Europe.. Where for art thou Europe?

[Cutie Lillie]

OCC: a thread for CGCraven and Cutie Lillie...more story than anything else.. so if would like to join.. please PM me and it should be fine.


I was sitting at a sidewalk cafe in Paris. Paris. The City of Lights... and romance. *sigh* Yeah, right. It was a beautiful city, as long as I ignored the stress of not speaking the language and the smog in the air. Oh, for the days that used to be. I wonder what this place would have been like back when carriages transported the wealthy.. and travel consisted of steamer trunks and maids...???

I sip my cup of tea and ignore the beeping rush of mini cars as they barely miss each other on the boulevard.....I try to make out the map in front of me. I made it to France after a whirlwind tour of London. That was fun, but I also spoke the language and was staying with some friends.

Now, I'm on my own. Determined to see Europe and no one wanted to go on with me. I don't know why I was stressing.. its not like I haven't traveled alone before... its just.. well... so new and so long ago I left the shores of the States.

And the world has changed... I notice I scan the crowd around me for nefarious creatures who could do me untoward harm.

Ah well.....

Sipping my tea I continue to try to decern which way was the Lourve.

 

[cgraven]

Cabs honking, cars darting, traffic charging headlong to disaster, or grid lock so bad that nothing moved. This was the reality of Paris traffic, to cross the boulevard was to take your life into your hands. “See Paris and Die” well I had seen it and now to cross to “Michele’s”. It was all clear the lights in my favor as I make the dash across.

Almost there and out of no where a charging cab, horn screaming but not breaking, I dive for the relative safety of the side walk. I make it as I stumble into the side walk café that is “Michele’s” and right into the young lady drinking her tea there. Well wearing her tea there now.

“Excuse est moi mademoiselle”

“Vous avez de la chance! Il fait si chaud a Paris cet ete.”

I was smiling tiring to make light of the whole affair and was met by a blank look on that beautiful face, and a lost uncomprehending look in her eyes. Her English to French phrase book lay on her table.

“I am so sorry Miss.”…”It was all my fault”…”Please let me get you another cup of tea.”

“I’ll pay for the cleaning as well.”……” Paul a pen and paper please.”

”I’ll give you my address, just send me the bill”.


I quickly wrote down,

M. James M. Colin
44, Boulevard Voltarie dans le 11eme arrondissement.

I held out the slip of paper to her.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Like a bull in a china shop the man pulmeted into the cafe, my table including tea, map and other accoutrements and then me... the scream that escaped in the sudden surprise and the hotness of the tea now drapped over my front made people turn inside the cafe.

At first my face in shock blinked blankly at the man trying to make out what was coming out of his mouth...I could recognize that he addressed me as "Miss".. but a great lotta good that did me.

Furtively I wipe the tea off my clothes. Thankfully he started to speak English.. which meant finally I could converse with 'someone'.. just my luck its with the clutz of the year.

When I do finally look up at him, I can't help but smile. He's pretty cute, and so apologetic.

Starting to laugh my typical nervous laugh, and taking the slip of paper from him, I say, "Oh, Mr...Mr...Colin. Oh, its ok.. I'm only here for a short time. I'm sure the hotel's laundry can deal with this.

I'm so glad you speak English though.. Its been only 24 hours and I feel like the insane tourist... only able to grunt and aske where the public lavatory is." The nervous self-conscious giggle continues.. now I'm sure I not only LOOK the part of lost American I'm sounded like an inane one as well.

"Hello" I stick my hand out forcefully "I'm Rachel Bridgewater."

 

[cgraven]

She is mad, cute, girlish and captivating all at once and I can’t help but smile.

"Hello" She sticks her hand out forcefully "I'm Rachel Bridgewater."

Ah a lost Yank but with a sense of humor. I take her hand firmly as I should and smiling,

“No I insist it was my fault Ms Bridgewater. You know when I first came to Germany as a kid I could only grunt and groan at the people but they where pretty forgiving and they saw I was trying.”

I felt at ease in her company and that was quite unusual for me, but there was something about her directness that was quite refreshing.

“Paul un autre tea pour mademoiselle.”…….”No arguments please Ms. Bridgewater."

“It would be the least I could do.”…….” Café pour moi, Paul”……..”So what brings you to Paris and are you with a group?”

I slip into the seat opposite her. God this is so unlike me.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

As the table was reset and more tea was brought.. I'm grateful this man.. Mr. Colin.. sat down.. and seemed to not mind talking to a perfectly silly stranger... like me.

"Actually, Mr. Colin" Wondering if confessing the truth to a total stranger was a good idea.. but deciding.. what the hey.. there ws something about him that made me feel ... good.. so why not..

"Can you believe? I'm alone here in Paris? Now..I've traveled before, just came from London..so I'm no novice or anything. I can take care of myself just fine.. but yes.. I alone here."

Considering that I just both told the truth and lied in the same breath.. I wasn't sure just where to go from here. True, I did travel before... a decade earlier.. and I did just come from London.. but taking care of myself? Well..that was still out for the jury to decide.

"Do you live here, Mr. Colin? You're last name doesn't seem French."

"Merci" Thankfully the tea arrived quickly and I got to hold the cup close and sip on its aromatic contents to relax me once again.

 

[cgraven]

“No Ms Bridgewater. I live in a small town in New Hampshire back in the States Though I spend most of my time in Canada and Europe."

I nod to Paul as be brings me a bowl of coffee with lashings of whipped cream on top. I see a quizzical look in her eyes.

“Café Leisure” is what they call it. You know when you have all day to just sit and relax. even if it is only and hour or so. To answer your question I have a flat here in Paris. I work as a Tour Manager and Guide. Sometimes the tours are to close together to make going home possible, so this works for me.”

I am festinated at the ease with which I speak to her. Oh yes I am at ease working with a group, but really very shy, when meeting strangers one on one. Then it hit me I had missed it at first she had said

"Can you believe? I'm alone here in Paris? Now..I've traveled before, just came from London..so I'm no novice or anything. I can take care of myself just fine.. but yes.. I alone here."

“Well if you are alone and have no plans, I could show you around town as a way to make up for our dramatic meeting.”

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Fate has a funny way of dropping things in your lap.. quite literally, in this case.

"You're an American? And a tour guide? Well...Mr. Colin, I can't believe my luck!

I'm sure I'd be perfectly fine on my own.. It can't hurt to keep up some of the charade but since you've offered, and if you have the time.. I would be glad to accept your offer.

I was thinking of going to the Louvre today.. but I'm pretty tired out of crowds and masses of people milling aimlessly around. And the idea of milling around with them while they pretend to appreciate great art..because they 'should' appreciate it.. well...it's left me kind of flat.

Do you have any other ideas of what is good to see in the City of Lights? gesturing across the cityscape around us

OH! And please.. no need to call me Ms. Bridgewater.. Rachel will be great. Please.. call me Rachel."

I smile brillantly at him..hoping my renewed enthusiam doesn't give away my private gratefulness for the gift of some company while exploring this historic city.

 

[cgraven]

“Rachel it is then and please Jim or James for me. Ok?”

“Despite the near death experience of our meeting the Metro and walking is the best way to see Paris.”

Rachel smile was captivating and had me at ease. Would she real go with what I was about to suggest or find it a bit to odd.

“Now the Paris I can show you is not the normal city sights that you check off a list. It is the Paris that is a city alive with her own people. We can tour Her and meet Her without being tourist if you would like?”

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Thoughts of dark allies... dank recesses.. where my money and my life would be ripped from me flashed through my mind. Hmmmm. Is this guy for real? Am I being played for a fool? I sip on my tea and study Mr. Colin.. ah.. Jim's face. Taking in his eyes. They stare at me clearly. I can't see any shiftyness in them.. no looking around or avoiding my studious gaze.

Hmm.... I've had enough of tourist traps.

"Ok.. um.. Jim. *smile* I'm game. What do you have in mind? I think I would like to see the 'real' Paris.

*chuckling* Just as long as I don't have to speak the language myself!" patting the Ye' Ole' Tourist Translation Guide

 

[cgraven]

http://always.bravepages.com/images/couple.jpg
And so that is the day started. A cruise on the Seine the 32 bridges that span It., not the big tour boats but one of the small local one, really nothing more than a motorized barge.

The day was a whirl, the “Ile de Cite” the hart of historic Paris and Noter-Dame, Montmarte the artistic quarter with its winding alleys, a small out door market here, a student artist works there. This "Bohemian artest center a favorite of mine. We top the mount at the domed “Sace Coeur Basilica” and Paris lies at our feet.

As the evening approaches we are on the Champs-Elysees with its bustling shops and cafes, the Arch de Trump with its massive beauty bathed in soft white light, But most striking of all the Eiffel tower in her park.

Rachel’s smile, her questions her pure joy as I shared this beloved city with her brought joy to my heart. I was so tempted standing there to kiss her, yet that would be out of line so I just gazed into her deep lustrous eyes lost for a moment as my hand gentility took hers. It was not intentional don’t even remember really doing it , yet some how it felt right.

“So Rachel I hope you enjoyed the day?”

“Where do you go from here on your “Grand Tour

 

[cgraven]

http://always.bravepages.com/images/eiffeltower.jpg

 

[Cutie Lillie]

This was the day I had hoped for.. this was what travel was, exploring, seeing the world away from the tourist traps that sell mini-plastic versions of something to sit on your dashboard or dangle from your rear-view mirror.

I was having the time of my life...

I owe Fate a big debt for almost running James over..

Each new place, each new section of the City made me fall more in love with it.. and it didn't hurt to have someone along who not only could speak the language but could greet people, regular people who lived there. That was one the best parts, greeting and being introduced to those people he knew along the way.

I was sad to see the sunset, even though it meant the City would turn into the glittering diamond that gave it its name.....

I dreaded losing my private tour guide...... and my heart was heavy when I sensed the inevitable moment come upon me.

"I had the MOST wonderful time, Jim.. thank you so very much!!!! I'll never forget how wonderful Paris turned out to be. And I have you to thank for that. What's Next?"

I search desperately inside me for the 'right' answer... wondering how I could delay the future of being alone once again.

"Well... "

I stumble over my thoughts, words sticking in my mouth. One wrong word and I'd be alone in my suite with the morning of confusion to replay again tomorrow...

"Well... there is so much to see. I'm not really sure. I would like to go see the vineyards and country life in the south of France.. I have a book to read tonight that I'm sure will help me figure out where to go."

Inside I can feel the straining to ask him...no.. beg him... to come with me. To keep being my own personal tour guide.. I'm so selfish. This man has a life, a job...and didn't he say he was here inbetween assignments. Which means, I was sure, there was some group arriving in the morning that needed his expertise.. sigh.

"I can't thank you enough for your help today. Listen. I know this is your work and I don't expect you to have spent the day for free. I want to pay you. What is your normal rate. I can afford it. I've been saving for this trip for ages....and you did such an excellent job. I couldn't pay enough for such a job well done.

Um, I'm not sure if I should ask this. I'm sure you have to get home and get some sleep to meet your next clients. But would you happen to know of a fun place to have a late dinner? Maybe you could tell me of some good places to see in the south? My treat!"

I can't help the bashful expression, that niave little look that belies the truth. I'm feeling lost again and wishing I could hold on to my new friend, my security blanket tour guide.

 

[cgraven]

Rachel is nervous as I am, there seems a longing on both our parts for this day to go on, but not quite sure how to do it.

"Well... there is so much to see. I'm not really sure. I would like to go see the vineyards and country life in the south of France. I have a book to read tonight that I'm sure will help me figure out where to go."

"I can't thank you enough for your help today.”

Um, I'm not sure if I should ask this. I'm sure you have to get home and get some sleep to meet your next clients. But would you happen to know of a fun place to have a late dinner? Maybe you could tell me of some good places to see in the south? My treat!"

“Rachel my treat for the way we met and besides this was a pleasure for me to share the city with you. As for my next Tour that will not be for another three week. I just decided I need some time to knock about on my own and do a little exploring.”

I was desperate for this day not to end she was the best thing to come into my life in a long time. I wanted the time to really get to know Rachel so I made a daring move quite out of character for me and hope fully it would ease her mind too.

“Well dinner is first and yes I’d love to share it with you. Now the place I have in mind is in the “Latin Quarter” over by the University district. Long tables, family style serving and “Raclette”. It is a kind of do it your self student meal on a brazier brought to your table, and house wine, your choice red or white.”

My eyes where bright and danced with the telling of the of “Suzanne’s” and the simple fare she severed, well no her personal as she had been dead 400 years or more.

“If you are up to it lets go and we can discuses where we will go after Paris.”

Damn Rachel never said yes, never told her my rates or any of that never even asked if she really wanted to travel with a stranger. God was she only being polite.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Three weeks! Yes!

My heart lept.. three weeks. Could I get any luckier? Hmmm, maybe he won't want to spend all three with me, but I would love if he would. I wonder if he would want to go beyond France and travel with me into Italy, Belgium, Germany.......

Goodness! Rachel! What are you thinking?! You've just met this man and now you are planning an extensive three week trip with him? I wonder what his idea of sleeping arraingements would. Darn, that brought both a tingly sense of anticipation and a dread. I did not want any romance on this trip. I just wanted to see and revel in exploring the world for a time.

"Jim? I would love to go there for dinner! I would love to go anywhere with you tonight!"

Did that just come out of my mouth? I hesistate, feeling the need to quantify that statment, but deciding it would just make the moment worse I keep silent. Maybe I could talk to him about rates and the possiblity of taking me on as a client over dinner.

I slide my arm around his, and smile in a way that lets him know.. I am ready for anything ... let's go.

 

[cgraven]

"Jim? I would love to go there for dinner! I would love to go anywhere with you tonight!"


There was a funny little look of surprise on Rachel’s face as she blurted out her answer. I think it took her as much by surprise as it did I. I had never hoped she would actual say yes.

How easily she slide her arm around mine, and smiled in a way that lets me know.. I am ready for anything ... let's go. It was natural and really no put on here, no attempt to be coy either. There was something very special about this woman I had meet by accident this morning and I really liked getting to know her.

“Well let’s go Rachel I think you’ll find this as much an adventure as a fine meal”

We had to lean close across our table to hear over the boisterous students as the argued everything from politics to philosophy. Oh how serious they where and there answers filled with youth and hope. We talked of Gent, Bruges, in Belgium, Bavaria and the Castle road of southern Germany. The romantic Leroy valley in central France and the wine districts.
“I prefer the local Aurberge to the big name Hotels. They are small and friendly.”

“Most of the times you can get two singles, others only a double….. Does that present a problem? If so we can work around it I am sure.”

“As for my rates I was scheduling this trip as a formularization trip. I’ll write it off as a business expense. You can tip me at the end If you like.”

Damn did that come out right or will Rachel think I am some kind of gigolo or nut case.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Jim's face turned beet red.. I couldn't help but giggle at him..

But I knew mine was just as scarlett as he brought up the sleeping araingements. I knew that was a reality, but never really thought about it when I hoped he would take me down South.

"I..ah.. I'm sure we can do what we must as we go along."

That non-commital sentence stumbling out of my mouth, as the dessert was served, hopfully covered my non-commitial heart about the subject. I mean, I really didn't know this man even though I felt as if I knew him for years after one day. But you never know... I feel a glup and a blush develop just at the mere thought of....well... you know.

The atmosphere was wonderful in this place. I adored the controlled confusion and felt like a regular even though I only a few conversations around me were in English. Thank God, Jim would translate a few more interesting comments he would pick up around us.

As we walked out into the night the city was lit up around us. It was indeed most beautiful and worthy of its name. We walked the street slowly, sometimes hand in hand, stopping to look into shop windows or stare at the river as it glistened in the lights around it and barges drifted down it, lovers mingling in bridge shadows.

How scary this whole place seemed only 24 hours ago. Now it was alive and warm. Welcoming and no longer full of threatening shadows and people.

How just the presence of one person.. well... one man in particular, had changed my entire experience of Paris. I can't wait to see what he will do to my experience in the South.

 

[cgraven]

They strolled the night away and before I knew it midnight had arrived.

“Rachel thanks for the day it was the happiest accident I have ever had. I’ll meet you at your hotel sat nine-ish. Not sure where we will end up but it will be an adventure. Are you still Game?”

The question hung in the air as we stood outside her hotel. I kissed her on both cheeks then a hug and off I went be fore Ms Rachel Bridgewater could say no.


I was there in the lobby bags packed rail pass in hand waiting. The Louis the Fourteenth cloak above reception read 9:45.

‘Excusez-moi, Monsieur. Je cherche pour Ms Rachel Bridgewater”

“Une dame Bridgewater de parter c’est Martian. “

So Rachel had thought better of it and had. Left her Paris adventure just that.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

"No I did not run. I'm sorry I'm late."

Jim turned around to find Rachel standing there with bags around her foot tapping.

"Did you really think I would leave after the time we had yesterday? I will confess something, Mr. Colin. I had a glorious time and couldn't imagine going South without you. And anyway...I have no idea what train to get on." *blush*

"So... are you ready? I hope I don't have too much luggage, I really didn't know what to bring and brought everything for every occasion. I'm so glad you are American so I don't have apologize for my silliness."

Picking up her luggage, and looking like a stevadore.. Rachel waited for the ex-patriot to respond.

 

[cgraven]

God there she stood looking like we would be on the road for the next six months. Smiling I gave Rachel a hug. Why was I so glade to see her? Why had it suddenly been important to me that she be there?

“Rachel there is a saying in the travel business. Lay out every thing you are taking on your trip……Then put half of it away.”

There was a twinkle in my eye as I teased her.

“Let me call for your bearers Lady Jane Graystokes”

So off it was for the central station and our train. That is if we survived the suicidal Paris taxi ride. This was the real meaning behind see “Paris and Die”

Track # 4 and the train for Normandy. I could see the questioning look in Rachel’s eyes as they went between the sign and my eyes. Even Rachel knew that Normandy lay north and west of Paris.

“I have some place special in mind for your 1st adventure outside of Paris, please just trust me.”

So off we went headed west instead of south. The country side speed by as the TVG raced on to Rouen. We chatted with two college coeds form the Netherlands on holiday.
Lunched with a couple from Hungry on a second honeymoon, exchanged addresses with the promise to write, just a normal train ride.

At the station I picked up the rental car. And off we drove into the countryside and towards the coast. I was evening as the causeway came into view and the last of the day’s tour busses was leaving and there she was.

Isigny sur Mer - Mont Saint-Michel - Cancale
I had taken Rachel on scenic road to Mont Saint-Michel and its bay. Mont St Michel the 13th century fortress, abbey, church, cloister. All ours to wander and explore with out the press of the day tourists, we would overnight on the rock.


http://always.bravepages.com/images/castle.jpg

 

[Cutie Lillie]

My mouth dropped open at the site of what Jim called the Rock.

Back where I come from, that meant a cold, grey islolated ex-prison located in the middle of a windswept bay....

This "Rock" glowed. Its warm lumensceint walls gave off the warmth of the sunset around it... the lights turned upward on it made them seem even softer than rock should be....

Walking up to the entrance my eyes could not stop wandering over ever nook and cranny. Soaking in the history and the lives that once stood where we stood.

I will admit, I looked at him sharply when he said we would be spending the night here. Where?!!!!

 

[cgraven]

Ah the Isigny sur Mer - Mont Saint-Michel and all to ourselves. The car was parked High and dry on the main land as we hitched a ride with a local fisherman on his horse dawn cart to our little Aurberge half way up the Mount. We each had a room under the eves of this 13th century Inn. A bit of freshening up and it was time for dinner.

“Rachel omelets and seafood are the specialty of the house. Have what ever you want.”

Dinner like all French meals out, was a two hour affair. The meal a mere excuses for friends to get together and talk, laughs, and enjoy each others company. My omelet was a towering fluffy affair with mushrooms and seafood. A little white house wine and all was fine. Fresh berries with heavy cream for desert and strong dark roast French coffee to finish.

Rachel’s nosed turned up at the smell of the coffee.


“Ah a Tea person I see. They have some fine blends here, better that the English I think.”

“Well are you ready to explore?”

 

[Cutie Lillie]

"I can't belive you want me to move after that meal and wonderful company, Jim." I laughingly exclaim..

I was so happy to find out there was a little Bed and Breakfast, French style on the side of the mountain.. and that the idea was NO camping out inside ..whatever it was.. moument? historic site?

It was dark out.. did he really intend to go exploring?

COOL!


"Ok, I said I was game for anything....let's go."


I jump up and pull on my coat, ready to explore with this man.. but what? I have visions of french jail cells as we will surely get caught for trespassing.. LOL My parents would never belive this!!!

 

[cgraven]

"Ok, I said I was game for anything....let's go."

And so off they went. The streets where narrow and winding they could have been any where in time. This was the place of legend, the final conflict in “The Scarlet Pimpernel”

They where discussing that very book as reached the top of the Mont just outside the Benedictine Abby, as the monks where chanting the hours of the day.

“Rachel can’t you just see the revolutions soldiers coming across the san from the main land on a night such as this. The sloop standing off the shore unable to come to their rescue. And then like now the tide turns.”

The moon was shining on the bay and the tidal bore came rushing in under the moons slivery light. It came so fast with a roar, the sand a mile before the tidal wave shimmered and moved like the deadly quick san it was. In less tan 15 minutes what had been bare sand now had fishing boats afloat and putting out to sea and still the tide rushed in.

“Rachel this is one of Natures wildest places and I love it.”

“Now this is the place to start an Adventure!”

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Standing there with the wind in my face I breathe deeply and fill my lungs with centuries of history... drama....noble quest of spirit and justice..

Oh, Jim.. this is marvelous....

I lean into him, taking his hand in mine. At first I thought it was for warmth, but its more than that. I am truly grateful to this man for opening up the world for me. I am hungry for more of what he can offer me.. and I'm the luckiest girl right now standing here with the water, wind and moon...

I find myself cuddling up to his shoulder closer than ever before, as if we were 'meant' to be standing there at that moment together. The smile on my lips hidden by the darkness... or so I thought..

My sighs excude my multitude of feelings.. the contentment, excitement, exhilleration....

My hand tingles as my fingers intwine with his.....

"I am the luckiest girl right now."

I start to feel a twinge of fatigue that comes with exerberance.. the coming down off the high of a fantastic day. I feel like I could stay up all night talking to my new friend...but I realize that I don't know what to say. And all during dinner I just sat back and let the room around me swirl in conversation as I answered simply the questions directed pointedly at me.. like where in the States did I come from and why had I come to France... and if I spoke any French.. which always made me blush in my admital to be truly uneducated in any foreign language except for a tiny bit of Spanish.

We stand there for the longest time, the night flowing over us. Feeling no need to talk. I sense I should say something..but I'm too full of so many new sights, sounds and experiences to put a complete sentence together. Instead all that comes out of me is in short phrases and gasps of thought..

So I stand there, hand in hand with Mr. Colin...Jim... and I wait..

 

[cgraven]

The moon plays across the sea, silver highlights catching the eye. Rachel leans back into me, her hand finds mine, fingers interlace, she is close, the warmth of her body, her fragrance, just together at peace sharing this special moment.

"I am the luckiest girl right now."

I smile to myself, no I am the luckiest man and yet I feel there is no need for words as we stand there watching the tide rush in.

“Come I have something I want you to see.”

I keep Rachel’s hand and we steal silently into to the Abby of St Michael’s Chapel. The chapel is bath in candle light; in the choir there are only three monks, and four nuns of the order of St. Benedict.

“This chanting of the hours has gone on unbroken for 4 centuries, just as you see it now Rachel.”

“This is all that is left of the community, and soon they too will be gone and that line of prayer and devotion will be broken forever.”

We wandered around the Isigny sur Mer - Mont Saint-Michel for hours as I told Rachel the legend of how St. Michael had directed the Abby’s building on the sea Mont, of how the causeway was slowly destroying the tidal marshes and of how much it had changed in the last ten years.

I listen at her wonder of its medieval beauty. We where walking arm and arm laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Time seemed to fly by; at last we arrived back at our Aurberge. The clock read 2Am.

“I’m sorry Rachel I kept you up over half the night.”

I just stood there her hands in mine. Lost in her presence, not sure what to say, or do. God I felt like a schoolboy on his first real date. Someone had to say something. We both started at the same time.

“No you first Rachel, I insist. “