Cocktails at the American Embassy

Thursday evening I went to a cocktail party at the embassy. It was an event sponsored by American University Clubs of France, and my grad school, Thunderbird, is a member. I didn't know anyone who was going but I didn't think I'd have many opportunities like this, so I went.

Well, getting there proved to be a bit of a challenge. The event was scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. and I had a class at La Défénse (yes, you remember the place ...) and did not return home until 4:45. I quickly changed clothes and got ready, and foolishly put on a pair of new high heels (they look SO nice!). Because of the heels, I didn't want to walk 7 or 8 blocks to the Métro and decided a taxi would be best, particularly since it was now 5:45. Of course, I was unable to hail a taxi. I walked three blocks to the bus stop and hopped on. With traffic it took about 15 minutes to travel two stops. At the Assemblé Nationale, I got off the bus. This is on the right bank, across the bridge from Place de la Concorde, with the embassy being on the far side of that.

When I got off the bus, it was raining lightly; not enough to get soaked, just enough to ruin your hair. Luckily, I had carried an umbrella. Unluckily, it broke when I tried to open it. I dumped it in the next trash bin. I started across the bridge, still attempting to get a cab. By the time I reached the other side of the Concorde (this is a very big area), my feet were beginning to hurt. I reached the Rue de Rivoli and turned the wrong way. Apparently, I was about 1 block from the embassy but went right instead of left! After a couple of blocks of walking, with my feet beginning to throb, I asked someone where the embassy was located. He kindly walked me back the 3 blocks and pointed it out. However, I quickly learned I was at the wrong entrance. Another 10 minutes of walking finally brought me to the proper door. My invitation and ID gained my entrance. By this time, though it was 6:45, and the Ambassador finished speaking as I arrived.

The rooms where the cocktail party was held were beautiful, and, most important to me at this point, were the thick, soft carpets which cushioned my poor aching, albeit very nice-looking, feet. I was handed a glass of champagne and began to wander a bit. The rain had stopped, the sun was once again shining and the gardens were in full bloom and gorgeous.

Not knowing a single person was a bit intimidating, but I took a deep breath and approached a small group of people and said hello. After that initial contact, I spent the rest of the time talking with various people, one of whom happened to be the head of the Democrats Abroad group. Just past 8:00, things were wrapping up and I took my leave.

My transportation woes continued, though. I began the long trek back to the Métro; hobbled is more like it. I was off to meet some friends and considered my transfer options - change métro stations, or get out and jump on the bus after two stops. I opted for the bus. As I came up the stairs, I saw my bus pass. Fifteen minutes later, another arrived. After boarding I looked up at the sign showing the next stop and realized I was headed in the wrong direction. I got off at the next stop to turn myself around and onto the right bus. By the time I arrived at my stop, and walked the two blocks to the café, my feet were on fire.

Going home I opted for the bus again, which dropped me a couple of blocks from my apartment. By this time, though, there was no continuing in these shoes. Off they came and I walked the last two blocks barefooted. Finally, my feet felt good. (The next day I saw that I had blisters on the balls of my feet. No wonder it hurt so badly.)

So, an eventful evening. Rain, sun, métro, buses, the American Embassy, interesting people and sore feet. It was definitely memorable!