Paris, je t'aime

First of all, I was in a store yesterday in Monmartre (artist district). Now when you picture me shopping in Paris, you can go ahead and throw out that image from the movies and rest assured that this particular store makes most thrift stores I have been in look fancy. Anyway, so I am in this crowded store when this man pushes past me with some unnecessary closeness. I notice him because he just has that shady quality about him AND b/c this was the women's skirt section- not really his style. So I continue digging through the 5 euro peasant skirts and before I know it Mr. Shady has pushed me again from behind, even closer and this time...so I do a quick look around and quickly realize that he has taken my cell phone! Not knowing quite what to do I yelled at my friend, "hey, that guy just stole my phone!" Mr. Shady, instead of running out of the store (which may have looked too obvious), quickly moved to the back of the store and pretends to wait in the line to pay. I follow him, trying to decide what I will do and how to casually say-- "You took my phone! Give it back!"...when my friend suggests that we call the cell phone, then it will be obvious that it is on him. So, as she is getting her phone out he quickly darts back through the store and heads for the door. As she places the call I follow the ringing and find my phone, discarded on top of a pile of clothes (in a section I have not been in). I wanted to run after him and yell...but settled for having my phone back and buying a new skirt, satisfied with my crime fighting (and shopping) skills.

Secondly, my roommate (b/c of her frequent movie-going) was invited to see the new film "Paris, je t'aime" (Paris, I love you) in a sneak preview attended by some of the cast and crew...and she was allowed to take a date! So we went, hoping to see Natalie Portman or Elijah Wood, but like normal, we saw loads of famous French people that we would never recognize on a street corner. The movie was great, albeit strange in some parts, but worth a watch if you speak French or just love the city of Paris.

Lastly, I am off to CAIRO!! I leave today and plan to return the 27th. I will have access to the internet, but since this is a vacation I make no promises about prompt replies ;)