Paris...
Traveling has leveled up my life, and I will always choose it over anything else. It raises awareness of all the different cultures and cuisines you experience, and you realize that you are not that different from others. In all reality, we are all the same. But there are some places that I am sure stand out the most. For me, it's Paris. I still have much to explore, but Paris will always have a soft spot in my heart.
From the glorious architecture to the cobbled stone streets, what is there not to love about it? The first time I saw the Eiffel Tower twinkle on a boat ride at the Seine made me skip a heartbeat. I know many would say it's cliche and nothing too spectacular. But have you been somewhere where you know you belong? Have you been somewhere where your heart melts and every little corner or every sight is exciting? But every time I stand under the earth, the Eiffel Tower, there is a tinge of excitement like a child at a candy store or, better yet, a lovely lady buying a Chanel purse, all so glorious. I often hear people say that Parisians are rude, but if we are all the same, what does that tell you about yourself? I honestly don't think they are rude; they protect their home from tourism. No one likes their home to be trashed, do they? Paris has become such a tourist hype for Parisians that although so many people visit Paris and it is suitable for their country to make money, it also leaves their home a little dirtier and a little more polluted. Therefore, if traveling is your jam, please remember the locals and what they like.
The last time I went to Paris, it was shortly after my mom passed away. I had taken my dad and niece to Paris to get away for a week from people and the norm, especially for my dad. My niece has a family of her own, and I also have a family of my own. But my dad lost one person, and that is when I decided that I was going to start traveling with my dad more often. Whenever I can, I will take him to Europe and explore all the places I love in Europe, and it has to start with Paris. I always thought my dad looked French to me. The smoking, the charm, the way he dresses. I do believe that in previous lives, we must have been French. From the French wine to the food, he enjoyed it all. We went to a local boulangerie that was just a hole in a wall but oh so good—the fantastic mouth-watering croissants. I can still taste the delicious coffee, steak, and Frits. I got my associate's in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts and know food.
However, I went to the catacombs this time, and my dad said something that still stuck with me. He said, "So many people have visited this place and may have seen their skeleton." Take a moment to take that in. The catacombs were sad, but they are an essential part of history that we should not neglect, like any other historical place. I am so grateful to live in his life and be blessed to do the things I can.
Paris is also a city known for lovers. It is Valentine's Day today; I thought I would mention how to correct it to understand that. It is not only people, it's everything about Paris. The Seine River, the majestic beauty of Lady Eiffel Tower and the cobblestone streets where you will find people dancing. There are romantics there, too. There is non-stop kissing, elders holding hands, and walking in glorious parks like the Garten de Luxembourg and the Palais Royale.
One secret I will tell you is that if you plan to go to Paris after reading this blog, do all the touristy stuff first and then hit the local hidden treasure restaurants, bars, cafes, and boulangeries. The prices are unbeatable, and the taste is magnificent. I am not into snails, which they call Escargots, but they are delicacies. Macaroons are so delicious, but I choose croissants any day over macaroons. But the best thing to do in Paris is stop at boulangeries, get some baguette with cheese and wine, and have a picnic at a Garten. It is something you must do if you are in Paris. I remember sitting at the Garten De Luxembourg with my husband the first time I went; I won't forget it. I have forgotten all the expensive restaurants we visited, but I will never forget. It was romantic and beautiful, and I felt pretty complete then. French wines, in my opinion, are the best also. They are cheap with grandiose flavors. You can find anything suitable for your palate.
The last time I was in Paris, I saw the Cherry Blossom Trees, and they are worth all the hype. There is one stationed right outside the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore. I had a great time with my niece in that area. We just bought books and strolled the streets of Paris, imagining ourselves moving there one day. I enjoyed sitting at the cafe's writing and people-watching and an espresso martini as a nightcap at my hotel. Even there, I would sit and write about how beautiful it is here. I am the kind of girl that enjoys the now. I love being present wherever I am. My husband and I will put our phones away when we are at restaurants. So, it was beautiful for me to sit, write, and people-watch. I found a doppelgänger to my brother, but that is a story for another time.
If you are a creative soul like me, I suggest visiting Paris. If you want to experience love, go to Paris. If you wish to have delectable food, go to Paris. My suggestion will always be for Paris. However, I have traveled a lot, and I will keep you in the loop about where I go next, which will be very exciting as well. Until next time!
Au Revoir!