used to be Gung Ho to hit the city on the day I arrive. Now it’s let me relax, settle down, and if I’m up to going out then I’ll go out. There was an outdoor concert just outside the hostel. I had a couple beers at the hostel bar as they played some late 90’s hip hop music, after which I walked out the door to check out the concert. It was a cover band playing all sorts of Music including Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. All the kids and adults enjoyed themselves as they danced around. After half an hour, I called it a night and went to bed.

Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

Due to fatigue, I stayed in last night. Trouble sleeping the night before in Pamplona – from the street noise, travel day, plus not having a decent meal equates to I’m going to pass out tonight and save my energy for today July 12. Last night, all I had for dinner was a prepackaged typical American ham and cheese sandwich from a corner store.

I purchased a ticket for a 9 hour wine tour at the tourist office yesterday. I went to bed last night at 12 and got up this morning at 7. I had to be at the tourist office by 9:15 to meet with the tour group. I got ready and left my room at 7:30 to look for breakfast. After walking around for 30 min, I went back to my room with no luck of anything open. With only a 10 minute walk to the tourist office I left my room again at 8:30 in hopes to find something on my way. As I got closer to the tourist office, I saw a café in a square just opening with a few patrons already seated. It was located half a block away from the meeting point. I sat down and had a croissant and espresso.

I got to the tourist office at 9:20 with no expectations. The only information I had on the wine tour was: a minimum 2 hour hike in the hills, 2 vineyard tastings, and lunch.

I met with the group and kept to my self for a bit to absorb the environment in regards to listening to the people talk and how they spoke. I sat near the back of the bus. Shortly after boarding the bus, an elder woman introduced her self to a couple of gals in the back of the bus. They all spoke English and had spoke of where they were from. The elderly lady was from Philadelphia. The two younger gals said they were from California close to Napa. After hearing the gals speak I interrupted with, “where abouts?” They said Walnut Creek and I told them I was from Hercules. I kept to myself again and let the elder lady converse with the gals. One of them was taking a one year course in Madrid and was returning home at the end of the month to finish her collegiate course work.

During the one hour trip into the hills of Bordeaux, the people – including myself- slowly began to converse. Everyone in the rear end of the bus spoke English. I then started to speak to a Canadian couple who sat in front of me.

The tour officially began when we arrived in the outskirts of Bordeaux. It started in front of a chapel. The guide then took us to a vineyard a few meters away and started to speak of the horticulture of Vines. He was very informative and knowledgeable. This was due in part being a former vineyard worker and now a private producer of wine for his family and close friends. We trekked through the hills for about 2 hours till be finally approached our first winery. Everyone looked parched and hungry from the heat and walking. The first Winery was called Clos Jean. Our host in the Vineyard was the owner.

We went through 4 different wines starting with a Bordeaux Rose and finishing off with a Loupiac Reserve. Typical with any type of drinking event, after the 2nd bottle, everyone started to loosen up. Lunch followed up in an outdoor area. We had a phenomenal view of the country side. We were served pickled asparagus, cheese, bread, Pate, and Foie Gras. In addition to the delicious meat, the meal complimented the wine.

After the meal, we trekked to another winery which had an old Roman Bath House. After a brief tour of the excavated area, we were taken to a cellar where we were served 2 different Wines. Both were Loupiacs. With that vineyard being the last stop, we had an hour to spare before the tour bus arrived to take us back into town. Killing an hour in a winery? Easy! Some us pitched in money to purchase a couple bottles wine.

During the bus ride back into town the group I was with killing the hour with at the winery exchanged contact information. One of the couples then proposed for some of us to meet later in the evening for drinks at 8:30.

We got back into town at 6:30 and I headed straight to my room to wash up and look for dinner. I found a restaurant, sat in, and ordered a Tagliatore Bolognese. The pasta was fresh, but I wasn’t a big fan of the Bolognese Sauce. After dinner I met with the group at 8:30 in front of the tourist office: Jon, Rachel, Gregg, and Gregg’s lady(I don’t recall Gregg’s lady’s name). We headed to a square, found an outdoor seating area, and enjoyed 3 bottles of wine.

Time flew and midnight approached. The place we were at was shutting down. We all parted afterwards. I went straight to bed.

Although the wine tour was great, I was hoping to go through a Medoc Tour instead of Loupiac Tour. Apparently the Medoc tour was sold out. I had a great time in Bordeaux and wished I could have stayed for 2 more days; one more day to roam the streets and the other to attend a Medoc Wine Tour. Off to Paris in the morning.

Travel Day

I got on the bus from Pamplona to San Sebastian as planned and it went real smooth. As soon as Ant and I arrived we dropped off our bags and headed for some food. After having toast and coffee and strolling through the beach, I picked up my bag at Ant’s hotel and headed to the train station. I got there at 12:45. With my train scheduled to leave at 1:25, 45 minutes is plenty of time to settle down prior to departure. And so that was not to be the case.

As soon as I got to the train station, I wanted to validate my French Pass Train Ticket. As I waited in line I started to converse to a group of Americans from Chicago who were in front of me. They got to the ticket window and asked for a ticket into France. The person at the window directed them to the other train station. I didn’t listen to their conversation as I spoke to the one gal in their group. There are two train stations in San Sebastian. I’m not sure how much Spanish they know, but I trusted them and followed them to the other train station. It’s a 15 min walk and I wasn’t too concerned since I still had time. We left that station at 12:50 and took a lazy walk to the other station. I continued to chat with the gal the in the group as the other 3 guys looked at me like I was some punk guy trying to get at her. As a matter of fact, she was the one who approached me first. I just continued to talk to her. I tried to talk to the guys, but they kept giving me the whatever attitude. Any case, we got to the train station at 1:15 and I immediately wished them a safe journey as I headed to the monitor to see what platform my train leaves from. After finding it, I headed for the platform. As I got to the platform I noticed something different: Stalls. In order to get through the stalls to the platform area, a special ticket is required. I turned around and headed to the ticket booth and spoke to the cashier. With the group of Americans standing in the area looking confused, the cashier told me I was in the wrong station. Right then and there I looked at the 3 American guys who earlier were giving me the cold shoulder and said, “This is the wrong station. This station is for the local trains but still can get you to the border of Spain/France.” They replied with, “Shit, we just came from there (the other station).” The gal looked at me and apologized while the guys still looked confused. I replied, “It’s alright, no worries” and I rushed out the station and looked for a cab. I found a cab and told him my train leaves in 10 min. He laughed and said don’t worry, I’ll get you there in 5 min. He was true to his word and got me there in 5 min. During the 5 min ride the driver said there are two stations, one local and one that goes through the other countries. I told him that I knew that and I was originally at the correct station but I listed to some stupid Americans and followed them with out asking the ticket agent. He laughed again.

I hopped out of the cab and headed to the platform area. Looking around I approached a security guard working the station and asked him if I was in the right platform. He said yes. I then saw a group of Australians and asked them where they were headed. They were headed the same direction as I and then told me the train is late.

As I waited, there was a couple who were rushing into the platform as well. They looked at me and asked if this was the correct platform to Hendaye. I said yes. They were breathing hard and said, “we just ran from the other station.” I laughed as I told them I just went through the same thing. After conversing a bit it turned out there they were headed to the same destination as I – Bourdeaux. We then talked about the connecting Train and wondered if were going to make it. With the current train running late and the connecting train leaving 10 minutes after the scheduled arrival at the transfer point (Hendaye), things were looking a bit sketchy. The train destined for Hendaye finally arrived. I got to my seat and spoke to the rail conductor. She asked if I spoke English. I said yes. She was very helpful as I described my situation to her. She spoke to her manager and told me that I’ll have enough time to get to the train. She gave me mineral water as I relaxed in my 1st class seat.

When I arrived at Hendaye, I rushed to the ticketing area to look for the auto stamp machine to validate my French Pass ticket. There were 2 but both were not operating. I rushed to the ticket booth and the cashier was looking at me crazy. I showed her my ticket. She pointed at the train out side the window and said,n It's too late, they’re closing the door." I said, "I just need a stamp on my pass." She immediately stamped it and I ran out side and jumped in, just as the door was closing. With sweat running down my forehead, and shirt sweat forming on my back and shoulders from my back pack, I was finally relieved to be on the train as I looked for my seat; a comfortable 2 and a half hour train ride in peace.

Take It Easy

Posted for July 10
We took it easy today. I’ve got a travel day tomorrow. Ant and I will be departing the bus station for San Sebastian at 9:30 am; I then will continue my journey to Bordeaux with another stop over at Hendaye.

We went to the grocery store the other day and picked up a cooked chicken with tortilla on the side. We heated it up this morning and had it for breakfast. We then used the left over bones and chicken meat to make chicken soup. A substance I’m sure my body will greatly appreciate.

Idiot

Posted for July 9
When I got up this morning, I called my self an idiot!
Flash Back two weeks ago
I got a phone call a week prior to my trip from a Euro Rail Agent. I originally had purchased a train ticket from Pamplona to Bordeaux which has a stop over/transfer point at Hendaye, France. The Agent informed me that first part of the train ride (Pamplona to Hendaye) was no longer available due to construction and the best way to get to Bordeaux was to reroute to San Sebastian then to Hendaye then to Bordeaux. With out thinking I agreed and paid for the additional fees.

This morning
I got up this morning and thought about my train ride to Bordeaux. Looking at my ticket I didn’t realize the train ride to San Sebastian was an 1 hour 45 min. A bus ride to San Sebastian is an hour and would only cost 7 Euro. At that point, the hamster wheel in my head started to turn in which the light bulb promptly clicked. I said out loud, “Sh*T, Mother F*CKER! I’m a freaking idiot!” Ant looked at me and said what. I replied, “The taxi to the train station would be about 7 Euro and the bus ticket to San Sebastian is 7 Euro! The bus station is walking distance and the Charter Bus Ride would be faster.” So basically, I’m going to eat the first part of my train ride to Bordeaux which is fine because I get to enjoy San Sebastian for a few hours.

So it looks like I’ve thrown quite of bit of money away:
- Lost a little bit over a hundred euro when it fell out of my pocket
- Eating the additional fees on my train ride
Above all this, I’m ok with it. I’ve alive and having a great time. It’s just one of those little hiccups that happen along the way.

Night time activities
Ant and I hit the square at 11:30 pm. Like the other night and nights to follow, the square is filled with people. We found an open area to settle down in and opened our drinks - Absolute Vodka and Naranja (Orange Soda). After about an hour of drinking and enjoying the free open air concert, we met a group of Americans. We gave them a box of wine that we brought along to give away. We had so much alcohol left over in our apartment from previous nights, between 2 people and the previous night of drinking, we had to give it away. As our conversation died with the group of Americans, Anthony pointed out two gals. I walked of to them and offered them some vodka. They didn’t hesitate and came right over. They’re names were Hanah (Australian) and Megan (American from Chicago). They were both traveling together and went to school together at Northwestern University. As were about to leave, 2 other guys introduced themselves and wanted to come along. We all went to a couple bars.

The last bar we went to had 2 floors. On the second floor was a large window with a ledge to stand in - enough to fit 3 comfortably. While standing outside, I started to dance a bit. As I did, I took out my video camera and a group of guys approached me and asked if I was Japon (Japaneese). I said no and told them I was Filipino. I pointed the camera over to the second floor ledge and a group of guys were cheering. They then told me to come up. I entered the bar and got to the second floor ledge and we all started chanting. Anthony then came up as well in which we stayed for about 5 min then decided to head back outside. Ant and I then decided to head back home, leave the gals who were in a conversation with 2 Australians, as were both tired and drunk. We didn’t get a chance to ask for their contact info but, all is well.

Going away party

Posted for July 8
We watched fireworks last night, hung out at the square, and killed two bottles of Vodka. It was the last night before Janice, Preston, and Ron headed back to the States. I don’t think I need to get into the details, because even if I did, it would matter - I was too wasted to remember. 2 bottles of Vodka between 4 people in two hours (actually 3 people because Ant, Ron, and I had extra-extra helpings).

The only thing I do remember is:
1. Bugging the guys to get the apt keys from Janice. We didn’t want to disturb her conversation with a man friend. After waiting for an hour, it turned out the keys were in my pocket. I’m such a loser!!
2. Getting a late night Bocadillo (sandwich) from a street vendor on the way back to the apt. It had bacon, Chorizo, and tortilla (egg & potato omelet). YUMMY!!!

It’s fantastic that Pamplona has a nightly 15 minute firework display that starts at 11 and a nightly 2 hour concert that starts at midnight. This occurs for 7 days straight.

The Run Part II

Pics to be posted soon
I made it and I'm alive.