March so far

It’s been awhile since the last update, but not a whole lot has happened. The usual weekly archive grind continues, complete with the ham and cheese sandwich lunch, which is getting a bit old, but is cheap and easy. It’s hard to believe that it is almost the end of March, but there is still a lot of time between now and when I go back home. I’m looking forward to that more and more.

The weekends have been filled with rugby matches, which have been fantastic to watch. I never thought I’d be all that interested in rugby, as I have not been that exposed to the game and knew literally nothing about it. However, it has been relatively easy to get into, especially when watching it out in Irish pubs with Irish fans. Ireland has had the best year and it was a lot of fun watching them win against all their opponents. By far the most exciting was the final match of Wales versus Ireland for several reasons – firstly, both teams are very good, Wales being the defending champions, secondly, because Ireland has not won a grand slam since 1948 and thus had a lot riding on the last game. I was worried that the game would not live up to the hype that the announcers were making all through the earlier games. It lived up to the hype and then some. It was the single most thrilling sporting event that I have ever witnessed. Both teams fought hard the whole game and the score was kept close. In the final minutes, the leading kicker for Ireland scored to bring the Irish ahead by 2. However, a penalty kick in the final seconds was the game decider. The Welsh player who had scored all of the points for the team was the kicker and if he made it, Wales would have won…the ball missed by inches and the Irish bar that I was in erupted in applause. It was very exciting for the Irish who received medals from none other than Prince William. I am sad that the series is over, but happy that the Irish won.

Other happenings were a beer pong match amongst nations: France vs. USA – I am happy to report that the USA team of Joe and Jaime defended national pride and bested the French. There was another general strike on Thursday, which meant another day off from the Archives, since they almost always participate. I did not mind as I was once again struck down with a head cold. Also, my birthday was on Friday and we went out to the Hard Rock Café and the Highlander, both of which were a good time. It was odd being in Paris for my birthday and although I received a lot of birthday wishes from back home, I was a bit sad to be away from home. Today, I finally made it to Jim Morrison’s grave in Père Lachaise cemetery – flowers and pictures surrounded him. Walking through the cemetery was a bit morbid AND a black cat ran across my path. Hopefully nothing bad comes of it.

Another two weeks of working in the archives and then FINALLY I get to see Dan!!! I am beyond excited to have him in Paris and many days it has been the thought of seeing him that has gotten me through my work. I am looking forward to showing him and city and also seeing parts of it myself that I haven’t gotten around to yet. I hope that April 4th comes very quickly!!!!