How many "Earth Angels" have you come across? You know, those wonderful people that seem to come out of nowhere when you're lost, stuck or just need some help. They are disguised as all kinds of "people" but I never end up thinking of them that way when all is said and done; to me they are Earth Angels who will be remembered by you long after they've forgotten all about what they did for you.
I wanted to share a little more of my trip and to tell you about one particular Earth Angel that I came across; this one was posing as a French man who ran a train station. But I have to back up so you can see how we got to him:
It was our second day in Paris and I had scheduled a tour. Not a "normal" tour, I had wanted a personalized tour where I could choose what I wanted to see or just go with his recommendations. I had typed in Google before I left "Personalized Paris Tours" and there he was, a man named Anthony who seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. His website said he took you by foot and on the Metro and either he or you or both could set the day. Bingo! A few emails later and he was confirmed. I had no idea how old he was and I assumed he was from France but I couldn't think of a better way to get "introduced" to a city then by someone that lives there.
Anthony arrived at our hotel at exactly 9am and after about 5 minutes was like a long lost cousin. He was a man from Phoenix who had worked in Paris for a short time and loved it; his company offered him a transfer and he grabbed the opportunity. After three years he was now a citizen there and very, very happy living there. He toured the city so many times he eventually quit his job and focused on giving tours---of which I don't think he will ever tire of. He meets some wonderful clients and can't get enough of that lovely city. Truly someone that was living a life they loved.
After having visited the Louvre and Museum D'Orsay the day before I knew exactly where I wanted to go....not a usual request and there are only a few tours there on the weekends but I have always been fascinated by Van Gogh, his life and his incredible artwork. I've read many books and many theories about him and I wanted to go to the place that he lived at the end of his life, a province of Paris called Auvers-Sur-Oise, where he had done many paintings and spent his last years. This was an unusual request for Anthony and he himself had never been there.
Going to the Metro we found it was quite far, three changes on the Metro and two trains. He asked if I were sure because he could show us so much but I had my heart set on it. So off we went, talking all the while and learning about anything we wanted to know about what else to see, about French life, things we never would have known. After finally arriving a few hours later at the first train stop and now well out of Paris, we were in a small Province and the train station looked deserted. There were no cars, no people and Anthony went to ask the one person working there when the next train would be along.
When he came back he looked dismayed; because we were in such a small town and it wasn't a weekend there wouldn't be another train until 6pm, long after Van Gogh's old home and the church would be closed. We discussed our options but there didn't seem to be many when I asked if we could get a taxi. We were SO close! Anthony was discussing it with this gentleman at the train station and finally relayed to us that a taxi would not come; they would have to make a special trip and would not be willing to do that. We could catch a train and take the Metro back to Paris, he said.
Our "Earth Angel" looked at my crestfallen face and started making calls. One after another and I asked Anthony what he was doing; he was calling cab companies trying to find someone who would accommodate us. And not having much luck. HE CALLED EIGHT PLACES AND FINALLY FOUND A DRIVER WOULD WOULD BE WILLING TO COME AND GET US AND TAKE US THERE. And this wonderful man was as happy and excited as I was! I wondered later how many people would have done that for total strangers but oddly enough I can think of more then a few times people have gone above and beyond to help you and I have tried to do the same for others.
A cab came a little while later, we saw (and I was fascinated) where he last lived, the church he had painted, the cemetary where he is buried next to his beloved brother, Theo. And a lovely little town that he was enchanted with. On the way home we went to Monmarte (probably my favorite place, I went back on another day with it's artists, restaurants and pure Energy!) and our "day tour" with Anthony which began at 9AM ended at midnight; he even insisted on seeing us back to the hotel. I could NOT have met more wonderful people and will keep in touch with Anthony who I would use again and recommend in a heartbeat. Anthony can be reached at anthony@atkielski.com It was a magical day and night. Here are a few shots:
Oh, btw, because the Louvre has had Feng Shui requested by the French Government, there is a widespread interest and belief in it in France. They had requested it because although they kept adding to it, it kept falling into disrepair. the Pyramid was created because if you stand in the middle of it and look up, you can see all the new parts that were added together; it INTENTIONALLY connected the new parts and architectural styles. It has not had any problems since this was done.
A shot of Auvers-Sur-Oise, the "town" Van Gogh last lived in and where our "Earth Angel" finally got us to.
If you like Van Gogh's paintings, this church may look familiar.
The modest headstones of Van Gogh and Theo who passed only three months later. His wife wished that he be buried next to his beloved brother.
The wonderful town of Monmarte; it is crowded no matter what time you go and full of Energy!
We met many wonderful people but none who worked as hard to help us; and in a sort of "Pay it Forward" I gave my card to a French person who is waiting for the day she can come to New York so I can show her around. Have you had Earth Angels? Or been one for someone?
http://www.fengshuili.com/
Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York 
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Carole, What a beautiful, touching and fascinating story ! Reading it makes me want to book a flight to Paris immediately.
Anthony sounds like he definitely was heaven-sent ! If I ever go there, I will look him up. What an interesting and wonderful job to have. The pictures are lovely. I've always been a great admirer of Van Gogh as well and found the pics you took of his town, etc seemed to suit him perfectly. I could sense the energy you spoke of in Monmarte just by looking at the picture.
Thank you for such a fascinating story ...I look forward to hearing more about your trip. And yes, I have had some earth angels in my life too....quite a number actually. A few who literally saved my life.
Jo