Paris, France

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. It is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region. The Paris metropolitan area is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe -- and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Paris region receives 45 million tourists annually, 60% of whom are foreign visitors -- and that includes moi!


It has always been my childhood dream to see Paris in all its glory!  Paris for me (as a kid obsessed with fairy tales) represents a place where princes and princesses live -- (then as a teenager) where poshest of the poshest go, where fashion is not just a statement but a way of life -- (then as an adult), a place where stereotypical do not exist, where history and modernization are both very much alive, where the east and the west, north and the south collide but create a spectrum of culture that is uniquely vibrant yet in harmony- diverse but united -- to quote Morrie "a tension of opposites."


I was so excited all throughout the ride to Paris.. I remember having a nonchalant, just-another-ordinary-day kind of attitude..I was even singing along with Bon Jovi as Patrick turned his CD player on.. but deep down inside, I'm going crazy with anticipation!  


Our first stop, Eiffel Tower.  Right after we checked in our hotel and unloaded our luggages, we headed straight to the train station.  With the map on hand, we decided to just walk and leave Opi (our car) behind.  From the map, it seems that the train station to Eiffel Tower is just near..but after walking for almost 20 minutes, I told Patrick to ask around because I know we are lost!  We sat in a cafe and order a much needed soda for glucose supply (2 Cokes for 10 Euro-- very pricey!) and then Patrick asked the waitress for that metro train station -- which luckily for us is just across the street -- and it cost us 10 Euro! LOL. Anyway, after the train ride, we walked for a few blocks, then lo and behold -- the amazing Tour Eiffel!  Another check in my bucket list.. and what a beautiful site indeed.  We walked the whole stretched of the street and not minding at all that we've walked for I think 4 km at least..We are just so mesmerized by the beauty in front of us..


Back to the hotel -- feeling so exhausted (for me -- walking and for Patrick -- driving and walking) we just hit the sack thinking that tomorrow will be another hectic but beautiful day.


The next day, after an early breakfast, we hit the road once again -- and this time with Opi.  We have a lot in the itinerary and we have to cover it for half day since Patrick  still needs to drive us to Germany before dinner time.  We went to Champs Elysees, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Palais de Justice, The Pont Alexandre III bridge and so much more (check for the pics).  The half day tour of Paris city center is just not enough.. I feel we're just window shopping and not going inside the store where all the action is..like swallowing food without chewing or at least tasting it..like going to a club and leaving even before the party begins..you know what I'm saying?  It's just not enough.. I need time to savor Paris.. need time to have everything sink in.. then I can say I have truly seen and feel Paris!  I have to be back here..I need to be back here.. Sweetie, GPS or not.. we have to be back here..