Hi everyone! A couple of busy days here in Paris so I haven’t had much time to write.
It’s exhausting walking all day, drinking wine, eating great food, people watching and taking it all in.
Yesterday, I decided to face my fears and checked out various stops on the subway system as I made my way to the Eiffel Tower. I made my first stop at Place d’Italie and was so thrilled that I did.
The first thing I saw was a huge Italian mall which made me cringe - not my “thing” - but I continued on my way down some narrow streets lined with the most fragrant and colourful flowering trees I have ever seen. The smells in the air as the rain approached was breathtaking and I’m sure I got some interesting looks from the students and parents of the neighbourhood schools as we passed each other. Stopping to smell the flowers is a pretty incredible way to spend a holiday!
The architecture seemed to have frozen in time back to the 1800’s. I took a break at a little outdoor cafe, so quaint and cosy with dark hardwoods, eclectic art pieces, a beautiful spiral staircase in one of the corners and of course gorgeous French doors (what else?) that were opened to the street. Such a tavern feel, and so lively. The sandstone buildings outside surrounded a small park and playground as parents waited for school to be let out. I believe it used to be a merchant area with markets and small factories. One of the older buildings, now an apartment, still had the words advertising
shoes and boots from 1860. The feel of this neighbourhood was so relaxing and I really didn’t want to leave, but had to be moving on.
The Eiffel Tower...it was ok, slightly mediocre! I am SO joking! "WOW" is all I have to say!
As I came off of the subway, the atmosphere was so busy. No directions were needed as the tourist kiosks and panhandlers selling miniature statues of the tower of all sizes seemed to be lying in wait for anyone emerging from the darkness of the subway doors. I kept walking past apartment complexes and businesses, then rounded a corner.
I was stopped in my tracks at this magnificent sight!
It is one of those wonders I have seen so much in movies, pictures and postcards, but to actually see it in person was phenomenal. The complexity and intricacy of this steel
structure was magnificent. And to think that it was considered deplorable when it was first opened in 1889! It has now become a revered symbol for France!
Thank goodness this tower was built as strong as it was. There were so many people and about a 2 hour plus line-up to take the elevator to the very top from the second story where I had climbed up. However, I didn’t stand in line. By then a huge rainstorm had opened up and the rain came down in steady, cold torrents. There was no view of the city to be seen through the mist and fog. I took a lot of pictures all the same which turned out great! (Check out the Photos tab on the Main Navigation Menu at the top!)
The more I see, the more I want to see of this fabulous city. There is so much to do here - the usual tours, but then there are the things that are not in the guidebooks which I am finding as I walk everywhere or hear, when I eavesdrop on the conversations in French I can actually understand. Yes, a week is certainly not going to be enough - definitely need to come back for a second round!
Today was another great day! I wandered from my place and explored my neighbourhood. Such a beautiful area in the northeast part of Paris, which I have been told is the area I was “supposed" to avoid. I’m not sure why because it’s so cool. The mix of people, cultures, food, dialects of French, languages from various African countries...a mini United Nations in a small area.
I went for breakfast yesterday morning at a restaurant on the ground floor of my building and met the loveliest couple - Samuel and Tata. Samuel is originally from Sudan and Tata is from the Ivory Coast. They met and got married here in Paris a number of years ago. They were so welcoming and hospitable. I felt so at home!
There is such a thriving community of people here from all over Africa though mostly north Africa, so most of the restaurants and shops have the coolest food, much of which I have never heard of or could even begin to start cooking if I tried, but would like to learn. And as I head out my door it’s not uncommon to see most of these neighbours so proudly wearing their traditional tribal dress. I have to admit I tend to stare in awe at how beautiful they all look.
As well, in this neighbourhood a few blocks away, I discovered Canal St. Martin which is so peaceful and gorgeous. Huge elm trees line this canal as do bistros, cafes, ice cream shops and bakeries. One can walk for miles on either side and feel like you still haven’t seen everything.
My main goal was to make it to the Pere Lachaise Cimetiere today but I got a bit distracted at everything else I was seeing before I arrived, and it closed earlier than I expected.
This cemetery is in the middle of the city and is now home to Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and a great assortment of other well-known souls. So, I will be rising from the dead of my sleep tomorrow morning quite early to trek down there, to say a few prayers and take a selfie or two. A tourist in a cemetery is not quite what I want to be so I will try to be as discreet and respectful as possible!
After this stop I plan to take in Notre Dame Cathedral and a museum or two in the heart of the city. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Be great to yourselves and to each other! Bye for now!
Salut, Jae
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