From the language, to the street alleyways, everything about Paris screams romance. Whenever I would hear people speak of Paris, it's was always with such passion and followed by an expression of desire to return. In my head I couldn't quite picture what the city would look like. I imagined lots of baguettes, the Eiffel Tower and people who hated Americans. It's not the best impression but I still knew despite my stereotypes, Paris was something I needed to experience.
As our travels usually start out, Katie and I continued on our journey with high hopes that everything would go smoothly from Milan, Italy to Paris, France. After a lovely 3 hour train ride through the France countryside, I watched corn and sunflower fields line country homes. We arrived in Paris and immediately hopped on the metro toward the Montemarte district where our hotel was located. traveling by one of the best transportation systems I've ever seen, we were an easy two stops to our hotel, Hotel de Flore.
Located on a quiet street, we checked in and found a decent sized room, two twin beds (pushed together, it's always a fun slumber party for Katie and I), a bathroom, and a balcony that mirror other lofts and hotels. Nothing fancy but very functional . It was our home for the next 5 days.
After relaxing for a little, Katie and I decided to do what we do best, figure out our dinner plans. We walked the streets of Mantemarte to find fresh fruit stands, cheese shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bars. Within our first few hours in Paris I had already noticed a trend of people walking around with bags of baguettes, most with the tops teared off and eaten. This is one of the things I found most wonderful about Paris. Everyone was lays on a mission, baguette in hand. It seemed that everyone had their own baguette story. Some walk alone, maybe on their way home from work, others walk hand in hand with 3,4 or 5 baguettes,for their families. I love the lifestyle of consuming only what you need, some fresh produce, a baguette, wine, and the company of loved ones is a part of a Parisian's everyday.
katie and I wanted to join in on the fun and got an array of delicious French snacks including brie cheese, a pasta salad, vegetable couscous, a fresh baguette, red cherries, and a bottle of wine. We then continued on back to our humble home, and sat with our Terrance window open. As we ate and looked put over the gorgeous, quaint, city, we talked about our traveling day, and all the things we would like to see in our Paris days to come.
That next morning we woke up ready to conquer . During the booking process of our hotel we had read on trip advisor of a creperie just across the street that was wonderful, so we decided to check it out. We walked into a small homey, restaurant, greeted by a charming older French man. Not knowing any French besides Merci, I was curious to see how difficult the language barrier would be. After looking over the menu, and only being able to make out every 5 words, the older French man came to the rescue. He explained their lunch specials and the many crepe options for the day. The meal included one savory crepe, one sweet crepe, and a coffee, I decided on the tomato, cheese, and mushroom crepe, followed by a chocolate crepe and a coffee. It was amazing!
The rest of our day included site seeing and wandering the city. We started off with seeing Notre Dame. It's massive gothic architecture,and stain glass windows were something out of a brochure. I couldn't believe I was actually standing in front of such a gorgeous, historic piece. It's city's surroundings also is what makes it indescribable. Cobbled streets, the seine river, and historic Paris, tops it all.
Each day in Paris was a new and exciting experience. In the morning we enjoyed fresh pastries,and enriching espressos. During the day we would walk and wonder the streets witnessing Paris and all it's history. Although each moment in Paris could has it's own story, there are a few that rank my favorite.
The Louve, Luxembourg park, and the Eiffel Tower. These three, enchanting and unforgettable, definitely rank as my top three favorite places ( this far) in Paris. The Louve was full of statues and artwork that I remember studying when I was a senior in high school during Mrs.Rowans honors humanities class. I couldn't believe the detail, and complexity of the pieces. I can't wrap my head around how massive some of the artwork is. How renaissance artists could construct paintings with heights and widths talking up whole rooms is beyond me.
Luxembourg park is not your average park. A park is an understatement for this attraction. The flowers, trees, cafes, and people that flock are a site to see. I felt like I was in a fairyland. Katie and I walked through the paths and sat under the trees with others carrying on an assortment of activities. Playing music instruments, writing in journals, an elderly couple chatting, kids laughing and playing, picnics, and doggies. Surrounding the park people enjoy the blue skies and breezy air.
A metro ride, connection to the rer ( another way to get around Paris, like a tram), and a short walk, Katie and I were standing in front of the romantic Eiffel tower. We took a spot on a patch of grass that sat directly to the right of the gorgeous structure. For our midnight picnic, we shared a few desserts, glass of champagne, sliced apples, and a fresh baguette. The sight of couples lounging and friends laughing under the tower was one to be sought. Every few hours the tower is all lite up like a Christmas tree, twinkling lights cover it and flicker. Paris , lights and the Effie tower is the epitome of every chick flick, love song or romance novel I have ever read. Although Katie is my soulmate, and PIC, I couldn't help but wish for my one and only, Karl. To be able to share these moments with loved ones endlessly heightens them. In that moment I felt thankful and so blessed.
Meeting new people, speaking different languages, no matter how educated you are, experiences are all around. I would over hear mothers and daughters talking, and sharing stories and although I didn't understand the French they were exchanging, I could imagine what they were discussing. Probably the same conversations my mom and I would have about love, friends, boys, school and fashion. A couple near by holds hands, smiling at one another in complete love. It reminds me of the same feelings I exchange everyday I'm with my love. I see kids running with each other, being playful. I can picture my niece Nixon close behind them, playing a chase game or antagonizing the boys. It doesn't matter what country your in, or the language you speak... It's all relative. And it's all an experience.
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