Danya and EricaAnn the three of us could have much fun in Paris. Of course I would be the thorn between two roses.

No my friend, you would be the sweetheart between two roses.

I agree with Erica Ann. I hope you take lots of photos to share.

Hope you have the time of your life!

Hugs,

Danya

I am only ten days from following my dream. This will be my biggest adventure. This is just about me and what I want to do. I know I have mentioned this before because of what this represents for me. The healing, the adventure and the freedom from fear. A far cry from my precastration days.

My friends who loved Paris say Paris will change me. I am looking forward to the joie de vivre. Paris has always represented the center of culture in art, cuisine and fashion (which I do not follow). All the expatriates who called Paris home is of interest to me. Writers, musicians and people of color found acceptance in Paris. Nina Simone one of my favorite singers found a life in France.

This will be a time to learn about me. I will be away from any preconceived ideas about me. As I look at art and discover a new culture I can think about me and my place in the world. I will leave the negative words I have heard in the past. I guess to simplify, this trip will define me. I find a new happiness each day and I think Paris will certainly add to it.

I will be keeping a log of my experiences. I wish I had kept a log of my castration experiences. I am not sure why but I think this trip will be as important as my castration was to me.

Time for my life's adventures to begin.

tugon (imported) wrote: Tue May 18, 2010 9:12 pm I am only ten days from following my dream. This will be my biggest adventure. This is just about me and what I want to do. I know I have mentioned this before because of what this represents for me. The healing, the adventure and the freedom from fear. A far cry from my precastration days.

I am so happy for you, Tugon, and I know you will make the most of every moment of your trip.

tugon (imported) wrote: Tue May 18, 2010 9:12 pm My friends who loved Paris say Paris will change me. I am looking forward to the joie de vivre. Paris has always represented the center of culture in art, cuisine and fashion (which I do not follow). All the expatriates who called Paris home is of interest to me. Writers, musicians and people of color found acceptance in Paris. Nina Simone one of my favorite singers found a life in France.

This will be a time to learn about me. I will be away from any preconceived ideas about me. As I look at art and discover a new culture I can think about me and my place in the world. I will leave the negative words I have heard in the past. I guess to simplify, this trip will define me. I find a new happiness each day and I think Paris will certainly add to it.

I will

probably never have the chance to visit Paris, but I have read a lot about it. Knowing you, I am certain you will have a terrific time experiencing the many wonderful things the city has to offer. It is never too late to learn more about who we really are. I am glad you are giving yourself this gift.

tugon (imported) wrote: Tue May 18, 2010 9:12 pm I will be keeping a log of my experiences. I wish I had kept a log of my castration experiences. I am not sure why but I think this trip will be as important as my castration was to me.

Time for my life's adventures to begin.

I can hardly wait to read all about it!

Hugs,

Danya

Tugon,

I am excited for you. I hear enthusiasm for life in your writing, and that is a good thing to hear.

I know you are into photography, and so do take pictures. However (as I have learned in my life), the camera-made image is not as important as the mental images that you will also be collecting. Take time along the way to see, hear, touch, smell and "feel" the real Paris and Parisians. For instance, while riding the subway, experience the impersonal closeness of others and their diversity; while sitting at a sidewalk cafe for coffee, tea, a meal, whatever, smell the aromas of the food; stop and listen to the sidewalk musicians, really listen and watch their expressions and dress and body language, etc.

What I am trying to say here is not to look at and record what you are seeing, but rather experience the moment for what it really is. I say this because I believe there are some similarities in our approaches to travel, with the difference being that I have a few decades and many travels more to have had the opportunity/growth now to approach things differently. For me, the real value that I cherish comes from having been involved in rather than just looking at things. Decades ago I used to schedule exhaustive itineraries so as not to miss anything; now I experience what I can and know that there is more that I won't see on that particular trip. For instance, several years ago I sat for the longest time at the opera house in Manaus (Brazil) thinking about all of the world class singers who journeyed there to perform in such a magnificent facility. And then you may also find that you start traveling more (not necessarily internationally) and having wonderful growth experiences.

I feel like I am becoming preachy here, and so I'll close with "buen viaje" but do travel safely (no Rolex watches, wallet in an inside pocket, etc.).

BB

I have to agree with this. Too many people spend far too much time looking at the world through the viewfinder of their cameras, ostensibly to record the experience so they will remember it later. The trouble is, when you do that, all you remember of the amazing things you see, will be trying to line up the perfect shot through the viewfinder of the camera.

By all means, take picture, but remember that first and foremost, you are there. Live it, experience it, see all that you can through your own eyes. By all means take pictures, but the best way to remember your trip is by living it while you're there, not by trying to pin it under glass for later examination.

I recommend, as a cafe resturant to sit and watch people go by and have a nice lunch of a salade composée and a little jug of wine, Les Marronniers,‎ 18 Rue des Archives, 75004. Near the Hotel de Ville and in the nearest Paris has to a gay village...

I agree with Budley Bare and TheOtherSide to fully experience Paris. One of the reasons I will only be in Paris is due to my limited time for vacation. I am often asked where else I willl be going in Europe. I have been reading much and talking with friends who have stayed in Paris for an extended time about true Parisian experiences and not just the tourist traps.

I look forward to experiencing the cuisine, shopping in the stores and having a glass of wine in a sidewalk cafe and people watching. I look forward to getting lost in the city and making some great discoveries while I wander. I will visit places and think about the incredible age of the city and it's history. A friend was impressed with Notre Dame for the scent and sense of age about the church.

I do plan on letting my no T heightened senses full reign to enjoy the trip. I have some ideas of what I want to do but no rigid itinerary. I will be following my whims and exploring what might catch my attention. Since I am travelling alone there will be not time spent debating what we should do next. If I do not have a grand time in whatever I do it can only be my fault.

I think I have the security covered with a travel wallet that I will wear on a strap around my neck and under a shirt. No Rolex watch to be concerned about. I do have an international data plan on my phone to let everyone know I arrived safely in Paris.

Thank you both for your advice and shared experiences. Much appreciated.

Danya (imported) wrote: Wed May 19, 2010 8:20 pm I am so happy for you, Tugon, and I know you will make the most of every moment of your trip.

I will probably never have the chance to visit Paris, but I have read a lot about it. Knowing you, I am certain you will have a terrific time experiencing the many wonderful things the city has to offer. It is never too late to learn more about who we really are. I am glad you are giving yourself this gift.

I can hardly wait to read all about it!

Hugs,

Danya

Thank you Danya for the encouragement. I look forward to walking the streets of a city that has held my imagination for so long. In french class I remember the movies we would watch to hear the language spoken correctly. I always imagined walking the streets and being fluent in french. Knowing that writers and musicians found acceptance and a life without judgement made me even more interested in the city. As a child I dreamt of living on a space station and in my later teens I wanted to live in Paris. During the dark years I would dream of an escape to Paris. Oddly now that my life is much happier and more stable I am now going to Paris. I think at this age and stage of life I will truly enjoy this adventure.

Origen (imported) wrote: Thu May 20, 2010 3:16 am I recommend, as a cafe resturant to sit and watch people go by and have a nice lunch of a salade composée and a little jug of wine, Les Marronniers,‎ 18 Rue des Archives, 75004. Near the Hotel de Ville and in the nearest Paris has to a gay village...

Thanks for the suggestion. I will add this to my log of recommended places to visit. So many have given me many good ideas that the volcano may need to delay my return.