Backpacking through Europe in 1994

Day 98 • December 13, 1994
A Photo Session with Celine, Tours, France

The last days were starting to feel like a slow unwinding.

I got up early to meet Celine for the photos I had promised her. It only took about half an hour by the railroad tracks, and when it was over I realized she didn’t look quite the same in the daylight as she had on Saturday night. I wasn’t disappointed — just aware of how different everything felt when the alcohol and chaos weren’t clouding things.

After that, the day turned into a quiet series of errands. I went shopping for last-minute gifts — chocolates for my family, corkscrews for the Dome Crew, a book for Tracy, and a vest for myself that I bought with the very last of the money Roger had given me. It felt strange spending money on things that were meant to go home with me. Like the trip was already starting to fold itself into something smaller and more manageable.

I came back, took a nap, did the dishes, and spent the evening wrapping presents and packing. I was supposed to meet up with Corrine, but by the time dinner was over I was too tired to go anywhere. So I stayed in, watched a little BBC, and went to bed early.

Two days left.

It didn’t feel real yet.

My Photographs from today in tours, france

Rooftops of Tours

The rooftops of Tours stretched out under the overcast sky, with church domes and spires rising above the buildings. A classic view of the city that had become such an important part of my time in France.

Half-Timbered Square

The beautiful half-timbered buildings lining the square in Tours stood as a reminder of the city’s medieval past. These colorful, timber-framed houses are one of the most charming features of the old town.

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Carousel Rides

The brightly lit carousel spun in the square at night, its lights glowing against the old buildings. A cheerful, festive sight on this December evening.

DAY 98 / 12-13-94
tours, France

I had Rachel wake me up at 8:30 because I was supposed to take pictures of Celine at 9:30. When she arrived I realized she wasn’t as good looking as I thought se was Saturday night, but that didn’t surprise me. We went over to some railroad tracks & it took about 30 minutes. Then I went up to the Monoprix to do some shopping. I bought chocolates for my family & beer for John Cleary & me. (oh, and wrapping paper).

When I got back I took a nap until Rachel and Delphine came home for lunch. After that I went to Tours to do more shopping. I bought the book for Tracy, then to the library to catch up on news state-side. All the had today was a week-old Newsweek, but it was better than nothing. Next I went & bought corkscrews for the Dome Crew. And I spent the very last bit of money Roger had given me on a vest for me, and it Kicks Ass!

I took the bus home, & was there by 6 [pm]. I did the dishes & began wrapping presents & packing. After dinner with Ra-Ra & Olivier I was supposed to go to Tours to rendezvous avec Corrine. But I was so exhausted I called her & postponed.

I watched a little BBC [British Broadcasting Company], then fell asleep at 11:00 [pm]

2!

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