Last night I got in from Milan around 11:30 and checked into a hotel for the night. To say this place was nasty would be an understatement. But you're in Europe, their customs are different than yours some would say. But this was just nasty. Nonetheless, this was a place to rest my head for the night and get some needed rest.
I woke up this morning and looked out and saw the Paris skyline: white buildings with distinct terra-cotta roofs and the tip of the Eiffel Tower peaking out the center. I was here. Paris is the first city that I have been to on my trip that I have already visited. I was last here in 2006 with school and fell in love. Yes, I know so cliche. But truly, Paris is my favorite city in the world. I don't know why it is. Perhaps is the beauty of the architecture or mabie the food, or is may be something in the water. Whatever it is, I love this city.
After checking out (if you can call giving the key to the guy wearing a stained wife beater cleaning up from breakfast checking out (he was also the receptionist)). I headed to my hostel for the next few days. This place is nice, perhaps the nicest I've stayed at.
I checked in and was off to see the city. I have a list of things I would like to do over the next couple of days. However, if I don't do them all, it's an excuse to come back again.
First stop: arch d' triomphe. Last time, we just rode by it, but this time I climbed the 300 and some odd stairs to the top. Once again, there's lots of cool history surrounding the monument (look it up). The views here were incredible. Champs de Elise to the front, along with the oblique and the louvre to the right the Eiffel Tower and behind me the new city. This is Paris. After taking in the scene, I was off to walk down the Champs de Elise. This is the acclaimed shopping row of Paris, Louis Vuitton flagship, Mercedes (let's not talk about that one (Some of the most beautiful cars in the world including one of the firsts, fully restored)), and a few others. However, a turn towards the Eiffel Tower will reveal the true shopping gem in Paris where the tourists don't go and luxury brands seem like starbucks in NYC.
Another turn will bring you to a monument of the torch of the statue of liberty. Under this torch is ironically the place in the tunnel where Princess Diana was assassinated, err.. I meant had a car accident. The statue has now become a shrine to her with notes flowers and pictures on the monument as well as writing from all over the world on the wall behind it.
Then I took a stroll down the banks of the seine river. This is Paris' central river, and what the city is built around. I crossed over the river in search of a cafe to eat a early dinner/ late lunch at. I came across a bustling cafe in the middle of the afternoon. This place must be good. I took a seat and looked up to see the Eiffel Tower peaking through the trees ahh there I was. I was so overcome by emotions, I pulled out my notebook and started writing. There was nothing else I could think to do. I placed my order: beef tartare. My waiter confirmed with me that I realized what I was ordering. I ensured him I knew and I was estatic about it.
The crowd was right. This place was amazing. My plate came out and was perfectly seasoned with the quaintest raw egg atop it. I was in love. I was full about half way through the dish but couldn't stop eating. The flavor of the dish changed as the meat came to room temperature. I cleaned my plate of the meat and potatoes.
Next stop, the Eiffel Tower. Breath taking. Simple, yet classic. Like much of Paris. There's an elegance that you can't put your finger on. A nice stroll, several dozen pictures and I was back to the hostel to move my bags to my room.
I then went out to do a night walk of the city. My goal: from the lourve to the Eiffel Tower. Simple. In concept and daylight that is. However, it was dark and I got lost. Not quite the smartest thing to do. There were a couple of moments where I felt that there was someone following me, and I'm pretty sure they were. In the end, I found my way to the tower, the opposite side to which I was headed.
A creiprie greeted me with it's glowing lights, a reward for my near death, or so it seemed adventure. I went for the jamón and formage. Ahhhh... Ham and cheese in a crepe.
Exhausted, I looked forward to my good nights sleep, which came at nearly 2am.
Crepes are not thin pancakes, they're crepes. Magical sweet or savory filled paper like bread created with love.
-Until
Matt
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