packing... and what comes to mind: catcalls

We're packing. Well, I'm packing to leave Paris; Bethany is just gonna leave its center. I'm actually getting a little melancholic - whatever that's due to... I almost wanna go to the Seine later tonight or catch the sunrise at some prominent place...
On the other hand I've had enough molesting experiences for today, so I really don't feel like provoking another one. -- But hey: see that: this is exactly how you should not start to think: 'provoking' people to molest you by just walking on the streets?! That's just a super-ridiculous thought (and women should definitely make themselves not think that way)!
So, here is the story: When I left Montmartre today over the large staircase (you all saw it in 'Amélie') in plain daylight and in a crowd of tourists, some guy started to call "Hey Miss!" from like three meters away, which I professionally ignored as this just is what you get (and really everyone gets) in those tourist areas. So then that guy came up to me, placed himself to obstruct the passage and when I didn't stop walking, walked with me and, I guess, tried to grab my arm and get me to stop or to go somewhere. So when I finally got rid of him by mostly pulling my arm loose and trying to pass him, I was apparently annoyed enough to not wanting him to get away with that. So, after I gained some distance, I found myself turning around and shouting at him: "This is really rude!" (actually in English) while making that great Italian gesture of utter annoyance with my left hand. Well, what happened? Of course, then the cursing started on his part. It was yelled at my back in quite ugly English, so I didn't get much of it while I was hurrying away, but what I heard were pieces like this: "(if) you (don't) do what I want" and "(I) dig your pussy" etc.pp. -- Apart from being offended, I was feeling so(!) angry for the next two hours or so that I had totally slabbed the next guy starting off like that. (I still get angry just thinking of it!) Argh!
I considered what would have happened if I had done that to this guy. Or just go back and yell back at him? But I guess that'd been really unwise as he totally demonstrated his lack of respect (and willingness to maul strangers) and any more confrontation might have become quite uncomfortable. And even though there were so many people around I doubt that these would have been of any help -- I just imagine that crowds of tourists are even worse concerning their helping behavior than other kinds of crowds (as the situation is even less defined for them). Anyways. I'm sooo angry!
-- Lately I had a nice talk to Bethany about "catcalls" (a great word!) and the way you should react to them. She says you should make an ugly noise (like a farting sound) plus ugly face in reply. I think, that's great -- and also very courageous (and therefore not always appropriate). But it's something to think about, as the usual reaction (i.e.: ignoring it, by bending your head and staring on the pavement, quickening your pace) just really makes you feel bad. You take the offense home with you, having been treated like, well, a cat and having let them make these super-disgusting smacking-sounds at you. - I don't especially like that power-talk, but Bethany says, and I think she's right, that by not looking up and trying to hide from their catcalling, you actually give them power over you. -- So: don't.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This is my favourite picture of our visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a few days ago. As you can see, I started playing with the aperture. I like blurred backgrounds a lot. Just that "playing" with an analog camera is a really expensive undertaking and I guess for that reason I should get back to digital cameras... ;-/

Our goodbye present.

Well, Bethany won't be part of the present, but the (so far) naked lady seems to be appropriate for two young guys, one of which has decorated his room with mostly, well, ladies.
I wanna dress her, though. Bethany doesn't wanna spend money and (more importantly) thinks that the nakedness is the best part about her. We'll see. I'll keep you updated.

analog pictures

bird catching a piece of bread

lantern in front of notre dame

paris' chimneys

cimetière père lachaise

palazzo di pablo picasso,
social housing in noisy-le-grand

(Lack of) Photos...

Bethany lets me take pictures with her camera. But I fear she's getting increasingly annoyed. Or the annoyance is coming and going in waves... But she deals pretty well with it, resorts to extensive eye-rolling, but still lets me use her camera. Here some famous and ever repeating claims: "But don't always take two pictures of the exact same view! Switch it off, when you don't use it! Put it on your neck -- you're tripping!" etc.pp. My standard reply: "You have to become a teacher...". Actually, we do have a lot of fun with these conversations, as we're laughing a lot about ourselves and each other: we know the other's characteristics well and appreciate them. Mostly. ;-)

But I also took some pictures with my nice analog camera and developped them. I will post the nicest ones.

JENA

I think I haven't yet officially told you:
I transferred to another university: the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. So I will be leaving Göttingen and my old university, the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. Of course, this is also sad and yes, I'm nervous (or I will be when I have to start all the organizational stuff -- in a week or so (crap!)).
Jena is not Berlin (where I wanted to go, but wasn't admitted; apparently a piece of paper was missing in my application). But then: why not give destiny a chance?
Jena as a city is even a little smaller than Göttingen, but comparable in many ways. It's not even that far from Gö -- the train takes 2,5 hours (and costs 13,50 Euros). The Psychological Department is ranked very well. There are no tuition fees so far. I will discover ex-eastern Germany and try to get used to that crazy humor there. ;-) Well -- there are many (other/ actual) reasons. I'm too lazy to put them all up, categorize and rank them. -- At least, I managed to successfully escape a city which many people I know got addicted to.
I'm hoping for visitors there -- don't forget about that...

Just 8 days left -- unbelievable!

I was just reminded that "le temps mord" -- time bites.
There are still all kinds of museums to visit: I haven't been to the Louvre yet (mostly because I think it'll leave me unsatisfied anyways, as it's just too big, but on the other hand: who wants to spend two entire weeks in the Louvre?!). Then there is Musée Grévin, showing big historical moments in wax; la Musée de l'Érotisme (where Bethany doesn't wanna accompany me to and I, understandably, don't wanna go alone); la Maison Européenne de la Photographie, la Musée de la Curiosité et de la Magie, l'Institut du Monde Arabe, Musée Nationale Rodin...
Any suggestions?

Bethany's Blog

Friends and family!
There is an amazing new blog out in the universe:

nothing special

Go, have a look!
It's also a great relief to me, as you will now be updated about our Paris adventures by her. ;-) Bethany also has a very nice camera -- so enjoy her pictures!
(For anyone who might not know: Bethany and I lived together at Lothlorien, our student coop in Berkeley, over the past two semesters. And then we came here -- to share an appartment for a month. Bethany is going to stay in Paris after this month -- but you'll read that on her blog!)
NB: Don't believe all the unflattering things she writes about me. :-)

sign of life

(c) by bethany

Chaos

Guys, I neglected you, but you're (mostly) doing just the same, so why apologize.

* Bethany arrived with all her awesome lothy-ness and I will have to say a few words on that, once I'll have the calmness to do so.
* I was unattentive enough to get my bag stolen, which is -- apart from all the inconvenience -- mostly a funny story. The only really bad thing is that this incident is going to deprive you of realtime digital pictures, as that camera is gone. I still have the nice analog camera, but it will take time to develop the pictures etc.pp.
--> Most importantly: as my cell-phone is gone, I lost all your numbers. So you'll have to call me. At least: I won't be able to. --> Send your numbers via e-mail!

I'll try to catch up writing about Paris in a few days. There hasn't been a sunny day again.