Day 73
We planned to travel together starting in Paris. The only problem was that Margret had a short visa for Berlin and would have to leave before me. We decided exactly where we would met up after I made it through East Germany. Traveling was not difficult, and once I arrived at the designated point if was immediately evident that Margaret stood me up. No email in those days- it was scary. The only other address that I had was Roy who I also met at the Old Eden. He was studying at The University of Göttingen.
Through some pretty grueling travel I made it to the university and somehow found Roy. No guests were permitted in the dorm. Roy and his roommates snuck me in -for I don't remember how long- I stayed.
Eventually, I made it to Paris which has always been a welcoming port. Madam hired me as an Au Pair- with my having no skills. She proceeded to teach me so much about cleaning and how to shop. I lived in a 7th floor walkup--and have fond memories even learning how to use a squat toilet.
Letters were picked up at American Express, and one came from Roy telling me he had quit college and was going to join me in Paris. So began our almost 40 year-of being sometimes roommates and sometimes traveling companions.
We actually lived together easily-and soon I left Madam after thanking her- and got a job selling the New York Times on the Left Bank. I loved the cafe's and probably spent more hours talking to people then I should-however- I was very successful.. dated some adorable men and generally was delighted with life in Paris...
Roy and I began planning a trip to Morocco- and found a third in Carole who was detoxing from addiction and a career of prostitution in New York.. she was wise-- a bit broken-- and I liked her ...worldliness.