There was a time in my life that I would tell people proudly that, “The farthest I will travel will be to Epcot in Disney”, I never thought that I would ever have the opportunity or money, mostly the money, to travel around the world, never. I had no idea that I would go to Paris, France that year.
Life has a way of changing so fast and if you are up for the fearful challenge of going beyond your comfort zone you, like me, will find that life is full of some wonderful places.
So, when the opportunity to travel to Paris came my way I grabbed it and fearfully started a journey that has lead me to many places, Poland, Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, Austria, to name a few. The main thing that I have come to learn is that you need to be able to adjust and accept different things. You need to explore and expect the unexpected. Learn that, learn to be flexible in your travel plans and you will experience so much. Manage your fear of being out of your zone and the possibilities are endless.
When I boarded the plane with my new passport I had no idea what was in store for me and my family, I did know that we needed to have Euro, accommodations, a basic daily list of what we wanted to do and a pocket size book with a map so we could get around somewhat easily.
We knew that we had to see the Eiffel Tower, Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe, which we did and along the way found Les Catacombes, Versailles, Moulin Rouge and a boat tour from the area of the Eiffel Tower. Each was a pleasant surprise and offered fantastic variety to our trip.
If your hotel room is not located near the main attractions you want to see, use the metro (subway) system. Though its appearance can seem intimidating, purchase tickets by using the machines located in near the stairs or watch others and ask them. The metro is relatively safe and quite an experience in itself because you never know who will get on the subway and sing, play French music or start a monolog. Be aware and cautious, but absorb the atmosphere and enjoy. It truly let’s you experience the world that lives below the city of Paris.
You cannot talk about Paris and not talk about the food. Food that is rich, good and yes, expensive at times; to battle the cost, and to have a local flair, try the quick places along the road with fine dining for meals that you want to sit down and enjoy. Ask your concierge at the hotel to provide you with some places that you would like to try and have them make reservations for you. If possible, do this when you book your room. We were fortunate enough to have booked reservations at the Eiffel Tower by doing just this; tell them what you are looking for and see what they can provide you.
Do not just ask about dinners, ask where you can go for a quick pizza, pastry, or crepe. We wanted to indulge in a pastry with coffee for lunch and were told about a place called Ladurée. Founded in 1862, this place carries all the ambiance of a French pastry shop. Not only did we enjoy a pastry, but shopped in their store for things to bring home. I love my pink bag with the Eiffel Tower on it.
The Concierge can also make sure that you have the right tickets for the attractions you are interested in and provide you with maps, tours, shopping and places of interest that you may not have thought of and would like to go to. If your hotel does not have a concierge, the front desk will help you. If you think you can do it all your own, you may miss out on some fun stuff.
There is no way to see all of Paris in one visit, going back again and again, it is a new experience each time. Though there are always new things to learn and see, I am grateful that I decided to go the first time.
If you do nothing but stroll the Siene; eating macaroons, enjoying the view of the city and holding hands with your loved one, you have seen Paris and you can say, “We will always have Paris.”