Rocco Report, France

What’s up? I’m Rocco, “manic is the new sleep’s” goblin travel companion, and I’m here to cut through the bs that “manic is the new sleep” feeds you about how hunky-dory all these places we visit are. First of all, the Eiffel tower is really not that pretty in the day. It looks ok at night, and at night it’s kind of cool. There are lots of people sitting out drinking wine looking at the tower, but a lot of them are stupid American backpacker kids trying to “find themselves in Europe” or something. We came across a particularly rowdy bunch and luckily GN was there to help me steal their cheese, which we proceeded to throw at them. And yes these kids were drinking wine and eating cheese at the Eiffel tower – apparently cliché is the new hip.

The Louvre was ok, but seriously the Mona Lisa is not worth the steamer-in-the-pants that people seem to have for it. I was into painting back in my day, and believe me “enigmatic smiles” are wicked easy to do. Most people only go to the Louvre to look at the Mona Lisa and to seem sophisticated, not because they like art and to these people I give half a peace sign. You should live for the passion, not for the image.

Oh and Avignon is scary as hell. I was being fucking friendly to this little kick dog on the street, and he growled at me and tried to eat me. Now come on, it was a kick dog! I was being friendly and it tried to eat me! I wanted to stay and kick this things ass, but “manic is the new sleep” was a wuss and ran away. What a fucking baby.

And as for the French people, the stereotype that they are pretentious holds no water. They are in fact quite friendly and charming, and have a keen eye for style. They do though stick to the stereotype that they love cigarettes far more than they love showers and deodorant.

-Rocco

Avignon, France

I made a brief stop in Avignon, and if you are looking to live a simple, relaxed life in a beautiful town, Avignon France is the place to go. Avignon even has ancient city walls protecting it - from what I don't know, but its pretty cool.

The inevitable insanity that comes with a trip like this (think of it like a prize in a box of cereal), is beginning to set in. Without admitting to too many incriminating details for future employers to find when I’m 40 and have forgotten all about this blog, I’ll leave it at this: There was dancing on tables at a cafe with AS and a cat that I could have sworn really wanted to take a bath. Also Rocco almost got eaten by a dog.

Thanks to: KL for letting me crash at her place, and for being a kick ass hostess.
Currently in: Interlaken, Switzerland where I begin the first string of countries where I know no one.

Paris

Paris is phenomenal. It is abuzz with people sitting at cafes late into the night, enjoying their lives and their company with wine, espresso and cigarettes. Living in Paris would be incredible.

My Mother joined me for this city, which was cool, and we hit all the “must do’s”, as well as a few bonuses. We:

Saw the Mona Lisa
Hung out at the Eiffel Tower
Wandered the Versailles Gardens
Sipped espresso at street side cafes
Caught an incredible Jazz show
Climbed the Notre Dame towers
And concluded our trip with expensive champagne on a river cruise down the Sane

I also got a chance to catch up with GN and LS which was a blast. We snuck a bottle of cheap red wine into the bar that Picasso, Hemmingway and Sartre used to drink at and drank our wine, instead of purchasing the expensive stuff they had for sale. I think Hem, Sartre and Vincent would approve. We also hung out at the Eiffel tower one night - and it’s a fun scene there. Locals and travelers just lay out on the grass and pass the night away as roaming vendors try to sell you wine and Eiffel tower key chains. Each time they came by to us, we haggled with them a bit – offering to take their bottle of wine if they gave us 10 euros and such. We actually had two scores. One was an Eiffel tower key chain in exchange for an imaginary cigarette – I still don’t know how that one worked. The other was we were paid 10 Euro cents to applaud and cheer for one of the vendors.

What I love about Paris:

Thanks to: my Mother. Paris was a blast with you!
Next stop: Avignon, France

Ice-cream anyone?

Paris is known to be a city of passionate lovers and exquisite foods. Apparently some street vendor has decided to combine the two with these ice-cream cones.

Life on $40.00 a day

With just under seven hours until I board the flight to Paris, I have exactly $3424.71 in my bank account to last me through December 18th.

Prepare for Departure

“Manic is the new sleep” is my official travel log with stories and photos of my movement through Europe and Africa as it happens, throughout the fall and winter of 2006.

Though I have plotted a potential itinerary for this adventure, in the end the route I travel will be dictated only by the seduction and temptation of the roads, people, and events I’ll encounter along the way.

The potential itinerary is:

France (Paris and Avignon)
Switzerland (Bern and Luzern)
Italy (Milan and Naples)
Austria (Salzburg)
Germany (Munich)
Czech Republic (Prague)
Holland (Amsterdam)
UK
Spain
Morocco
Zimbabwe
Botswana
South Africa

This should be pretty wild!

Montreal

Poutine (adjective): "A Quebec (or French-Canadian) staple, a dish of homemade french fries topped with white cheddar cheese curds and beef gravy (wannabes and some americans have been known to serve this dish with any cheese and turkey gravy). Generally served in a styrofoam container or carton." www.urbandictionary.com

While up in Montreal last weekend, my father and I crossed these jittery beggars looking for their next hit.