Olympia Day 6 - 16

Yes, I was lazy about writing. No, that's wrong, I'm lazy about writing. I've also had a lot going on in my life recently. No, that's also wrong, there's still a lot going on. But I'm now keeping track of what I haven't written over the weeks, chronologically. If I can manage it. So the Olympics and Paris. I'm just looking through the photos again, wow! Wow, that was great, it really was a unique experience. Where else was I there? Beach volleyball several times, what a sports venue, the best, I thought. I was under the Eiffel Tower a total of 5 times. Two or three times even the two Spanish women, the good one is an 8th wonder of the world, really, the woman, there were many MEMS because of her. And the sports venue under the Eiffel Tower was really great. MONSTERBALL. The atmosphere was great. Then I went to archery, canoe slalom, field hockey, wrestling, table tennis again and dressage riding in Versailles, also a great sports venue, very nicely done, and several times at the State-de-France for athletics. The very best competition I experienced was in women's weightlifting up to 49 kg. Oh my God, they were celebrating, they were really up for it and performed accordingly. Back when I was planning, I have to admit that I made a mistake. I should have spent a bit more money and put myself in the middle of Paris. Who would have thought that so many apartments were still being offered on the relevant exchanges. Next time! So I had to commute every day, usually twice. In the morning I cycled to the sports venues, back at lunchtime, mostly along the Seine, and then came back in the evening by public transport. On Saturday I went to Versailles for dressage and met a young lady on the way there, also on a bike, and we got talking while we were looking for the way. It became complicated because the cycle race also runs alongside Versailles. The volunteers had little idea either, although it can be said that the volunteers were usually extremely helpful and extremely friendly. The young lady and I parted company at the bike parking lot right next to the sports venue and I sat there riding in the blazing sun. During the first German rider, a helicopter (bike race) flew past the sports venue, so the nag was perhaps a little distracted, but it made the whole thing really exciting. Extremely exciting. The gold medal was well deserved and really nice to see. Then back to the bike, the young lady was back and we continued talking. She had come here by train this morning and was now thinking about cycling into town. I didn't realize it, am I flirt-blind, and said goodbye and went to Ris-Orangis to take the public transport back to beach volleyball in the evening. I was annoyed the whole damn day and the next and the one after that. I'm too stupid, I'm still annoyed to this day, but that's me, just not capable of flirting and far too shy. For whatever reason, a little introvert in an extroverted shell. Anyway, what else? Of course there was also a bit of sightseeing, but because of all the commuting it was almost too short, what I definitely liked were the bouquinistes along the Seine. To tell the truth, I spent another weekend in Paris during the Paralympics and caught up on a lot of things there, especially the torch, but more about that later. I also spent a lot of time in Montparnasse, Crème Brûlée & Kaffee, mainly because it was always on the way between 2 sports venues or a sports venue and the apartment. Of course, I also cycled once (or more) in the traffic circle around the Arc-de-Trumpf. Each time it was really dangerous, once I was almost run over, I swore wildly, stinky finger out, etc. Suddenly the car turns on its blue lights and siren and drives on. Oops. I slowly crept away, but something seemed to be going on, they were coming from all directions. The weather was very varied during the 2 weeks. Above all, it was more pleasant because you didn't have to constantly pay attention to the traffic when riding along the cycle path, otherwise it was sometimes very exhausting, either the cars in the suburbs or the pedestrians in the city. Oh actually it was all really great, unforgettable are the rides with the “button-in-ear” (radio) between music (Beyonce texas hold'em) and sports coverage (mostly tennis or basketball or another team sport) Those were 2 so awesome weeks. Really. I can't even describe some of it. I'll never forget the handball game against France, which I watched in my apartment while I was getting ready to leave in the evening. That was incredible. Afterwards, with a chilled monster drink in my hand, I got on the train in 35 degrees and headed back into the city for the next event. I hope I can make it back to LA in four years' time. I'm sure the experience will be even better with the experience I've gained. It was indescribable! Beautiful, indescribably beautiful! The way back by train was very uneventful, although I had to change trains a few times and also to a train in France that had no bicycle parking space, but I absolutely had to take it, on a Sunday, because I had to work again on Monday and had to catch connecting trains, the Riedbahn renovation sent my regards. Back via the Rhine Valley and its castles (Pfalzgrafenstein), I got “homesick” for Wiesbaden (really ?, I really like the city) and arrived back in Essen after 3 weeks. I would have loved to stay away.