On my way to Paris in the Flix bus, I met a fellow traveler on route. He was partaking in an euro trip as well but was travelling across more countries than me. To lower my anxiety and reduce stress I googled and Youtubed many videos of the Paris Metro to absorb all the knowledge I can find.
When I reached there I navigated to the subway. The subway had an antique monotonous feeling to it. I was careful of my surroundings and cognizant of my belongings like a seasoned Parisian. I utilized my cross body bag and had a firm grip on my my luggage. I was travelling light so it was easy to be aware.
I stayed at Montmarte in Paris. I researched before and found it to be a good neighbourhood for exploring cute boutique shops and being not too far from downtown. As soon as I landed on my stop it was pouring rain. I waited for the rain to stop but got tired and made my mind to get wet as I was extremely worn out. When I reached my hotel, there was a couple of Germans travelling who were upset because it was raining. I made my way to my hotel room it was nicely organized and clean – the hotel was called Hotel De flore. I allocated the most in there for stay from my Euro trip budget.
I took a long nap and woke up. I was a man on a mission and wanted to get the most out of Paris so I asked the concierge for his recommendation. He refereed to Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. It was not too far away. There was a long steep of stairs I had to climb to reach there. That area was magical at the top filled with the most elegant restaurants and cafes. I also entered the church and it was beautiful. I took many photographs and walked around the area. Towards the evening, I waked to a Tunisian restaurant and had some food, returned back to my hotel on a full stomach and fell asleep. The person serving me was a Bengali man who immigrated here and was very hospitable.
The second day I woke up and I felt the need to visit Varsailles to see Louis XIV | Palace of Versailles. On a whim I booked my trip exactly two hours before. It was not on my iternary but I told myself who knows when I will return to Paris, may as well make the best of it. It was a wonderful experience to say the least. I met up with a few other travelers mostly couples and in groups. I met a dude from Boston who was happy I was from Toronto because Bruins kicks Leafs ass at almost every playoff.
Following the trip I went to the Eiffel tower and marvelled at the sight. I took a cruise on the seine river, it was nice to see the various architectures. I had lunch near the Eiffel tower, pasta it was not very good and it was expensive. I saw a couple fighting, the girl ordered pizza but the guy was not going to have it, it was a back and forth then they left without finishing the pizza. I made my way back to Montmartre, over there I had a juicy burger for dinner.
The third day I made my way to Louvre museum. In the line, I spoke with a German lady who was travelling with her kids. We chatted about how Europe is far ahead than north America in terms of life-work balance. Europeans focuses on time off to rejuvenate their lives not only to enjoy but to come back to work with a refreshed perspective. In North America, I feel as though people just work, consume, save to make ends meat.
In Louvre, I made my way through the artifacts, started of with Islamic culture. Then European paintings, and I had to see the Mona Lisa ofcourse! I shoved my self through all the people in the crowd and got a selfie with her, which was my mission. After that I roamed around walked for five hours, if I had walked there all day I couldn’t finish. Next up I made my way to the Arc de Triomphe, I spoke with a Japanese couple who were there in the Honey moon, they were excited to see the top. We made it just in time before sunset. The view from there was spectacular. I took several shots of the Eiffel tower all lit up. I went down went back to my hotel, I had some good Turkish food, and crepes from a Bengali vendor. Came back to my hotel and fell asleep. In the evening, it was time for a stroll around Montmartre. I thought, I must have a glass of red wine sitting at a French cafe. Breathing in the French air, and looking around. It refreshed me. After that I went back to my hotel got my stuff ready for my next trip. Looked forward to Switzerland and was grateful for my time in Paris!