Paris: The word, the place, always evokes particular emotions like love, adventure, romance. We think of the Eiffel Tower and croissants, fashion and fancy. A visit to Paris is probably on the bucket lists of most people, especially women. It was on my bucket list until last month when I checked Paris off my list, having been blessed with the opportunity to finally visit there.
Paris was an adventure indeed. I learned much about the place itself and even a little about myself. In David Letterman fashion, I’m presenting my Paris Top 10: What I learned there and what I loved.
- There’s no personal space. We Americans enjoy a certain amount of personal space. We like our bubble of not having some stranger smacked up against us all the time (with the exception of those who live in large cities, I’m sure). I enjoy wide open spaces. Upon arrival to Paris, one of the first things our fearless tour guide told us was to get used to no personal space. We’d be in a crowded city, visiting crowded attractions that we traveled to on the crowded metro. You get used to it quickly. Or at least I did. I was excited to be there and when I’m visiting somewhere, the one thing I want to do more than see any tourist attraction is experience the local culture.
- Living space is small. Remember what I just said about enjoying wide open spaces? I had to get over that temporarily. Our hotel room, while nice, modern, and clean, was very “petite”. My daughter and I shared a “double bed” which was actually two twin beds shoved together, sharing bedding. But the bedding was deliciously cozy with fluffy comforters and pillows. We had a small built-in desk that also hosted the television set and an equally small built-in closet. But the only place you could walk was also the only place you could set your luggage. We figured it out. It was a cramped maze most of the time, but hey, we were in Paris. Who cares? Tight quarters isn’t limited to travelers. Residents typically live in small apartments because space comes at such a premium. Only the quite wealthy are able to afford actual houses, we were told. I loved seeing the tiny balconies throughout the city. They were adorned with flowers and plants, almost every one. Sometimes a few children’s toys could be seen. I imagined what French life must look like inside those cozy homes.
- French bread in Paris is not French bread here. When I first nibbled a piece of French bread made in France, it was a brand-new experience. It tasted divine. I like French bread here at home, but when I tasted the real thing made in one of the heavenly-scented patisseries, oh my. When you have a continental breakfast in your hotel here in the States you think of muffins and cereal, perhaps some waffles and fruit. Our breakfast spread was a little bit different in Paris but much to my liking. Every morning we enjoyed crepes, cheeses, ham, croissants and various breads and jams, fruit cereal, teas, coffee, and juices, and Nutella. Nutella seems to be quite popular in Europe!
- Parisians eat out a lot. And when I say “out”, I mean outside. Even though when we were there, the temperatures lingered in the low 40s, everywhere we were, both day and night, people were dining al fresco. They talked and laughed, their breath visible in the brisk evening air. Often, there would be a dog on a leash at their side while they dined. Although I was surprised to see people consistently eating outside when it was so cold, I found it rather endearing.
- Paris has stunning architecture. I’m sure that’s no surprise to read that. After all, they’re known for some pretty famous structures: Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Garnier Opera House. Even a mall we visited was stunning with its balconies and captivating detail. There just aren’t structures so old here; we’re a newer country in comparison to many. Being present in such places of beauty and history was a rare treated I savored. The Eiffel Tower really was beautiful and I’m ever thankful we visited it at night. Having already seen it during the day, I admittedly was unimpressed at the plain brown structure looming before me as we coasted down the Seine past it. But at night, lit up in its prideful glory, it was enchanting indeed.
- Fizzy drinks…Pop (soda or cola, whatever it’s referred to as in your part of the world) in your favorite flavor may not be as readily available as you’re accustomed to. I never saw Pepsi products of any kind, not even a 7Up or a Sprite, but Coke and orange Fanta were popular. But take note: If you’re ordering a Diet Coke, make sure to call it by its correct European name: Coke Light.
- Gypsies. We were warned by our tour guide straight away to be aware of gypsies. That isn’t a slur of any kind. They were bonafide gypsies and had gypsy camps, which we saw on our ride into the city from the airport. Paris is known for its pickpocket crimes. The gypsies are well-known for that as well and will use methods of distraction so they can more easily lift one’s wallet or get their hands in one’s purse. Sometimes they will just flat-out ask for money or other times they may use a clipboard under the guise that they’d like you to sign a petition. While you’re holding and reading the clipboard, it’s most likely obscuring your view of your pockets or purse and meanwhile, they’re cleaning you out before you know it. Thankfully, none of us fell victim to this ruse, but beware should you travel there.
- Dining out is different. While we go into a restaurant and sit and order a meal and the price is as listed, in some French establishments, there may be a higher cost if you’re planning to dine in. Again…space comes at a premium. One delightful patisserie we patronized our first afternoon in Paris, had the most delicious-smelling offerings of sandwiches, breads, pastries. If you wanted a sandwich that would require heating, you’d stood in one line. If bread was your only desire, you got in the “bread line.” Here, we enjoy unlimited refills of most drinks when we dine out. In Paris (and in Rome as well), if you order a soda, you get a glass and a bottle or can of the soda of your choice and it usually cost in the neighborhood of 3 Euros 50 (around $4 American) and there were no refills. If you want a second pop, you buy a second pop.
- Vibrant nightlife. I love a city with good nightlife. There’s something wonderful about a city or town being abuzz well into the night with activity. I loved being on the streets of Paris, hearing laughter and music, people dining (al fresco, of course!) well past dark. Restaurants were busy to overflowing, streets were packed with people as was the metro (though less packed than during rush hour), and lovers and dreamers were everywhere.
- Cobblestone streets. The streets were one of the things I looked most forward to seeing in Paris. There’s something very old-world and charming about cobblestone streets. Although, they’re not the most comfortable to walk on, you quickly forget about that part. It’s lovely to stroll through the streets and see the shops in the evening when dinner time comes. The shop and restaurant owners try to lure you in with their scrumptious smelling offerings of crepes and such.
- Bonus: The Eiffel Tower…You simply must feast on its beauty should you find yourself in Paris. It really is quite spectacular lit up at night. We were there past ten Valentine’s night and were able to see it lit up and sparkling. I do believe it gave me goosebumps!
If the opportunity arises, go to Paris. Go. This was my first trip abroad and it was nothing short of amazing. Here we are, a month home from our travels, and I’m still chatting on about all we saw and did (and mentally planning our encore trip!)
