After years of missing out on one of Europe’s finest I finally managed to get to Paris. The beginning of spring brought some wonderful weather when I arrived and I can honestly say that those first few days were some of the best days of my life. Some prior experiences and many preconceived notions of how the Parisians treat Americans had me worried but I was pleasantly surprised at how nice everyone was. I stayed in a trendy area that was definitely as cosmopolitan as the city itself but touristy it was not. I had some of the tastiest dinners those first few days. I really did fall in love with Paris. I took it easy on day one since it was a travel day but on day 2 I saw Notre Dame de Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It was sunny and 65 and I was loving life.
Notre Dame de Paris!
Eiffel Tower
Day 3 brought something very unexpected – strep throat. Tis the season I realize but strep really did put a hamper on the rest of my plans for Paris. I spent the next 3 days of the trip in my room watching episode after episode of HBO’s Big Love, which I enjoyed don’t get me wrong but I had much greater plans for my long weekend in Paris. The night before I left I forced myself out mostly to get something to eat but also to see one last site: the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Being the highest point in the city there was a pretty descent view below. Unfortunately the weather had changed and thus matched my sick feeling but I managed to get a few photos in between rain showers.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
Despite some level of disappointment I left with a very high opinion of Paris. While I was sick I ate food from bakeries and fruit markets that made meals better than many a fine dining experience. The subway has the coolest Halloween looking signs I’ve ever seen. The city is beautiful and I didn’t encounter anyone who seemed irritated with my lack of French mastery. Hopefully I will return to Paris some day and make up for that bit of lost time.
How’s this for a subway sign?