I arrived in Paris Sunday afternoon and quickly headed out to take some pictures. In the one above, I don’t know you can tell, but it was both raining and sunny at that moment. The rain didn’t last long, and I spent the rest of the day soaking in the city.
I have two observations about Paris. First, it’s is beautiful. But not just a little bit, in a few places. It’s just dumb, how gorgeous this city is, I can’t even express it. Second, everything is really big. The monuments are huge (see below) and the relative distances in the city seem large to me.
So if you’ve ever thought of going to Paris, do it. Forget gas prices or saving for retirement. That stuff is for wimps. Seriously, go.
Today is Bastille Day, so I’m off to check out the festivities! More to come this week…
All Photos: Christine Gilbert
July 14th, 2008 at 7:59 am
C. -
Let us know the general attitude of the Parisians toward Americans as well - when I eurailed waaaaaay back in ‘89, they seemed none too happy to put up with ANY tourist let alone one (like me) that was helpless and directionless while riding their subway system.
Jenn
July 14th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Welcome to Paris, Christine! I got caught in that rain/sun storm as well…happens all the time here. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the city!
Tanyas last blog post..Allons Enfants de la Patrie!…
July 14th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Happy bastille day!! Enjoy paris…maybe you will run into Tanya.
Nomadic Matts last blog post..A New Adventure Begins
July 14th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
So jealous! Paris has been tempting me for years…isn’t it the perfect place for a romantic getaway!?
July 14th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
My God… I am getting on the next flight… haha.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Christine!
Hi there! Welcome to Europe! I have been catching up on your adventures in Spain and now in Paris this evening as I have been away from the internet for a while.
I agree… Paris is ridiculous… I just can’t get enough. EVER! I find that the people of Paris were quite friendly although one woman at a cinema did mock DP’s French. Oh well…
Soak it all up. I recommend seeing the stained glass windows at Sant Chapelle. (I hope I have spelled that correctly). Ask someone to tell you the story of how those amazing windows did not get broken during the world wars. And just walking around the city. Picnics in the park. Roast chicken at the Grande Colbert. The chocolate crepes served at the little stand near the merry-go-round on the bank of the river near the Eiffel Tower… with whipped cream… so lovely. And of course, the macaron cookies. You couldn’t really call the macaron just a cookie, though!
Enjoy!
Monnas last blog post..On the Road in Canada
July 15th, 2008 at 6:34 am
great post! I really had some nice times in Paris. Very impressed with the development of your site as well. best of luck!
July 15th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Hi Christine,
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your writing and photography. We are leaving for our RTW in 9 days and you have helped me replace my apprehension with excitement. Enjoy your journeys!
Danis last blog post..Gearing Up
July 15th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Beautiful pictures… and the rain with sun seems to be a staple there. It’s not my favorite city in the world, but nobody can deny the beauty that surrounds you there.
Have fun!!
Loris last blog post..SF Gate - Hotel Avante
July 15th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Probably my favorite city in the world and some nice photos to give such great memories. Stunning buildings not cluttered with skyscrapers. Elegant people. Superb food. Champs Elysee and the Seine just beautiful. The backstreets even better. And you were there on Bastille Day too.
I achieved one of my life’s silly goals in Paris when I (successfully) drove around the huge roundabout around the Arc de Triomphe at 5pm - maybe the greatest traffic mayhem of anywhere.
MarkHs last blog post..Czeching Out the Capital (Prague, Czech Republic)
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Wonderful photos! I agree w/scew waiting for retiremment. I’ve always wanted to go and I’m going. I was thinking of November and I know it will be cold as hell, bit I’m from NYC so I’m used to it.
sdg1844s last blog post..Happy, Happy, Joy Joy!