Well my friends, we've hit the final destination on my week long Euro-trip, and I have to say we saved one of the best for last. J'adore Paris. For as long as I can remember I've dreamed about seeing the Eiffel Tower. I've seen it in countless movies and thousands of pictures but nothing prepared me for setting my eyes on it for the first time. It was magical.
Allyse and I arrived to Paris Wednesday afternoon and as soon as the plane landed a huge smile spread across both of our faces. We had arrived. We made our way through the Paris metro to our airbnb apartment. There was a slight moment of panic when the concierge didn't have our reservation down and also didn't speak a word of English. Luckily Allyse was there and knew some French and we were able to get everything sorted out. The apartment was the perfect size for two and it's only flaw was no door to the bathroom. Strange. Once we had made ourselves at home our mission had become to find the Eiffel Tower. Little did we know that would be incredibly easy. We walked to the end of street and looked to the left and there was the magnificent beauty. We both had a moment and a loud scream might have escaped from my lips. We grabbed a baguette from a food stand and sat and ate them on a bench just staring at the Eiffel Tower. It was like a daydream. We then walked down to the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elyseese just looking at all of the beautiful stores and architecture. The greatest moment was walking into Sephora and all of a sudden the workers formed two lines at the entrance and began dancing to Beyonce's Crazy in Love. Of course Allyse and I sang along. It became another one of those moments where I had to ask myself was this real life? Am I really in Sephora, on the Champs Elysese, in Paris, dancing to Beyonce? It was amazing. That night we left our apartment at 9:58 to go watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at 10. It was incredible and beyond beautiful.
Thursday we woke up to the bright shining sun and explored the beautiful Jardin des Tileries. It had some beautiful blooming flowers. We then ventured to Notre Dame and rounded the corner to find the bridge with all of the love locks. Later we finally met up with Emma and her sweet parents to go on a boat and bus tour of Paris. The tour also included tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower. While I'm terrified of heights and the elevator ride to the top made me want to curl into a ball on the ground, we were greeted with the most spectacular views of Paris. The sun was just setting and the sky was a mixture of pinks, yellows, and purples. I am so thankful to Emma's parents for treating us to this wonderful experience. The night came to a perfect ending with nutella crepes in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Friday we met Emma and her parents to venture to a cute little market that had the most delicious strawberries ever. I will dream about these for years to come. We then went our separate ways and Allyse and I went to explore the Louvre. We saw the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and so many more. I could spend hours in that museum. We finished our day with a little shopping and then all met up back for a delicious Italian dinner. Allyse, Emma, and I then took countless pictures with the Eiffel Tower. As we're standing there the most perfect rainbow appeared. It could not have gotten any better. The night again ended with crepes, I decided to switch it up and threw bananas in with my nutella. Party. Animal.
Saturday we took the train out to Versailles and walked through the beautiful gardens and former home of Napoleon and Marie Antoinette. While the sun had decided to go into hiding, my feet began to stage WWIII on my body, and we got pushed around by Asian tour groups, we made the best of it! I'm glad we went but I was definitely beginning to miss my London home. It was a strange feeling flying back and realizing in such a short amount of time how much I considered London my home. I had fallen in love with this city and I know it's going to be one of the hardest things to say goodbye. I am beyond thankful and blessed to be living the life I have right now. I am constantly in awe and having to remind myself that this isn't a dream.
I'd like to finish this blog by sending up a huge prayer for my family in Boston. I'm so glad you all are okay! It's moments like these that I'm reminded of the cruelty in this world and I'm praying for all of the people affected by this tragedy. I'm so grateful for the brave men and women responding to the injured and again am praying for their safety. We have to remember to appreciate each and every moment and try to live each day to the fullest. Each day is a blessing!
No comments:
Post a Comment