Summer time in Paris

By Alya Henry

As we watched the world go by we noted the local trains whiz above us without ear splitting noise! MM pointed out that the trains had rubber tyres, like cars! What a credit point to the technology and prowess of French engineering!

Although it's good to travel to foreign places and see things first hand, it's also good to communicate with the locals; if not locals then fellow travellers who occupy the same table at breakfast. That day three bus loads of tourists from Israel descended on the hotel. There were notices for them in Hebrew script, but of course they spoke perfect English. Next morning news broke out about Clinton's confessions, and our table was abuzz with gossip about Nethanyahu also admitting five years ago to lies, and infidelities.

After a breakfast of coffee and croissants the best croissants I ever had, we walked the Paris streets. Seeing a city at street level brings travellers in contact with people, but August is traditionally Parisian summer holiday month, and the streets were quiet and empty. But, at Luxembourg Gardens we joined tourists like us enjoying the fresh scent of flowers and trees.

Walking the streets of Paris where every step was a novelty every street an experience, we met two gendarmes, a chance meeting that was delightful. One policeman was young and fresh faced; the other had a waxed curly mustache, he seemed to have stepped out off a picture book. I couldn't take my eyes off him. But my camera was unavailable and the moment passed. The officers were very kind and set us on our way.

We lunched beside the Seine, near the concrete fortress of the Austrian Embassy. When we successfully negotiated a visa, and finalised our documents for Budapest, we hopped back on a topless bus and set off. I was expecting MM to doze off between monuments, but the seat next to him was occupied by a boy, who regaled MM with candid observations.

There were pointing fingers nodding heads and happy comments all the way up Champs Elysees, under the Arc de Triomphe and at the Louvre. The boy was full of wonder. 'You know, there are naughty pictures there I saw them myself. Rude statues all over, too.' MM laughingly agreed with these observations.

But I blocked my ear to shut out the piping voice in order to hear the tour guide. I'd already inadvertently missed the Ritz Hotel!

Just then our bus idled near a swish building on the wall, the name Versace shining in large letters. I realised I was staring right inside the windows of the fashion house of Versace, the designer who created much of Princess Di's wardrobe.

Earlier, I noticed in Paris news stands, train stations, and airport, the smiling face of Princess Di. According to media ranking, the memory of Di's death in Paris was on par with the news of Clinton admitting to a liaison with Monica Lewinsky. Although I toyed with the idea of visiting the tunnel, and mourning at the luckless pillar, other things took precedence and we left sad memories behind for others.

That evening we wanted to taste French food at Quartier Latin. But no matter how far we walked - Boulevard St. Germain never came any closer. So we settled for dinner at an expensive restaurant, hunger got the better of our good judgment or pocket.

PS. 

On our return to Paris, at the end of our East European sojourn we recovered some lost chances. I wanted to enjoy Rive Gauche; MM had previously given me perfume called Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent. In Paris I noticed various Rive Gauche tags and labels on perfume bottles; but where was the real thing?

Eventually we found it with the hulk of Notre Dame glowering in the background. It was the end of the summer season, unromantic locked stalls glared at us as we strolled by! So we walked around the cathedral instead; MM especially wanted to see the wonderful flying buttresses, a credit to medieval prowess.

I recalled studying at night learning the descriptions and memorising photographs in my school text book. I remembered them acutely from my end of the year swatting for Theory of Art examinations, a few decades ago. At that stage I never dreamt I'd see those marvels of medieval architecture.

One thing distressed me a bit about the mother of cathedrals; her familiar streaky grey facade sported a roses and cream complexion - like a baby's bottom. It was disconcerting, but I was assured by MM reading the guide book: that it was authentic! So much for black and white photographs in school text books.

Later after visiting the Church of St. Severin we did get to the Quartier Latin at last, and were charmed by the streets, architecture, cafes and restaurants.

The strong spirited lad

By Wathsala Mendis

Sri Lanka's swimming sensation Marlon Shamendra Delano is blessed with talent, good looks, and above all, a spirit to keep going every time he's faced with a crisis. The harder the fall, the more determined he is to bounce back. And bounce back he will, with a vengeance. 

Winner of a silver and two bronze medals at the SAF Games in 1995, he proved his mettle beyond doubt, winning College Blues at the St. Joseph's College Colours Award Ceremony held recently. 

Soft-spoken and rather reserved, Marlon is the kind of guy who prefers to talk less and listen more, though his quiet manners are often mistaken for arrogance. 

He idolizes Michael Jordan; looks forward to making his mark at the Sydney Olympics, and doing his parents and his country proud.
Colour

Definitely black. I don't know why but I just like it. Maybe because it's plain but elegant.

Pastime

I was keen on watching wrestling. But since it's not shown on TV anymore, I listen to music whenever I can spare time.

Meal

I love Chinese food. I wouldn't mind putting on some weight since I'm slim.

Memory

When I won a silver medal at the SAF Games in 1995. I just couldn't believe it! Only three seconds behind the winner. Later I was interviewed live by an Indian radio station. All in all, it was a great experience.

Sportsman

Michael Jordan. He's incredibly talented. (Apart from wrestling, basketball counts high among his favourite spectator sports.)

Smell

"Michael Jordan Cologne." (This guy sure has a soft spot for the basketball superstar!) You see, it has a really cool smell and lingers for almost two to three days. (OK, OK, we get the point!) 

Animal

Crocodile. I love watching them. They're always alert for their prey. (There's no accounting for tastes, as the saying goes!)

Item of clothing

"Combat" pants and black T shirts. They're the latest trend. (Besides, comfort is the key word.)

Movie star 

Arnold Schwarzenegger. I like his physique. And, yeah, he's a really good actor.

Person

Jesus Christ. I'm a practising Catholic. Not that I often go to church, but I do pray at home. He's given me strength in my difficult moments.

TV programme 

"Sunset Beach" and "Melrose Place." You see, I think in a way they relate to our society, especially when it comes to petty jealousy and cut-throat competition among people.

Song

"November Rain" by Guns 'N Roses. Basically I'm a hard rock fan. And the video... I like the way they present it. Very sad and moving.

Journey 

My trip to India in '95 for the SAF Games. There were so many threats for the Lankan team from the LTTE. We were not allowed to leave our hotel rooms alone. (Despite all those set-backs, they were able to perform well.) Unfortunately, most of the members have given up swimming now.

Time of day 

Bedtime. (Could it be anything else?) You really feel relaxed at night. Can forget about everything and peacefully go to sleep. 

Oily Hair

The most practical way to control excessively oily hair is to shampoo more frequently, daily if necessary. This is not harmful. 

Use a shampoo formulated especially for oily hair that has good oil-removing qualities. Commercial shampoos vary widely in their cleansing, oil-removing qualities. Some have high detergent or drying characteristics while others are designed to be less efficient cleansers. You may prefer a shampoo that does not include oily conditioning ingredients. Shampoo twice if necessary, leaving the second lather on the hair for about five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

If you need a post-shampoo conditioner, select one that is oil-free or has less oily properties. A short haircut will make frequent shampooing easier and there will be less hair to accumulate oil.

There is no safe, simple way to permanently reduce the oiliness. Hyperactivity of oil glands connected to hair follicles within the skin are responsible. There are no external treatments that will slow down the activity of the glands to reduce the oiliness. All these products can do is remove the oil that has reached the surface.

Infrequently, excessive oiliness may be associated with endocrinological problems such as polycystic ovaries or adrenal hyperactivity resulting in the increased production of androgens (male hormones). The diagnosis and treatment of such problems require expert medical evaluation.

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