Americans have always seemed to idolize the city of Paris when it comes to everything: the French food, the fashion, the art, the language, the monuments, and the romance. Every single romantic comedy seems to revolve around some sort of French influence, or better yet take place in Paris. There is seldom a famous movie in France that does not film a panorama shot of star crossed lowers speeding around the Arc De Triomphe on a scooter.
So, we are always taught to accept Paris as this wonderful city, when in fact it is simply a city. I had always imagines myself standing in front of the impressive monuments, feeling a warm glow of wonderment. The experience of Paris is supposed to be incredibly surreal, without any sort of comparison to anywhere else in the world.
Starting the Trip off, I had my skepticisms, thinking that one city could not be as special as everyone says it is. With only about three French words in my vocabulary, I decided to tackle Paris head on, not knowing what to really expect.
After about a three hour flight, we arrived in the Orly Airport, expecting it to feel like Paris. However, I did not feel as though I was in Paris, and the scary feeling that I could no longer communicate with anyone in the native language quickly dawned on me and my friends. When first trying to find a taxi to immediately leave the airport for Versailles. It was one of the most silent taxi rides that I have taken, with none of us being able to communicate with the driver in any way.
Versailles was beautiful, although we did not enter the palace, and much bigger than I ever thought possible. We toured around the gardens for about 4 or 5 hours, marveling over the gargantuan features of the property.
The Fountains of the garden and the sheer scale of everything was really put into perspective the history of France and the reason for the overturn in power. Versailles was beautiful, but I thought it was especially hard to do in the morning, right after getting off of an airplane. Thankfully, at the palace they had guides that spoke excellent English, and they helped us to find a train station that would take us to Paris, instead of us ordering another 50 euro taxi.
Once in Paris, we got off at the stop by the Eiffel Tower, wanting to see it immediately. In that moment of exhaustion I found it very impressive, but not necessarily magical. It took until much later in the day for me to see the magic of Paris.
After this, we found another metro stop and after about 30 minutes of fighting, finally found out how to get to our very far away hostel. We got off at the stop and then walked 40 minutes in the sweltering heat to get to the hostel, which was located next to a different stop that had only been five minutes away.
After finally dropping off our heavy backpacks, we figured out the metro system and went to walk around the Louvre.
In this more relaxed state of mind, just walking around and absorbing the culture and atmosphere, I started to really feel the magic of Paris that everyone always talks about.
The Entire place was absolutely beautiful and filled with wonderment at the craftsmanship.
We then went and got dinner on the way to Montmarte neighborhood, where we watched the sun set at the famous steps. It was absolutely beautiful, and there were performing creating live music to the sun setting.
After this, we met up with two French brothers that I know who live in Paris. It was really nice to hang out with locals and talk about the cultural differences that we share, and it quickly became one of the most fun times I had the entire trip. Reconnecting with old friends in their native countries, after years of not seeing them is truly special. We talked a lot about the different words we use in English, and the way that the American political atmosphere censors words. I really appreciated a more insider look into the culture of France in this way.
The Next morning we went to a local cafe, which was evidently run by Americans girls from Texas who spoke beautiful French. It was really inspiring to see other Americans making a way for themselves in a foreign place.
Then, we took a three hour walking tour by the Canal and Notredame, learning a lot more about the history of the landmarks in Paris.
After the walking tour, we went to a famous French Market for lunch, and walked around the Canals and gardens people watching.
After this, we revisited the Louvre, and I decided to go to the top of the Arc De Triomphe. The view was definitely worth the 10 euros.
After this, me and my friends met at the bottom of the Eiffel tower and ate bread and cheese with wine, while watching the sun set. It was a moment I will remember forever.
Watching the Tower light up at night was magical.
After this trip, I have already booked a flight back to Paris for this winter, because I cannot stay away for much longer.
Serena´s Travel Blog 