rules are made to be broken

So I used to be the type of person that follows rules blindly. After coming back from London I am wiser and now know that rules are for suckers.

How do I know this? Because on my way back to Rouen I broke not one, not two but five rules and I must say, I’m better for it.

Rule 1: Carry on luggage weight allowance of 10 kg.

My carry on luggage weight: more like 15-20kg.

The worst that happened was that the flight attendant picked it up to check it’s weight, looked at me knowingly that I was breaking the rules and said “next time, a little thinner” and let me pass.

What I gained for breaking the rule: saved 20 euros and wait time by not checking in my bag.
Rule 2: No liquids on your carry on.

I had all sorts of lotions given to me as Xmas presents that I shoved into my carry on. I couldn’t be bothered to take them out of my bag and discard them.

Despite the multiple reminders (both in words AND pictures)that I wasn’t allowed liquids over a certain amount I went through security with no problems.

What I gained: lotions while avoiding checking in my bag.

Rule 3: You must buy a ticket when riding the metro.

I tried to use one of the carnet metro tickets I purchase in Paris when I had to get from the airport to Paris but it didn’t work and the line for tickets was ridiculously long so I just walked around the ticket taker thingy. I knew that when I left the station I would have to use some kind of ticket to get out but I was too tired and decided to deal with that when I came to it.

When I got to the station I did indeed have to use a ticket to get out (there was no walk around option). With a “what the hell” mentality I tried one of the carnet metro tickets again. For some reason it worked. Score.

What I gained: the price of the ticket and losing time by waiting in the long ticket line. This doesn’t seem like a lot but actually when I arrived at the train station I just made it in time for the last train from Paris to Rouen. Another 10 minutes and I would’ve had to wait till 6am the next day.

Rule 4: You must punch your ticket before getting on the train.

I never time punch my ticket because if the train person comes by to check for a ticket and it’s not punched they punch it for you. Sometimes (coincidently this time) nobody checks for a ticket at all and if you buy an open ticket you can use it anytime for up to 2 months.

What I gained: Unpunched ticket = free ticket for future travel.

Rule 5: If you buy a second class ticket you must sit in the second class section.

That day everyone and their mother was coming back from vacation so the train was super crowded. Instead of walking the entire length of the train with my heavy bag to find an empty seat I decided to sit in first class and if found out I would plead foreigner ignorance.

In the end nobody came to shoo me out.

What I gained: Comfy two seater all to myself.

Yeah yeah I know rules are there for a reason and some are important to follow, but in these scenarios nobody was hurt by my reckless rule breaking. And it’s not like I did it to be a rebel or anything. I did it because I’m a lazy bastard.

No harm, no foul – n’est pas?