My birth stone. My birthday.
Thanks for the wishes guys.
Today was a special day, but not in the way I imagined.
I planned to be wandering Amsterdam alone. I planned to see Anne Frank's House. (I did, yesterday. More on that later..)
Two days ago I was in Paris. I was annoyed that the hostel had like no tables to eat on. Breakfast area closed? Grr, why? Doesth thou not want us to eat on elevated surfaces?
I peered down the curving stairs. Ah. A table. Three empty chairs. I stumble awkwardly down, my hunger clamoring for action. I'm hoping the three computers are free. I want to eat in peace.
First computer. Free. Lookin' good..
Second computer, taken. D'oh! Haha it's okay I'll say hi and hide in my shell, as much as I hate it when I do that..
I tumble my sub sandwich, pretzels, and blue Camelbak bottle full of Amsterdam tap water (which is among the best in Europe) on the table and somehow manage a low grumble, "Hi.." half expecting the girl who sits there to give me the 'oh, now what-roll-eyes look" haha. My mind trains itself but there are two layers of ice to break. One is on my end and why do I fall, every single time?
It can be anything, but it's anticipating something where I have to act. Expectation. Go away. But try. Just try to be free.
I'm in Paris. My habits follow. I expected them to. Don't expect to change or I'll be disappointed. I'm not here to change.
I'm lying.
I'm here to change.
I just... have to get comfortable with it. Test the waters. Prepare. I'm a dork till the end.
And I like being a dork. I just hate bring a paralyzed dork. Life's too short to stand still..
"So how was your day?" one of us blurts out. I forget who.
"I walked around with my friend Mark today. He's French so he gets all the directions from people. I don't think I've spoken one word of French," she said, if it was me who asked.
"I went to the Eiffel Tower and walked around in the park. I could watch people playing ping-pong all day long," I said, if it was her.
Very Quantum.
Several minutes later I tell her I'm going to Amsterdam tomorrow. She says she's going on Tuesday. I say that's a good day.
"Why?" she asks.
"Because that's my birthday." I say.
"Oh? We have to celebrate!" she says. "How bout we meet up and hang out?"
Heck even Old Paul would say yes.
We exchange details and Old Paul says, "hmm..my number may not work. Might have to switch SIM cards when I get to the Netherlands."
Details details. But that's where life us hidden, right?
"Text me once you do." she says.
"Enjoy the rest of your lunch!" she exclaims as we say au revoir. Well I do but she doesn't speak French, haha.
We say bye and I finish. As I make my way up the stairs it's eerie. This kind of instant communication and hanging out doesn't happen at home.
Today I wake up and I get a text.
It's my birthday. I made a friend two days ago, now her and Mark are taking me to dinner. That. Is a birthday.
I spend the morning sending postcards and writing emails, haha. It's strangely comforting.
I meet 'em at their hotel. We find a place. She gets steak. I get a half-chicken. He gets beer.
Mark, teaches me French (now that I don't need to know any more, haha)
I tell them my "Je Pars" story. They laugh. Mark confirms that it's the right thing to say. I am relieved, haha.
So we finish. Wendy (that's her name) excuses herself to go to the restroom, or so I assume. I chat with Mark. Finishing school. Living in southern France. How people in Paris are stressed, rushed.
Wendy comes back with a plate.
It's got a slice of rich chocolate cake and a small candle, lit with a giddy flame.
"Happy birthday!" she exclaims.
I am delighted. Surprised. I haven't quite felt this way before. I gave her a hug.
"I believe everyone deserves a cake on their birthday," she says.
I make a wish. Blow out the candle. She takes a pic of me. And gives me a postcard from Paris and a "P" memento. This is a real birthday. I'm in Amsterdam. I met Wendy two days ago, and Mark just an hour ago.
Life has its own surprises.
Then we walked into the cool of twilight.
Here in Amsterdam I had a great birthday.
Thank ya Wendy :)
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