I arrived in Europe to begin living a more adventurous life. I'm leaving now after several weeks and I don't feel any different. I started my continental adventure at the 'Señor Living Center' in Barcelona, where I attended a series of classes to learn how to be more macho, romantic and Latin. From there, I traveled to Paris to observe the stylish ways of the French, but mostly drank espresso, ate pastry, and smoked outdoors at some of the tiny patio tables dotting the city. Check. I also learned how to tie a scarf around my neck in various and complicated ways, which is required before the authorities allow you to leave Charles de Gaulle airport.
My Grandpa recommended that I stay at the Hotel de Roubaix in the 3rd Arrondissement near Le Marais, which is a perfectly fine little boutique hotel. Hotel de Roubaix is eclectically-designed in a wonderfully casual and unique modern French aesthetic that would seem kitschy or haphazard if I decorated my own studio apartment in the same way. It all works, the staff is wonderful, and the location is fantastic.
My Grandpa is eighty-two years old, a world traveler, completely blind, and still living more adventurously than me. He went skydiving on his 78th birthday! His jump instructor thought Grandpa did a great job, but was disappointed in Grandpa's guide dog - Buck. Grandpa said that Buck took the training classes very seriously, but never really committed to the experience after they exited the plane and began plummeting earthward.
Thank you Hotel de Roubaix for a wonderful stay and thanks to Grandpa for the inspiration and recommendation.
Five stars. read more