Paris is Beauty !!
It has beautiful streets ending in beautiful historic buildings. Everywhere you look, there is some History, some market, some café, something beautiful. All the historic monuments are over whelming in a very nice way. Makes you wonder about the life in old days. The glamour and the romance of being in a majestic Royal world. Gautam (my husband) was in love. He was like a kid lost in a Candy store, admiring with his eyes and wishing he owned it all and lived in the Candy store for the rest of his life. It was amazing to see him in love with a city, it takes a lot to impress him. J
We (Gautam and I) were in Paris for 4 days. I wish the trip was longer. Just one city for four days and you feel like you need more time, says a lot about the place. Paris trip can be done 2 ways: The Classic Tourist way and The Explore the City way. We ended up doing a mix of the two, which was perfect.
Paris was a break between our trip from India to Austin. It was perfect way for us to relax after the 2 awesome Indian Wedding and before getting back to the Real life.
Day 1:
We arrived in Paris early around 10am in the morning to our Hotel Cordelia. The Hotel didn’t take early check-ins. They were nice enough to store our Huge Bags in the smallest storage space I have ever seen. About the hotel, Hotel Cordelia is located centrally. Very close to a Metro station and multiple Bus stands. It is near the Opéra-Madeleine. It is walking distance from a few wonderful Cafes and also from the Shopping district. The Hotel is well maintained and kept clean and warm. The rooms are really small, but manageable. The streets are noisy at night (near a Theatre) and early in the morning (Garbage Pick-up around 6:30 am). English speaking staff is a plus, but they are not the most helpful people. Well, in general Parisians are not the most helpful. Most of them are not very happy to talk to you, some are borderline rude and some are outright rude. I would recommend Hotel Cordelia for the location and price.
Read Tripadvisor Review hotel Cordelia: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d228787-on6-Hotel_Cordelia-Paris_Ile_de_France.html#UR122682583
It is ironic that the feeling you get from the beauty of Paris, the place is exactly opposite to the feeling you get from the People of Paris. The people are in general not very happy. Getting a smile is extremely difficult if not almost impossible. I had read a lot about Parisians before the trip. Most of the reviews said, the people are not rude they are different. I don’t agree, the People are rude. If you don’t like to talk to Tourist, Restaurant business is not really for you. If you don’t like to be asked questions, being a Server is the last thing you should do. I understand, the economy is bad and the place is expensive, that’s why the bad attitude. BUT Tourism is the main attraction in Paris, if people are not going to be nice to tourist, they are just losing on another opportunity they have. Most of Parisians are not going to make you feel welcomed. That’s the way it is. BUT the city, streets, beauty will make you feel wonderful. I have developed this Love-Hate for Paris after being there. I will definitely go back any chance I get.
We stored our bags at the Hotel and went out to get some Breakfast and Shopping. My favorite European (Spanish) brand is Desigual (http://www.desigual.com/en_US ). As soon as I had enough energy from Breakfast, we found a Desigual store which is walking distance from Cordelia and shopped. J Another brand that I think is fun and colorful is Skunkfunk (http://www.skunkfunk.com/ ).
We went to Paris and didn’t go inside the Louvre, we didn’t see Mona Lisa. It was kind of a sin, but oh well. The Louvre is amazing, magnificent. It is beautiful from the outside, I can only imagine how awesome it is from the inside, but just too big to cover in a short time. I know Gautam would love to spend a few days in there, I am not too sure how much I will like it. I have had people gasp at the thought of going to Paris and not going inside Louvre. It is kind of how I like it. The next time I am in Paris I might just not go inside Louvre again, I know Gautam will take a day to see Louvre from inside. I rather roam the streets, go to Cafes and Shop.
We got ready and went to Champs Elysees. The street is lined with Designer Brand stores on both side. Champs Elysees has Arc of Triumph on one end and a street market on the other end. The Entire street was lit up with Lights. It is lively and beautiful. We walked to the Arc and then to the Ferris wheel. We didn’t go on the Ferris Wheel, but the next time I am in Paris I definitely want to check the View from the top of the Ferris wheel. The Ferris Wheel is between the Arc and Louvre. The Pyramid at Louvre in the night is magnificent. It is beautiful and amazing. We also got the first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
The first night we went for a Cabaret show. We went to Le Lido (
http://www.lido.fr/ ) , it is located on Champs Elysees. A more modern and newer show. I recommend buying the Tickets that include a bottle of Champagne and Macaroons. It got us coat check-in, Program Booklet and intimate round sofa with a great view. The show is symbolic of the old culture and life in Paris. It was extremely entertaining. Some acts were excellent. The singing and dancing is enticing. I would definitely recommend going for a Cabaret show in Paris. Local Music and Dance is the best way to experience the culture and the city. We went to Lido which is a modern twist to the old culture. If you want to experience the authentic Cabaret, I would recommend going to Moulin Rouge. Mostly for the location. It is located in the old Red-light district of Paris. The show in itself, from all the reviews I had checked, looks like are comparable. We decided based on the type of Tickets Lido offered. Nonetheless, whichever Cabaret you go to, make it a part of your Paris experience.
Read Tripadvisor Review of Le Lido: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d245091-r122873502-Le_Lido-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Day 2:
The second day in Paris started off with Breakfast of Croissant, fresh orange juice and Coffee. Fresh Orange Juice in Paris is awesome. Every Breakfast you have in Paris, make sure to drink Fresh Orange Juice and of course Croissant and Coffee. We took a half day Bike tour of the city. Starts at the Eiffel Tower and takes you around the city. We took the tour with Fat Tire Bike Tours. I have taken a city tour with Fat Tire in Barcelona as well. They are very professional and the equipment is always great. The Guides are usually expats and not locals. The guides are usually very knowledgeable about the city and are also helpful with recommendations. The pace of the tour was great for clicking come pictures and knowing the history. The half day tour takes a break for Lunch, that’s how I discovered the street market near Louvre and the Luxor Obelisk. And that’s when I FELL IN LOVE with Paris Street Market food. Crepes, oh Crepes, how I love you. Add Nutella and Banana to you and I am in heaven. J Eat tons and tons of Crepes with Nutella and Banana when you are in Paris. Another find was Vin Chaud (Hot Wine). YUM is the word. Hot wine is Red wine spiced with exotic spices and served steaming hot. I almost OD’ed on it. J Another Food love: Waffles served hot with Nutella.
Read Tripadvisor Review of Fat Tire Bike Tour: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d577423-r122838859-Fat_Tire_Bike_Tours_Paris-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
After the Bike tour we went to the Notre Dame church. This is probably the most crowded tourist place in Paris after Eiffel tower. It is a beautiful location. The Church is overwhelming architecture. There was a line to get in. It is magnificent and serene from the inside. You feel like taking a break and sitting down and soaking all the quietness. It was packed with tourist and locals alike. A lot of them where sitting and praying and watching it all makes you feel good and at peace. I am glad we went it. Churches have the magic to sooth and calm. On the outside it has all the Gargoyles, the protectors. We were a bit late to go on the top, but make sure to check times and make it to the top. I am sure you will be able to get great shots of the Gorgoyles of Notre Dame with the City in the background.
The second night we went to a Standup comedy show. “How to become a Parisian in an Hour?”. It was rated number 1 things to do in Paris when we took our trip. It is the only comedy show in Paris that is in English. Comedy is a big part of Parisian culture. It feels like sarcasm comes naturally. I love sarcastic comedy and so I loved the show. Olivier Giraud (Comedian) has good sense of Comic timing. He was funny and kept the tempo up for the entire hour. The Theatre is located in a small alley and not very easy to find, make sure to give yourself enough time to get there for good seats. It is a small theatre with wooden benches and pillows for back support. Feels really authentic. The making fun of Americans is a little dragged, but in all the content of the show is hilarious and so very true. I wish we had gone to the show the first night in Paris, gives you a perspective on the Parisian attitude. After watching this show, the rude behavior of the Parisian people was borderline funny. It was tolerable. Definitely make time to check this out. For us, it was time and money well spent.
Read Tripadvisor Review of Stand Up Comedy show: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d1853199-r122838058-How_to_become_Parisian_in_one_hour-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Day 3:
Finally it was New Year’s Day. 31st Dec 2011.
Mission: Eiffel tower !!
It is magnanimous. It towers over you and makes a firm statement. I didn’t think I will be so delighted to see it. It is amazing how you are reminded of Tall Mountains when you look at Tall man made Structures. One is a marvel of God and another is a marvel of Human. Clicking Pictures with the Eiffel Tower was a lot of fun. We did go up to the Viewing area in the back to get good shots and great views. Another delightful street market to pick up knick knacks and eat. Waffles and Crepes and Sandwiches and of course Vin Chaud (Hot Wine).
We looked up a few places to go party and lounge before Midnight. Unfortunately, we were unlucky and didn’t find any of the places open. Kind of weird that Party places were closed on 31st Night. Paris was a bit disappointing in general for 31st Night. I was expecting a lot more.
DON’T go to the Eiffel Tower for New Years. It was extremely disappointing. We were expecting fireworks and an awesome light show, based on the things we had heard. It was a huge disappointment. The only thing that happened in the name of a light show at Eiffel Tower was shimmering lights are midnight for 5 minutes or so. What a disappointment. We should have gone to Champs Elysees for New Years. The street parties are a lot of fun. Next time, if ever. Also, we made the mistake of taking the Metro from Eiffel tower after midnight on 31st. It was a horrible experience. It was extremely crowded. It was free but not at all worth it. We should have walked instead or waited for a Taxi. There were about 10,000 people at Eiffel, most trying to get someplace else after midnight. It was a nightmare to get in the Metro. Overall, I was disappointed. New Years in Paris at Eiffel Tower was DULL.
Day4 :
Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rogue and Sacre Coeur.
First stop: Arc de Triomphe. It is a beautiful monument built to honor the Soldiers of War. It has honors inscribed all over it and tombs of soldiers beneath it. Another great place to get great shots, with the Arc and on Champs Elysees.
The traditional Red Light District of Paris: District of Pigalle. It is lined with Sex Shops on both sides of the street. It is a famous tourist place to visit. Moulin Rogue Cabaret is located on this street. It was fun to walk along this street and explore the shops. From the outside it looks like any other street in Paris, till you start peeking in the Display windows. Take a stroll down this street and slick some pictures. It is fun.
Sacre Coeur. We took the Metro to get there. It is a bit of a winding hike up the hill to get Sacre Coeur. Lined with yet another market. It has a open area with Painters Drinking and Painting. It is celebrations on weekends. It also has a great panoramic view of the City. Sacre Coeur is a beautiful Church in a great location with the hustle bustle and excitement around it. Make sure to take a half day trip tp Sacre Coeur.
In the evening we went back to Eiffel Tower. Views of the Tower at night and the mandatory trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. One of the Things to Do. It has great views from the top (of course). It can get cold, windy and even rainy at night in Dec. Make sure to carry a jacket and an umbrella or a raincoat. We had partial great views and partial cloudy views. There is a display at the top which marks the distance of the tower from each major metro city in the world. Which is fun to watch.
We roamed the streets, shopped on Champs Elysees. Ate at the Cafes.
The street food in Paris is amazing. I know Gautam doesn’t agree, but I loved it. Make sure to eat Crepes, Waffles, Con Churros and Hot Chestnuts sold by street vendors. Vegetarian Sandwich (crunchy bread and grilled veggies) are relatively easy to find. We ate different kinds of Pastas (Pesto, red chilli, etc) in the Cafes which were all great. In general it is relatively easy to find Vegetarian food in Paris. Each and everything I tried from the street markets was yummy. If you want to save time and have a quick delicious bite, street vendors are the best place to get lunch. Cafes are usually very slow. So, if you want to maximize your time, eat on the streets. Make sure to learn a few French words. It is easier to explain if you have special Diet Needs. For us, it was “Vegetarian(Vegetarien), No Meat (viande), No Fish (poisson), Egg (oeuf) and Cheese (fromage) is OK”.
We missed out on the popular Bakeries in Paris. Gautam is still upset about it, so we plan to go back and eat tons of French Pastries. I recommend reading wiki for the Food and Drinks specialties of the country while planning your trip.
Salut Paris !!
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