So after a 12 hour flight via Montreal, I am now in the heart of Paris.
Got a bit lost on my way from the train station, but found myself in neighbourhoods filled with bakeries, fresh food markets, and an international array of great menus to try. I was helped out by a number of people on my trek into Paris, who were so patient and kind despite my halting French in asking for directions.
I’m fading pretty fast! I still haven't figured out how to sleep on planes, but it's difficult to think about relaxing just yet.
I remember reading a book when I was in Grade 10 called, “The First Time I Saw Paris”. At the time, it really sparked a great passion in me to travel, and to dream of being in Paris. I read that book from cover to cover so many times. And though my life is completely different from the individual in the book, the impression I had of Paris from reading this book has stayed with me. I am so excited to explore this spectacular, historical city and experience Paris now, in my own way!
I am writing this note in the little loft apartment I am renting for the week, which has lots of windows to let the day's light in. It is drizzling and cool with fog, making it seem so mystical, but in a comforting, familiar way somehow.
A quaint, cosy place on the top floor of a late 18th century building with gorgeous hardwood floors, large wooden beams, and an endless spiral staircase, which left me dizzy after the climb. The steps were worn in from so much use that the stone was cupped in places from so much foot traffic!
Montmartre is off in the distance as I look up, towering over the city from its hillside perch, and I'm rather awestruck. I love the mix of the historical with modern buildings. It’s interesting that the older buildings seem to be in better shape than the newer ones. The architecture of the historical buildings certainly seems to have far more character than the more recent structures. And in this city, I'm sure they would have lots of intriguing stories to tell if they could speak!
It is so brilliantly green here and the trees are in full bloom, splashes of colour are everywhere. So far, spring in Paris is amazing. Looking forward to exploring tomorrow. There are definitely lots of great photo opportunities here!
I have booked a "Bloody Paris Tour" tomorrow. A guide leads this tour through the central part of Paris where the city's most memorable history took place - where the guillotine was located during the French Revolution, the sites of the Nazi's persecution of the French Resistance in WWII, and other somewhat macabre and haunting areas. It sounded bizarre and well,...I'm always up for a little ghost adventure!
I'm only here for a week so there are a few tours I'm toying with, such as taking a tour of the catacombs, doing a wine tasting (or two!), the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, going to visit Jim Morrison & Edith Piaf at their famous gravesites, biking through Paris at night to see the lights...just for starters.
Look forward to any suggestions from those of you who have visited before. Pretty sure I will need another holiday after this whirlwind Paris journey, but plan to fill my days to the fullest.
I'll keep you posted. Until next time...be well everyone!
Salut, Jae
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