Aussi Time

Despite my urgent need to rest after Thursday night's festivities followed by the birthday lunch Friday, I had promised I would attend a work happy hour at Matilda's Bar in the Australian Embassy. Matilda's is just downstairs from my office which is also in the Australian Embassy.

Matilda's is not a normal bar, but more of a rec room with a bar that is sometimes used for exercise classes, and only open for drinking on the odd Friday night. Last Friday was one of those nights. The Embassy had booked an Australian band, Belle Rosco, to play, and planned to be open from 5:30 pm until midnight. After work, I parked myself at the bar with my coworker Annette, and we drank some Aussie beer and ate pizza, talking to IEA employees and people from the Embassy. It was a lot more fun then expected, and the band was really good. Despite my plans to have an early night, I stayed until the bar closed at midnight and then headed to another bar with some of my coworkers.

It was at this time, that I had one of the quintessential Parisien experiences. We were all splitting into cars to head to the bar; however, some people were hopping on their motorcycles (or scooters - whatever they are called here). I realized that I never had the opportunity to ride a vespa in Italy, so I decided it was imperative that I ride a moto in France once (don't worry mom, only that once). One of my coworkers put me on a moto with his trustworthy friend who had an extra helmet, and off we went... passing the Eiffel Tower (literally the street next to the Tower), the Seine River, the cute cafes.... wind in my hair! It was amazing! I can still see the Tower all lit up and so close I felt I could reach out and touch it.

The ride ended too soon... We arrived at the bar safe and sound, and I had one drink and decided it was time to hit the sack. Unfortunately my mode of transport back to my apartment was a boring old cab....