Chapter 67: Rennes of the Mill (But Happy Still)

nerd blog post #72

Well, folks, I'm back in Rennes. I left on December 10th and returned today, with that brief touchdown with Steve and Doc just after Christmas. I feel as though I have been on the road forever.. It's time to go back to work, catch up on correspondence, and enjoy this pretty city. More on being home latron..

After a harrowing journey, Steve and I spent the night of the 6th at Raffi's in Paris. The next morning, we took a four hour train ride to Amsterdam. We were happy to leave the airports behind, and enjoy the comfort of speedy Eurotrains. Traveling by train is not nearly as tiring, and often quite faster. Doctor was there to pick us up at the station, and we had a 25 minute walk to his apartment.

Doctor's student apartment (that his school set up for him) is unreal. It looks like some sort of artist's loft meets an Ikea catalog photo. Beautiful high ceilings and a window that covers an entire wall. He has his own kitchenette and bathroom. Steve and I were happy to have a place to eat more than oats and yogurt and to lounge around. We were kind of tired, and this last portion in Amdam proved to be rejuvenating and wonderful. Perhaps the best leg of the whole month..

That afternoon, we chilled out, cooked a stir-fry dindins, had some wine.. We went to bed relatively early. The next day, we went to the Anne Frank museum, the Waterlooplein flea market, over bridges, beside canals, all around.. Amsterdam is a beautiful city that feels safe and friendly and has a lot to see and do. The tasteful respect of the Anne Frank museum makes it the most powerful homage to WWII I have seen. It brings everyone to silence. I wouldn't recommend skipping it if you're ever in the city.

That evening, we hit up a cool bar. We had some trouble finding it at first, but when we did, it was a gem. We had a great time. En route, we walked through the red light district. (This was left out of the Hincks family trip to Amdam when I was six.) It was interesting to see, but with the windows full of women and the streets full of men, I didn't want to stick around. It wasn't very nice to see.. The next day, Doctor led us around. We saw the other big museums and famous canals and a big zoo.

Turns out, Steve learned how to cook in my absence. I was impressed. Every morning he made delicious spinach and cheese omelettes. He made a peanut stir-fry the first night and a teryaki stir-fry the second. On the third day, we let him rest and went out for a Chinese feast.

Side info: This was my fourth time to the city. The first time was in 1986, which I just found out about yesterday from my mom. We were there again in 1991, when I was six. We visited the Anne Frank museum and it had an impact on me then. I also remember the canals and bicycles.. Still there today. I went again for a day trip while visiting a German friend in 2002. We also visited the Anne Frank museum. It was interesting to be back yet again, seeing things from still another perspective.. I hadn't remembered how pretty a city it is. Definitely one of the more beautiful ones I have seen. I look forward to visiting again soon. Hopefully in February.

Steve and I left Doctor on Saturday morning. It was a sad goodbye. It was sad because I'd spent nearly the whole month with Doctor and gotten used to it again. It was like being at home.. It was also sad because I knew it was the first of a trio of goodbyes before coming back to Rennes.

Back in Paris, Steve, Raffi, Viktor and I had the last supper of French galettes and wine. We then went to a bar not too far from their place. It was a good send off evening. We stayed at Raffi's that night.

In the morning, I took Steve to the airport. I declared it the Saddest Day of 2009. The two weeks and two days he was here felt wonderfully long. I enjoyed the convos, the exploring, the reminiscing, the meals, the new lands.. And, as has always been the case with Steve, I mostly enjoy his quiet but steady companionship. Once tallied, his grand total was 140 points.

I was so grateful to spend the rest of the day with Raffi. We had coffee and went for a long walk near the Seine. Today, we said goodbye for awhile (but not such a long while) and I slept on the train back to Rennes.

It has been good to see Cynthia, and I will see Merrill tomorrow. We have exchanged stories, grocery shopped, eaten a meal and talked about how this next semester might go. I look forward to getting into a good rhythm here and gaining inspiration and optimism from my students. Rennes is still beautiful and I am still happy to be here, despite having to recover from the Saddest Day of 2009.

ALSO! I returned to find many cards and presies! What treats. I also realized that I have much more to write about. This week might be filled with all-over-the-place nerd blog posts. And finally, I have a lot of e-mee catching up to do. I have been thinking of you all, even if I haven't replied to your e-mees in over a month.. Oopsies and sorry.

All love,
Hincks.