Paris.
Finally.
Most people were shocked to find out that I’ve never been to Paris till now. Admittedly, I have been unconsciously (or consciously?) avoiding this famous city for the longest time. Been to most of the big iconic cities around the world, and yes, even less known off the beaten path ones.
But Paris had been on hold.
Why?
Not quite sure really. Maybe I was just waiting for the right time. Maybe for the right companion. Maybe I’ve built up such high expectations.
But nonetheless, I was finally in the City of Light.
And of Love.
My Mom and I arrived in Paris from London by train. And as soon as we stepped out, I already knew what kind of city we were in. It was the exact feeling I had when I stepped out of Roma Termini.
Stifling.
Understandably, so. Paris was the third most visited city in 2018 with 17.4 million visitors including my Mom and I.
Our starting point is the Eiffel Tower, which is only a few blocks away from our boutique hotel. Luck is on our side as the perfect September weather graciously hosts us for the next three days. Finally meeting Mademoiselle Eiffel is truly a triumphant experience, and having to share it with my Mom tops the icing on the cake. We stand in awe with our necks craned high up feasting at the grandeur of such a man- made landmark. I live for travel moments like these.
We spend some time capturing the moment and have some fun taking some Instagram-worthy photos. I really want a non-selfie photo with my Mom but it’s always a struggle to ask strangers. However, I’ve done this so many times, I know what to do next. I look around for possible photographers and spot a young teenage girl taking photos of an older woman, who I assume must be her mother. I offer to take a photo of the two of them and they were delighted. They return the favor. We are ecstatic that we are on a Mother-Daughter trip. We agreed that more mothers and daughters should make memories and travel together.
We then got on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, which will be our mode of transportation for two days, on the third day, we find ourselves Uber-ing. The bus in general is the best way to see and get around Paris for the first time, but the crowds and queues can be a pain. Patience is a virtue especially in Paris.
As stifling as Paris can be, it is an amazing city with one heck of a history and a long list of museums to boot. As first-timers and museum lovers, we got a 2-day Museum Pass, which has an unlimited access to over 50 museums including Paris’ main museums and monuments. I was internally freaking out at each stop. From the historical Notre Dame Cathedral, Palais Garnier Opera House, Musee D’Orsay, Champ Elysees, to the Louvre. I externally freaked out at D’Orsay’s Picasso Blue and Rose exhibit.
By the second day, our legs and feet hurt. No matter how comfortable your shoes are, nonstop walking takes its toll on your feet. As it seem like we are always out of time trying to fit in as much as we can in the few days we have, we always find ourselves stopping at random brasseries, in between museums, for a quick bite.
Or in the middle of the old red light district.
On the last day, after we got most of the tourist attitude out of our systems, we finally enjoy the kind of Paris I had been craving. Away from the crowded arrondissements, away from the throngs of tourists, tucked in a little charming corner. My Mom and I sit in a nostalgic iconic cafe for coffee and croissants , in the company of some literary greats.
That is the Paris I love.
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Jen is a Chicago-based traveler and creative. She is a full-time development & communications executive specializing in non-profit organizations. Originally from the East Coast, she created The Jetsetter as a place to share her travel stories and photos with friends and family. Now, it is a place for adventurers and dreamers. Its purpose is to inspire and encourage busy professionals to see the world and achieve a better work-life balance.
Beautiful pictures and explanations!!!
Thank you so much!