My almost little misadventure started out innocently enough after I had just finished putting the final touches on my last post. The sun was setting and felt I better get my walk in now, knowing the park closes at 5:45pm in the winter due to the early darkness.
I got there at just before 5:30, and started up the hill intent in walking totally around the park as usual. Just as I turned the top part of the border, I heard the tell-tale shrill whistles, indicating the impending closure.
In the past the park guards are usually fairly lenient, usually taking about at least 15 or so minutes before closing the gates, but nevertheless I did start back towards where I had entered on Ave de Reille and René Coty.
By the time I got back, I was in a mild state of shock to find that the gates were not only closed but padlocked! With no guard in sight, I starting walking with intermittent running towards the other entrance.
I had flashes of dire thoughts of how I was going to extradite myself from my imminent imprisonment as I quickly sized up the wickedly tall spiked rails, that I had admired, but only on the other side! Perhaps I could maybe try climbing up and over, risking crashing down of the concrete?
Or maybe I could yell and plead with a passer-by on the other side to call the gendarmes? As I was running I had flashes of Dante’s Inferno nine circles of hell. The One reserved for gluttons came in foremost, as I had been salivating all day thinking about all the immensely delicious foods just waiting for me at home to work my magical touch for my Christmas feast.
Certainly I have been guilty of gluttony from time to time dear Lord, but mostly with good heart! Mea Culpa! Being that Parc Montsouri is one of the largest parks in Paris, even running will not get you to the other side in a new york second! As I approached the deafening quiet lake, only reflections of shimmering lights could be seen, as even the ducks, geese and swans had all disappeared to wherever they go to tuck in at night.
Ah!, at least I think I see the light of one of the little guard-house. At that point I start yelling as I am running as quick as I can towards the more than welcomed light. With much relief there appeared two fuzzy dark figures, that I prayed were guards.
It was too dark to see their faces and neither one called back to me, as if wanting to punish my tardiness with either their indifference or anger. As I quickly glanced towards the other gate I thought I saw a slight opening that I hoped was not a mirage.
I opted out approaching them with my most sincere apologies, preferring at that point to just to get the hell out! Disregarding the sign forbidding trampling on the grass in light on my emergency at hand, I took off with even greater speed flying over the grass towards that minuscule opening. Slithering out as fast as I could, I have never felt so happy to be free!!!
Thank god I did not have to spend the night shivering in the park as much from the cold as the fear of being locked in totally alone in such a pristinely beautiful but eerily quiet part of Paris, where not even a quack could be heard.
Walking back I passed by some vestiges of the ancient Roman aqueduct that carried water into the center of Lutetia (the Roman name of Paris), knowing that many have passed before me on this night.
The old-fashioned lampposts took on an even brighter glow, as I hurriedly walked home feeling really blessed to be free! I found myself humming Petit Papa Noel again and visions of roasting birds and Bûche de Noel filled my thoughts. Once again I was going to be able to enjoy my Christmas feast. Glutton or not ! Hallelujah!
Cherry — Well, I’m glad that turned out in your favor. I am really enjoying reading your posts. Thank you for all your insights and commentaries: They make me laugh, take notice, and often feel reassured. I wish you the happiest of new years.
Fondly, Holly
Hi Holly, so glad to see you have enjoyed my little blog and thanks for the kind compliments! I hope I can keep up writing anything that can bring hope, inspiration, and comfort to others. If I was able to make you laugh, well maybe my efforts to lighten up are working, because I have always felt I was way too serious , and yes would love to be funny sometimes, other than for my misspellings! Thanks for your encouragement!
wow..cherry..i must say you should write a scary novel..you would be great..i could just see everything you described..Im so thankful you got out..love you, Becky
Thank you Becky for your kind and generous compliments. Just plain writing is hard enough, so I have tripled my admiration for professional writers! I am glad was able to convey my fear, which was real, however optimistic I am! Without a cell on me, I would have been truly be at the mercy of others!
Cherry how do you manage to continue to look so young. I hope you and your family had a very blessed Christmas.
Thank you Amanda for your very sweet comment. The photo was taken about 1 1/2 hours after my “escape”, so perhaps is was my tremendous happiness to have been able to be home again! I enjoy seeing your photos of you and family on facebook. Hugs to you!
My Dear Dear Cherry,
Thank God your adventure had a happy end! I still remember my panic
when got locked in a department s store in belgium as a foreign student 🙁
It is amazing how many scenarios the human mind can come up with in a few minutes of panic (my case) !
Keep writting, I do believe you have a “good pen” and very enjoyable!
Thank you Katerina! You must know my panic then, however optimistic I try to be! I did not know you had gotten locked in an department store in Belgium! How did you get out? Well, for me, I have learned my lesson! No longer will I risk getting locked again because of my last minute walks in the park.
Thank you for your encouraging words about my writing, which does not come easy unfortunately, but I will continue to try to improve! Hugs to you.