surely there's a reason for all the glorification. there's of course the eiffel tower, because that's what most tourists go to paris for (although i admit i am not one of them. was never particularly fond of the structure, even when i saw it right in front of me, i thought it was slightly overrated), world famous museums for the artsy-fartsies, designer fashion, high cuisine, music, theatre, parks, amazing architecture... there is no way paris will fail to enchant anyone.
having travelled to paris from rome, i wasn't really looking forward to it because i didn't want to leave the familiarity and comforts of rome. i was tempted to stay longer and fatten up with all that italian food, but i knew paris was beckoning from afar, so onto the train i hopped.
it wasn't until i arrived at the scene of the river seine when i was suddenly remarkably dazzled by paris in all its grandeur. it really was magical. bonjour paris! i was now drawn in.
nightview of the famous musee du louvre along the river seine.
the moulin rouge in the colourful district of montmartre.
pont alexandre III, i'd think the most beautiful of all the bridges spanning the seine.
relaxing stroll around the city on christmas day. beautiful weather, too. couldn't ask for a better way to spend christmas!
along the champs elysees.
arc de triomphe at the end of champs elysees.
tour de eiffel. magnificent, yes, but not something i can sit and look at the entire day.
eiffel at night.
the notre dame cathedral. loved the gothic architecture both on the outside and the inside. when we went in there was a mass going on with pipe organs playing.
the musee d'orsay. went all the way there on xmas eve only to find that it was closed early :| couldn't find time to go back again, so it'll be the first on my list to visit next time around.
me against the louvre, on the other side of the seine. enjoyed my whole day there - didn't realise i was actually that cultured!
pyramid of the da vinci code fame.
one of the great masterpieces at the louvre: the winged victory of samothrace.
most famous painting in the world: the mona lisa. i personally thought it was ugly and too small.
the breathtaking river seine again on a bright and sunny day.
the jardin du luxembourg. vast and beautiful gardens, even in the winter. i really cannot imagine it during spring.
lunch at the jardin. good thing the weather was fine enough to dine outdoors!
i was wearing the same jacket throughout my trip to both rome & paris because i travelled on a budget and there was no way i could fit another coat into my luggage. was very unfashionable during the trip, with sports shoes and all; while all the parisian little girls, ladies and even old ladies walked around wearing knee-high leather boots and Chanel coats. harhar.
gerard mullot french desserts. i can see you drooling.
typical parisian apartments. love the iron railings on the balconies.
our hotel daily breakfast. fresh croissants, breads, cheese, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, coffee, tea, juices... what a great way to start each day. we stayed at the nice contemporary hotel residence richemont at the olympiades area for 60% off! wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise. thank you adrian for spotting it :P
paris paris paris. colourful, sophisticated, interesting, artistic and houses a nice blend of historical and modern day architecture. it is so regal that it can actually be intimidating at times. but there is no reason why i wouldn't go back time and again, and hopefully not on a budget so i can travel in style and do some shopping at least!
(i was so proud of myself for not even window-shopping while in either of the cities, not only because i couldn't afford it but also because stupid ryanair gave VERY limited baggage allowance. in fact the only purchases made besides food, transport and accommodation were a few magnets, shot glasses and a L'occitane mini christmas gift set for MYSELF. haha.)
now i am proud to say i have visited paris and i'm going to be one of those who spread the word about how worth visiting it is. the city is so posh and beautifully-maintained, no wonder it is dubbed one of the greatest cities in the world.
