As expected - but against my hopes - I am yet again writing this update nearly two months after my actual trip. Nevertheless, I'm quickly remembering all the delightful details of this adventure and am excited to relive it now.
So let's begin with the fact that I stayed with my friend in her family home just outside of Paris. The town she lives in is utterly lovely and quaint, complete with wisteria and vines growing on all the buildings. I must note that the luxury of being able to stay with an actual Parisian who knows the city well increased the awesomeness factor of this trip tenfold. I also give thanks for the authentic French cuisine and wine (oh, the wine!) we devoured every day thanks to her parents. I tried duck liver for the first time, and it was brilliant. This hospitality was easily my favorite part of the trip. Therefore, I thank Clara Castelli and her beautiful family so very much. Here's more of the re-cap:
Day 1: Notre Dame, Lovers Lock Bridge, the Louvre Museum, Palace and gardens, lots of fancy shops (i.e. Chanel, YSL, Celine, etc....of which I did not enter), the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Loads of photography ensued, a lock was attached to a bridge, postcards were purchased, and one mocha éclair was eaten while we walked along the River Seine. If only a lightly-bearded man on a Vespa had appeared and given me flowers and a kiss, the day would have been a dream.
Day 2: Good morning, Eiffel Tower. The sun must have known we were seeing Paris' main attraction because it shined so brightly on that beautiful day. Actually seeing the Eiffel Tower in person felt a little like standing on a giant monopoly board: as if it were a giant game piece that could be picked up by the hand of God. We then went to Montmartre, a beautiful basilica that sits at the highest point in Paris from which you can see everything. The town around the basilica was darling. I don't think there's a better word to describe it. We walked back down to the city after that and came upon the Moulin Rouge, which was a bit of a letdown because the recreation of it after it burnt down is clearly that - a recreation. Regardless, mentally viewing the sight through the lens of the 1920's was cool enough for me.
Day 3: Versailles! My American friend, roommate and partner in crime, Ashly, ventured to this small city with me, and we were beyond proud to have made it there all on our own! We only got semi-lost once. The city itself was quaint and picturesque, and the Palace was, well, words fail me. Seeing the royal rooms with hand-painted walls, marble floors and gilded fixtures and the endless gardens with grand fountains was to look at wealth that you've never witnessed in your life. Please go have a thorough look at my Facebook album if you want to see what my exaggeration is about. Later that night, we put on our most fancy outfits and went to at a fancy Parisian club with a bunch of Clara's fancy friends. It was maybe the most fabulous day of my life, and I firmly believe everyone needs to feel that fabulous at least once. It's good for the soul.
Day 4: On our final day, Ashly and I went sightseeing on our own throughout the city, witnessing more gorgeous architecture, tree-lined roads and pretty gardens. That sunny afternoon, we had lunch with Clara's father at the most fitting French café with a peekaboo view of the Eiffel Tower. We went shopping for a bit and returned to have yet another fine dinner at the Castelli home. Then, as part of my secret plan, we went to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night and eat crepes while we watched. It was a mesmerizing sight.
Four days in Paris was perfectly wonderful and yet not nearly enough time. I cannot wait until I can go back to it. It truly is the city of lights and of love; you can feel it while walking the streets, watching the people and eating the cuisine. Even without the accordion players performing from park benches, there is a melody in the beauty of the city that truly affects you.
- Ali
