After "getting my shit together" after a crazy night out in Florence (thank you Anna and Pietro) we headed to the train station to catch our overnight train.
The train station is a place for people watching whether it be a couple reuniting showing everyone how much they really missed eachother by using extreme PDA or the 6'7" transvestite (7'3" with heels) waiting for his/her train in front of me. I just stood there taking it all in while eating my pizza. Dinner and a show style.
Boarding was a bit chaotic. We boarded with pure confidence pushing our way through the cabin only to find out we had passed our assigned cabin. Thankfully our possy of Parisian women who spoke English had our backs and immediately began directing traffic. Finally we made it to the correct 'Donna' cabin (all female)... You're welcome mom.
Ashley and I began reliving our gradeschool sleepovers once we shifted to the top bunks.
One would think sleeping on a night train would be uncomfortable, noisy, nauseating, etc. WRONG. The slight swaying back and forth of the train was quite soothing and made this gal sleep like a baby. I'm sure that 24 hours of travel and being out until 5:00 am the night before had nothing to do with the great sleep either....
Ever done your make-up without looking in a mirror? There's a first time for everything. I'm all about the bucket list this trip.
It seemed to have worked just fine.
TAXI. Once we stepped off the train we hustled outside to catch a taxi to our hotel. Tip: you quickly learn in Europe to walk quickly, don't hesitate and don't hold up traffic. It's a constant game of chicken when walking the streets and Americans are known for smiling and stepping the side to refrain from being body checked or trampled.
Our boutique hotel was just as imagined. Inviting blue exterior with a glass front that previewed the chic interior of the hotel. Floral fabric lined walls, gorgeous chandelier in the center of the room, rustic gold candlesticks, well-upholstered antique furniture placed around the fireplace.
GOOD MO-NING (with a Parisian accent). We were promptly greeted by our front desk clerk who resembled a younger looking Einstein. Friendly English conversation was a pleasant surprise. "I will take care of yo' bags once I return back from the bakery", he cheerfully exclaimed.
Side note: The beauty of European business is the fact that they will close the business when a bakery run is needed or maybe even an afternoon stroll.
We immediately hit the streets of Paris. First stop, Palais Royale.
Although our pictures weren't as 'on point' as the group of students that climbed the 8' pillars, they still turned out pretty great. Black and white striped pillars? Yes, please.
Our quaint neighborhood was calling our names so we soon headed back for exploration. Addicts must feed their habit therefore I took Ashley to the newly opened J.Crew only to learn the prices are triple the J.Crew prices in the United States. After wiping her tears, we continued to explore the Marais when we happened to stumble upon what would soon become our favorite crepe place. Nutella and banana.... I now know what love feels like.
Once it reached 3:00 we headed back to the hotel to check into our room which was incredibly enchanting. Wooden beams across the ceiling, princess chandelier I've always dreamed of having, floral curtains and beautiful framed artwork. Again, we relived our seventh grade sleepovers with two twin beds pushed together.
After freshening up we ventured back out to Notre Dame. The intriquite details of the building left me standing in awe. There's something about feeling so small next to a beautiful building with such detail and history... it's the beauty of Europe for me. One of the beauties anyways.
Next stop, Saint Chapelle. Stairs always lead to great things in Europe, and Saint Chapelle followed this theory as well. Never have I seen such beautiful and intriquite stained glass.
After our stop at Saint Chapelle we headed to the platform to view the Eiffel Tower. There is was. The Eiffel Tower. Dimples were out and I couldn't quit smiling. I didn't even want to take pictures right away; instead I wanted to stand and embrace the view I had been longing for. To be honest, Paris wasn't winning me and still hasn't but the Eiffel Tower, the Louve and beautiful cathedrals had my attention. Unfortunately the platform was blocked off for construction ... but I would say we still got a worthy Eiffel Tower shot.
Walking the streets of Paris sure worked up an appetite! 'Let's be locals' we decided. Everyone seemed to be on board with "flafels" which I was first skeptical about but were quickly reassured we were in for a treat by an 'American stoner boy' behind us in line and a sweet young Norwegian man in front of us. Hushpuppies. Flafels remind me of hushpuppies topped with cabbage, some kind of sauce, over a bed of vegetables in some sort of wrap. We decided to get them to-go or 'to take away' as the Parisians say to Americans, along with our crepes from the place we located earlier that day. Never had I been so thrilled to get take-out and eat dinner in my PJ's. You know what else was great? Ending my first day in Paris with a hot bubble bath.
The second day we woke up extra early to head to the Ponte Alexandre III bridge where we were able to capture some amazing photos... including jums and leaps! Although I felt silly doing this in front of Paris traffic, I was quickly reassured with a thumbs up from a man driving a red van.
From there we headed to the Louve which was massive and a tad overwhelming from the outside. Who would have known the cafe in the Louve would have the best baguette sandwich I had in Paris?
And that the Mona Lisa was so small in size?!
The Champes-Elysees was the Main Street in Paris which also happened to be a great shopping district that also had a Laduree where I had my FIRST MACARON.
Of course I selected Salted Caramel and it was delicious. I think Ashley got a pretty good kick out of watching my face as I experienced Parisian love. Not only was the macaron phenomenal, but Laduree couldn't get any cuter!
Although I didn't climb it, the Arch de Triumph was also breathtaking. I even looked past my fear of Parisian traffic in order to captures a pretty great shot.
Back to the Marais we went. But first, gelato at the Palais Voyages. Isn't it beautiful?
After full bellies we headed back to the hotel to rest up before dinner. Primarily I was most excited to have a couple Stellas at dinner but it ended up being a wonderful dinner: Slice of break with meet and melted cheese topped with an egg. MMMMM, so good. I'm pretty sure drinks at dinner made us extra giggly for our walk back to the hotel which happened to be right around the corner from our hotel.
Day three was all about the Eiffel Tower from a different viewing point across the bridge. Although it was a hazy day with a little drizzle, I couldn't have asked for better photos. Take a look for your self.
After a full day of sight seeing we headed to the lock bridge (yes, I am a hopeless romantic and yes we ate macarons while couples around us kissed). No shame.
For our last night in Paris we decided to explore a bit and enjoy a nice sit down meal at L'aristide where I devoured a WONDERFUL beef ribsteak, potatoes and salad washed down with a Pelforth.
As if that wasn't enough...
I had to have one last crepe.
While fighting through my severe food coma I packed up my things in order to prepare for our departure to London in the morning.
We finished our first day in London and I will tell you I sure do love this bloody city. Long day mixed with my evening beer made me quite tired which has followed into the morning hour. COFFEE!
Sneak preview of yesterday:
Until next time.
--ColeyAnne
