Off the bat, I have to say that a massive high is that we missed all the striking workers and travel chaos by just a few weeks. I am so grateful that we were able to get around without disruption, and I hope that the issues can be resolved swiftly for everyone involved!
We loved the City of Lights - it turned out to be just as magical as everyone always says it is. There are also a billion things to do, and I became a little paralyzed in the planning stages due to "amazing option fatigue." That is totally a thing, especially for this Enneagram 7 that does not want to miss out on any fun thing. However, we managed to narrow it down and also resign ourselves to the fact that we would only get a small sampling of all Paris has to offer.
Low: If you read the Belgium post, you know that we actually missed our scheduled train to Paris. This meant that we were standing in a tiny passageway next to the Water Closet for the entirety of our journey. We were a bit frazzled by the time we landed in a dark and slightly rainy Paris.
High: We checked into the lovely Hotel Brighton and spoke to the concierge who was able to make us dinner reservations right around the corner, as well as reserve us tickets on a Seine River cruise that night. Though we were tired, it was a great way to see the city sights, and we were able to sit inside. Also, when we walked back to our hotel, we ran across gorgeous Christmas lights.
High: Versailles. It is everything and then some. We got up early and Ubered there to be able to beat the crowds, and so we had it almost to ourselves for a tiny bit before the hoards of tourist buses descended upon it. It is so lavish and over the top.
High: We had brunch at a Creperie across the street from Versailles, and it was SO. Good, and it was a relaxing time for all involved.
High: We headed back to Paris and went to Saint Chapelle, which I really wanted to see. As a side note, another high was booking tickets online and walking past all the lines. I love any chance to legally skip a line, and this was a good place to do that. Plus, it truly is stunning.
Low: Missing Notre Dame. We walked past it, but I am sure we did not even get a small sense of what it actually entails.
High: Just being straight up tourists and seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Low: We were pretty worn out by this point in the packed day and weren't able to fully take in the Louvre. It is so much even if you go in fresh, but if you go in already having seen a lot, it feels very overwhelming. And it is packed packed packed with people. But, it was still worth going and seeing.
High: We got to meet up with an old friend who lives and does mission work in Paris, and it was so great to see her!
High: Cute food stuff everywhere. I could just about always eat my way through a new city, but Paris really does take beautiful food and general cuteness to another level.
Low: As we were on our way to our last dinner together, our taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong address, and we didn't know any better. When we got out, we were greeted by men with guns who told us to move along. After dinner, still not knowing better, we walked past this place and got too close and again were addressed by security. Later we realized it was the American Embassy, and they were on high alert because of potential protests the next morning. Nothing like men with guns in a strange place to get your blood going.
High: Our final dinner with the Heads was truly amazing. You know it is going to be good when they prepare Lobster Salad table side for you. The whole experience was delightful.
High: John got to run the Champs Elysees, which he was stoked about, even in the midst.
Low: Too little time. I really could spend weeks in Paris, strolling through the tree-lined streets and discovering quaint cafes and cozy markets. We had the opposite experience, which I am also thankful for, and it gives me a a lot of reasons to want to go back!
High: Getting to travel with great friends. These were our 3rd and 4th countries to visit with Adam and Court, and I am so thankful to have such wonderful travel companions. We have so much compatibility, and we all know what to expect, and it just works. And is a ton of fun and life-giving. We were sad to part ways in Paris!
I'll write one more post with our time in Disneyland Paris and wrapping up the trip. Two weeks later is better than never!
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