The awesome adventures of Jack Chi: No you cannot haz my wallet you dirty thief!

So today I almost got thieved twice! In the same day. But to get to that story it will be a while because a lot of other interesting things happened in between. So sit back kids and let me tell you about what happened......

It all started in the morning. We woke up quite early and prepared to check out Sacred Coeur the church a top of a hill which has a really good view of the area. Also in this area is Montmaert which is a really artistic area. Over the years a lof of famous artists have lived here.

Sally and I met up with Sopie and we had a true French breakfast with croissants, baguettes and hot chocolate! It was amazing! And it was only €9 which is about $13. But for Paris this is a good price already!

After checking out the small alleyways and windy roads and fascinating architecture we parted ways. I wanted to see the Arch before I left and they wanted to see a museum. So off I went. The first time I have really been somewhere in Europe by myself sightseeing. (The first day didn't really count since I had met Sally right away we checked out pretty much everything together). And at first I was anxious but excitement soon washed over that! The arch was amazing to say the least! It is so huge and the views from the different angles really are spectacular. Watching the cars, scooters, busses and even bicycles navigate the round about was an added bonus! Its so crazy! I have found a new respect for Parisian cyclists - how big are their balls is a question that will be asked for centuries to come! To be able to go through that precarious roundabout on a bicycle is by far the scariest thing I have seen on this trip. But I guess what happened later that night was more scary........

It was now almost night time. I just checked out the world famous Ladurre restaurant and bought 4 of the most expensive macaroons that I have or will ever buy in my life! They were good. I am walking back towards the Arch to check it out at night. When suddenly I see a bunch if soldiers standing around at attention and it seems like something official is about to happen. It was! The soldiers were marching towards the arch for a remembrance celebration which I got to watch from front row cause I was already there! While there I struck up a conversation. with two Korean girls: Hyun Ju and Dyoo Suk. Long story short we all got dinner at a really authentic Indian restaurant near La Chapelle where Sophie lives and shared our stories.

Finally after heading back to Sophie's I headed out with my bags packed. Here is where things begin to get sketchy. Sophie lives in the 18ardondisement of Paris which is a sketchy neighborhood. I am walking late at night in a semi deserted street trying to ho to my couchsurfer host Francois and Carline. Carrying my huge backpack is like carrying a large sign that says tourist. A smarm of 6-7 20 year old guys walked along side me and started to get fresh with me if you know what I mean. So I played it cool and just talked with them in French while walking. It was all very friendly and congeal. Then one of the guys extended his hand to shake mine which I did but at the same time he tried to take my wallet out with his other hand. But luckily for me I had prepared for that and was paying full attention to my pockets. So I slapped his hand away and called him out in a friendly way. Because at this point if they wanted they could have provably beaten me up and taken my wallet since it was 7v1. The thief acted all hurt and was denying all acts in a coy manner. We arrived at an intersection and I headed for the subway. So attempt number one failed! Phew!

Taking the subway attempt number two on my wallet occurred . After my close encounter with an empty pocket I was hypervigilant of my wallet. So as I was sitting down on the subway I had both my hands in my pants pockets and checking my surroundings. A calm looking 20 something came by sitting next to me with a newspaper rolled up in his hand. Because the style if my jeans the buldge from my wallet is quite visible so I think that is the reason he picked me. He tried to push my wallet out with his paper multiple times. I knew exactly what was going on and wasn't about to let him pull a fast one on me. So I weighted up my options and decided to get off the subway being the best option. Not before I looked him directly in the eyes and calling him out with my haunting stare.

Finally with both attempts on my wallet foiled I arrived at Charline and Francois place. They gave me some cider wine to try and it was really good! We had great conversations in French no less! Charline works at the same company as Corail (my first couchsurfer) and she is one of the architects or designers. Francois is studying and working part time as a bartender. We bonded over my bad French wine, and les histoire de tout le monde :)

I'm so sad I am only going to stay at their place for one night. But when I come back we are definitely all going to catch up with all my new Parisian and international friends!