Our Second & Third Day in Paris

Bonjour! Sorry for keeping you hanging on here, friends. I’m much more active on Instagram for pictures and video, but I wanted to update you here as well.

I’m awake at 4am this morning since my body is out of whack in general, but I thought I’d take the time to share the fact that Paris has been such a surprise for me. I knew it was magical, but you feel like you’re surrounded by the past and future all at the same time. The gothic architecture, buildings that look as if they’ve been there for many years, stand above you and tell a story that you love to hear over and over again.

Every avenue is more beautiful than the next. The streets are cleaned every night and every corner is lit up by a cafe with windows painted with gold-leaf scripted letters, striped awnings and charming bistro tables and chairs. You just want to linger forever.

I think that’s the point though. The French culture is so different than American culture in general. For example, it’s rude to rush the waiter or waitress at a restaurant. You’re expected to stay, eat, and enjoy your time for about 2-3 hours. Even if you are obviously finished eating, you may not leave until another 45 minutes or longer. But that’s just a small exhibition of our differences — everything is made to be indulged, enjoyed. The food, the culture, the arts, the scenery, life.

I’d like to live like this all the time.

I’ve wondered if that perspective fades when people live here permanently? Do they always indulge? Truthfully, I haven’t had enough time to answer that question.

All I can say is this is not my last time to visit Paris or France for that matter. I’d love to see the countryside or the coast. I’m already planning my next trip!

As for our last two days in Paris, it seems like our group has lived an entire lifetime. From sun-up to sundown, we have trekked the streets of this city. When in all reality, we have barely scratched the surface.

We did all of the touristy things on Sunday: Eiffel Tower tour and the view from the top, Hop on and off tour bus for 1.5 on the coldest day ever, Seine River cruise and Pink Mamma for dinner.

On Monday, we explored the Louvre, the 1st and 2nd arrondissement, and we saw the most gorgeous works from Monet, Matisse and Picasso at Museum d’la Orangerie. We even witnessed the Eiffel Tower light up, but we plan to get a better view on our last night in Europe on Friday!

Tomorrow’s our trek across the Channel to my all-time greatest obsession, London. I can’t wait to soak it all in. Pray for safe travels for us!

Until then, Au revoir!