The beginning of another adventure

There's something about sitting, alone, in a crowded bar surrounded by others sitting alone. Each of us with our own device in front of us, some single travelers chatting each other up, most  wrapped up in themselves, either not wanting to interact, or afraid to look up and connect. Or afraid of rejection, a drink in one hand, a device in the other.

As I ready to embark on yet another solor adventure, I'm questioning myself. Should I be going? Why in the world do I think going to Hawaii ALONE is a good idea? Of course, even if I talk to no one while I'm there, I need the time alone. To get OUT of my own head. Or perhaps to work out what's going on inside my head without all the distractions of my life. I'm happy with my life, but get caught up in going here and there that I often don't have the time to sit and listen. Though that's what I need to do the most. All the time especially with a 5-year-old constantly wanting, and needing, my attention. I've been finding my patience has been waning and a vacation from my life is exactly what I need. And as my professional life is at a turning point -- my publisher told me this week that the July  issue will be our last -- I need some time to meditate on what that means for me and where I need to go. I have a pretty good idea, but everything needs some sand, sun and relaxation while they work themselves out. Sure, I've got all those things at home, but I also have a house that always needs something done, a 5-year-old who loves and adores me (and whom I love and adore), and a million other things that I'd choose before me. I did comtemplate a staycation, but realized that getting thousands of miles away would be a better idea, I couldn't just head home when I missed my daughter (and I already do!)

While I almost thought I should cancel my trip (yeah, I thought this only an hour ago), I'm here and I'm going. And I need it.

Metz Cathedral

When I decided to venture to Metz, Frnace, it was because of a recommedation from my friend, Stephaie. I had other great recommedations, but I was drawn to Metz for some reason. Maybe because the others sounded German and I still wanted to a French experiece. It was more of a mental thing than anything specific.
I arrived in Metz yesterday via train from Paris. I didn't know what to expect or even where I would stay. I just went. This morning I ventured out to explored the small city. One place I wanted to see was the cathedral. I could see the top of the spires from throughout the city. What I didn't know until I got up close and personal is that it looks very much like Notre-Dame de Paris. Very much like it.
I looked around for a line to get in. There was none, but I saw people coming and going, so in I went. The inside also very much resembled Notre-Dame. The biggest difference? The number of people. There were maybe 50 people total inside the cathedral while I was there. The line to get into Notre-Dame was way longer than that. While there wasn't a lot of noise in Notre-Dame, there still has a dull hum because of the shear number of people there.
I recommend Metz as a definite visit if you ever go to France. You can see some of the same kinds of sights (a cathedral like Notre-Dame; the Centre Pompidou, etc.), but get a much more French town. Now, most of the people don't speak much English, or don't cop to it, so you'll have to know a little French at least.

French food

I am enjoying the food in France so very much, but I have to admit that I'm looking forward to being back home where I'll have more control-such as my own kitchen.
Being a tourist, especially in large cities is difficult between not knowing where to go and not wanting to spend too much, as well as eating somewhat healthy-though the last list out. The most healthy things I have had are fruit smoothies from McDonalds, and some salads when I would have a sit-down meal.
While I feel I may have gained a ton, I think it has been evened out by the shear number of miles I have logged in my feet.
Here is some of the food I have had on my trip.

The expanse

Zooming through the French countryside on a nearly silent train, I see green fuzz covering an otherwise brown terroir. The blue-gray sky is nearly cloudless, black specks-birds-dot the space above the horizon
The land outside the window could be that of my home country if not for the brick towns that pop up.
This country is lot my own or even vaguely familiar, but it shows that we (humans) aren't that different. Though not all countries are so similar, we are people have some basic needs and desires that are the same, regardless of where we're from-food/water and love. I can't think of anything else that we need to live. Love makes us human, otherwise what are we? Robots or monsters.

"Nowhere to be and all day to get there"

That's my favorite song by the Waybacks (they performed in Stadium Park years ago). That's how I feel right now. I could go anywhere right now. I'm going to Metz, was going to try and visit a friend in Germany at the American Airforce base in Ramstein, but no train there today.
I've been trying to firm up a place to stay in Metz for tonight-I do have one for tomorrow night, however.
I attempted to take the 1:40 pm train to Metz, but the ticket machine would t take my card and the line for tickets was Lon and SLOW. I didn't get my ticket until 1 pm. So now what? Sitting in the train station people watching and blogging and ill likely pull out my Kindle-I'm in the middle of a good book.
While I'm a slight bit anxious about not having a place to stay, I'm not worried. Worst comes to worst I'll hop on a train or bus and go somewhere else (most likely to you, Jessica B.)
I'm sad to leave Paris, but after seeing the difference between London an Canterbury, I'm ready to et out of the city. Now I'll really have to use French instead of relying on everyone to know English (and they do-they often start talking to me I. English the second I open my mouth).
I'm sad that my vacation-the first alone in years (and by alone I mean sans my constant companion)-is nearly over; though I miss my girl dearly! It's been nice to have a break from always working or being a mother. Needed to recharge and seeing the world is a high priority to me and it's been pushed to the back burner.
Next year, Paula and I are going to Russia!! Anyone want to take my girl for two weeks? :P Just kidding, but only slightly. :D

Cheese and wine...finally

I've been attempting to sample some of France's infamous cheese and wine. While I've had some here and there (and it lives up to its reputation), I wasn't able to get to an actual wine bar. I specifically wanted to try some wine AND cheese.
Le Garde Robe on rue de l'arbre sec in Paris was recommended to me by a friend of a friend who lives in Paris.
I attempted to go there Saturday night, but got the incorrect metro stop and directions from my map app (thank you, technology!), so my attempt was thwarted.
It was closed Sunday, so I had accepted I wouldn't make it. Then, I found it while walking around this afternoon. It was t quite open then so I went back to my hotel to get there at the "right" time, after 9 pm.
The small wine bar, which also specializes in cheese and meats, is a small room with a brick wall in one side with shelves or wine opposite it. The wood-floored room seats about 20.
The first thing I was asked was "red or white?"
"Red," I said.
"Light or heavy?"
Hmmm....decisions.
"Light," I said, expecting a rose. Instead I got something more like a Zinfandel, but with a taste I've never had before. She promptly went behind the bar and brought back a wine. She poured me a small taste for me to try. I got to say yes or no to it and she the poured me a full glass with a "yes" answer (or oui).
Next, I got to order my food. I wanted to try both the meat and cheese, but didn't want full orders of each. I asked if I coil have a small board of each. She said no, but then said she could give me a one-half board of each. I'm not sure that I got a half order, but it's good none the less and I do not know when I'll be in Paris.
Though I'm the only single party here, all the rest are couples, I'm enjoying the atmosphere. And the food. And the wine.
And eventually I'll have dessert. My sever/bartender did last call for the kitchen and was quick to say that dessert would still be available.
A man just walked in selling roses. I'm only used to seeing young woman selling the roses on a night out. Oh how different Paris is.
All the cheeses were relatively not stinky, but I like the stinky cheese!!!
I now am a very satiated Heather now that I've experienced a Paris wine bar.

How do you say...what?

We're in the Flanders area of Belgium. I was expecting to speak French, or even German, and it appears to be Dutch with German, French and a bit of English mixed it. I feel bad just speaking in English without making effort in Dutch. I need to just say "Hello" in German and let it be, though I don't know what it is. I do how to say "thank you" in German, that's easy. I learned no and Christmas tree.