In Paris

I had a wonderful flight into Brussels where I took the Thalys TGV to Paris. (Excuse any spelling errors since I am writing on a "azerty" keyboard.) Thanks to my brother and the DL 140 for getting me there safely.

A curious coincidence occured as I was leaving the plane -- ahead two rows ahead of me, in the business elite section, I spied a familiar face. Though more hirsuite than when I last saw him, Christophe Vandaele, was smiling back at me in recognition that we had spent the last 7 hours not more than 3 meters apart.

After some greetings were exchanged, we traded reasons why were there. I was doing MDS and he, it turns out was on his way to climb, Everest. DL 140 was a special flight, indeed. While he said he always wanted to do MDS and said that he thought it was tougher than Everest; I did not reciprocate - I have NO desire to climb Everest.

I wished him "bon chance" and we parted ways. If you want to keep track of him on a journey 3 years in the making, check out his website at www.christophevandaele.com.

Beste geluk, mijn vriend.

The TGV ride to Paris was uneventful except that for the 3rd time someone I talked to actually knew what MDS was - the customs agent in Brussels, Christophe, and the woman sitting next to me on the train who happened to see my MDS folder.

It took me less than ten minutes to travel from Gare du Nord to the flat I am staying in with Emeka and Katie. The place is located on the top floor of an old apartment building in the 11th.

We went for lunch after I got there, did some grocery shopping (it is quiet here because it is Sunday), and puttered around the apartment. We're trying to stay up to reset our clocks but I think Katie is loosing the battle after eating the fine meal I cooked for dinner.

Well, it has taken me the better part of 45 minutes to type this and it is hurting my weary brain.

A bientot!