After only being in France for a month, it was time to head off to the fashion capital and the most romantic city in the world!!
So many people have told me that Paris was far from meeting their expectations. The Frenchies I know here, well, let's just say not everyone in France thinks highly of Parisians... I don't know whether it was just the excitement or my absolute enchantment for the city, but I couldn't share everyone elses judgments. I mean sure, people can be rude. They'll shove past you without even giving you a second thought. Haha, and you can forget about any kind of apology! But it's almost the same in any major city that you visit. I have no idea why Paris should be an exception to that.
We stayed in Bastille, which was a nice 2 minute stroll from the Gare de Lyon train station. Our Hotel was actually slightly different to what we had seen on the internet, but it really didn't matter... We were in PARIS! The bed was super comfy and we had a nice little view of the typical town house apartments across the street.
We got out to explore that afternoon, and despite the cold, it was everything I expected.
Even though Jonathan is French he'd only been to Paris once or twice as a youngin. To my surprise, he was more touristy than me!! He grabbed the maps and planned out where we'd go and what we'd see. Everything you want to see in Paris is lit up at night too so you can't possibly complain that there isn't enough daylight to see everything. Paris has a different feel at night. If I had to pick, I'd choose to explore the city once the sun is set... The little imperfections of the city are hidden and the atmosphere is magical. Even more magical exploring the city with someone you love...
Notre Dame was our first touristy monument we saw in Paris. To be honest - words failed me and my neck ached just from looking up at it towering into the sky!! Our photos do no justice for the intricate and detailed carvings. At night it all looked so gothic, it was really amazing. We had just missed the tour going through Notre Dame and each time we went to go back the line to get in was unbelievable!! Just one reason to return to Paris...
The Seine River was a beautiful foreground for the glowing Eiffel Tower in the background and just next to that was The Louvre. Surprisingly there was just a handful of people wandering in and out. With the minus 0° temps I really couldn't blame people for staying some place warm and toasty! But the scene was definitely set because of one man playing a cello under the enormous arches of The Louvre. We went back the very next day to see Mona in all of her glory and that was another thing off the list.
We got to the Eiffel Tower just as the sun was going down... And just between you and me, I swear I almost peed my pants with excitement!! We barley got close to the Eiffel Tower and we were swarmed with people selling cheap tourist crap. I didn't know it then, but that was JUST the start of it. Not one word of a lie here but EVERY 30 seconds someone would come up to you... They ask you not once, not twice but 3 times if you want to buy their cheap touristy crap. Jo had so much more patience than me, politely declining their offers every time. But... It was all made better with a wonderful cheesy kiss under the Tower...
We saw so much in Paris that my expectations were completely fulfilled. I just can't keep typing coz I really could go on for days. The food, the people, the places... And even the subway, which I strongly advise NOT to ride if you value your personal space!! The crepes and the 5kg pots of Nutella, the snow that fell on our third day and the person I got to share it all with made Paris one of the most beautiful places in the world...
