Today's post is coming to you from Lindsay of Black & Blonde
Make sure to check out her blog HERE! Enjoy!
Paris, Paris. A city
full of all things pretty, romantic, and magical. I had always
dreamed of visiting and luckily my wish came true. In April of 2009, I
was on my way to the city of lights and by myself at that! For me it was
spring break and an escape from New York and all things stressful. It was
my version of Eat-Pray-Love, Paris edition. I wanted the culture, the
food (my goodness, the food!), the art, and complete language
immersion. I even prepared by learning some French! (Je ne
comprends pa=I don't understand.) On the flight there, I even drank
some wine because that's what the French do right?
I arrived safely, got in
a cab, and went straight to my hotel. While it wasn't the most glamorous,
it had the essentials and was near the metro. I had some plans in mind
before I got there, but I decided that I was in Paris and nothing could
stop me! And so I began walking. I walked to a patisserie and got
some pain au chocolat. I walked to the Marias. I walked to
Saint-Honore. Every day for the next week, I walked everywhere. I
saw the Mona Lisa. I saw the beautiful Seine. I let Paris take me
where it wanted to take me. While I did get lost once for about an hour,
it was all wonderful.
If I hadn't let loose my
reigns, I would have never visited the Museum of Eroticism. Oh yes, I
went. I never would have stumbled upon a David La Chapelle special
exhibit in a tiny gallery. I would have never been able to see beautiful
gardens or public art installations. I would have never found this
beautiful ring!
While the shopping was
grand, the food was even more so. Each night I had course after course of
the most delicious food I'd ever tasted. While the pain suisse and creme
brulee weren't so friendly to my waistline, I discounted it because I was
walking around all day. The best meal by far was a lunch I randomly found
while looking for a museum. It began with escargot, moved to prosciutto
wrapped scallops over salad, and ended delightfully with chocolate mousse and
some gummy bears (I think the waiter liked me). While it cost a pretty
penny (approximately $80 US), it was well worth it.
The trip in a whole
taught me that sometimes, it's ok to indulge. It's ok not to have a
plan. Traveling should be fun. For me, it's all about the hidden
treasures and going off the beaten path. While I would love to give you a
specific guide about Paris, I can't. Make it your own adventure!
Trust me, it's much more fun and meaningful that way!
PS-My camera got stolen
soon after I arrived home from Paris and I unfortunately have no photo memories
of the trip.
Big thanks go to Lindsay, don't forget to check out her blog:http://www.blackandblondeone.com/