So… new lesson learned this weekend. Do NOT miss the last metro and do NOT walk across Paris in your bare feet at 3AM. Sounds pretty obvious.

I got invited to a party over near the Eiffel Tower and knowing that there would be a pool, I really had to check this out. I went, and was one of the early (or, on-time) ones who waited outside for a half hour while they finished setting up. I learned once in there, that the place is actually a residence. I wish I had better photos for you, but it was dark. Upon entering, there was a raised pool to the right and above the pool was a net, hanging from a  huge hole in the second floor. It was filled with pillows, and a rope that you could swing on. There were bars upstairs and downstairs serving champagne, and also on the second floor was a jacuzzi. Nice place to live.

I met a couple nice people I ended up spending most of the evening with, and when 1AM rolled around I was debating if I should go. I hadn’t even gotten in the pool yet! I was convinced to stay by someone telling me that I could crash on their couch since they lived nearby. After learning how much my bank was stealing from me whenever I got cash out of the ATM, I’ve decided to be extra careful about how much I spent, and I didn’t want to get a taxi. Wasn’t even sure how much that would cost or if I had enough with me. So anyway, I stayed, figuring I’d have a couch to crash on. Well, after getting in the pool for a while, my litte group was ready to go. I had to get my coat, and change out of my bathing suit. But I wasn’t quick enough. They left. I stood at the entrance wondering what my options were. I could walk… my iPhone said it would be an hour and a half. I could look for a cab… but which ones are real cabs, and how much would it cost? Would I have enough? In hindsight, I should have held up 10€ and said, “take me as far as you can.” Would have been worth it. I started walking. In heels. After a half an hour I realized that my iPhone was barely registering the change in time it would take. So I made the decision to take off my shoes. I’d just watch where I stepped. Surprisingly, I didn’t have to dodge any dog poo, but there were little streams from where people or dogs had peed on walls. Actually stepped over a stream in the progress of being created - by a dude in a corner. I don’t understand this, because there was a bar not too far away. At first, on my journey, I saw very few people, but once I hit the middle of the city there were groups of people partying at bars. I started feeling awkward. Around Rue de Rivoli I passed by a guy who decided to accompany me the rest of the way. I showed him my map, but it didn’t seem to phase him. He didn’t speak too much English, but really, I should speak French. He kept slowing down to talk, but it was about 4:30AM at this point and I really just wanted to get home. I was glad to see the cops still hanging out outside my door, so I could say good-night and not get any protestations about coming up to my place.

Several hours later I tried to wake up. I had plans on Sunday. But it wasn’t happening. I had to text in sick, and spent the rest of the day in bed except when my dog insisted on going outside. I developed a fever last night and spent the night dying. I want to say I feel better this morning, but really I just feel exactly the same as I did yesterday before the fever. But hungry. Nothing is open on Sundays and I’m out of food. I really don’t feel like going to the store, but I guess I have to. After I take the dog out…

So. Lesson #53…. don’t go to a pool party and then walk across Paris in the middle of the night with bare feet. Just get the cab.