It was so sudden that I just blinked for a second, Im in Paris.
Europe has always been my dream destination, partly because I live from the other side of the globe, but mainly because I feel like I’ve been/lived there before this life. I do not know, or maybe Im just too fascinated by the movies I’ve been watching since I was young :D. But whatever it is, I just feel connected to Europe.
Finally, I made it to Paris which is 10, 737 km away from home (Manila, Ph) and it was on a chilling December. We flew to Paris 12th of December 2018 and the temperature was down to 1 degree celsius. We did not even attempt to go outside the airport despite our long layover for our flight to Italy. Also, we are saving Paris for last on our mini European escapade.
After our trip in Italy, we went straight back to Paris for our last three days (December 24-26) in Europe. Yes, we have decided to celebrate our Christmas in our warm apartment in Paris.
The Charles de Gaulle airport is approximately an hour away from the city. The Paris Metro is very raw and straightforward; while the tickets are being checked, we were instructed to take care of our belongings specially when we stroll the centre. Pickpockets are all over the city but we are not threatened because of the fact that we live in the Philippines (we know how to take care of our things).
We prepared for Christmas the night we arrived in Paris. We bought ingredients for our noche buena. The goods are surprisingly cheap from the supermarket near our apartment. We had our Filipino-Italian style spaghetti, lumpiang shanghai, buttered shrimp, and salmon. Yummmm
On the 25th, It’s Christmas!!, we attended a mass at Notre Dame Cathedral.
After the mass, we did a lot of leg work to maximize our time around the city. We’ve visited the famous places near the center, ate at a Mcdo chain, and walk the streets. Not much but guuuhhhh Paris has a different vibe.
The Grand Louvre (Musée du Louvre)
The museum was closed on the day we went so we failed to see Mona Lisa 😦 The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and tickets cost 15 euros. It is advisable to buy a ticket online to ensure entry because apparently, people love Louvre.
Monday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Emos
Arc de Triomphe
A long walk at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées just to see this Arc! My mates said it was not worth the walk, however, I think they’re just looking at a different perspective than mine. I think the arc is beautifully placed in the middle of a circle which connects the veins of Paris (Paris’ version of QCM Circle) :D. Since it is a rotunda, expect cars (a lot of cars) , so take that risky shot.
Eiffel Tower
Now, here’s the Eiffel which makes Paris more Paris. Truly one of the best(strong) towers ever made. I don’t see it just as a tower but really, a symbol of love and happiness (I am speaking for myself) . When we went to the tower, people clustered not just because of the tower but because of the car exhibit. Imagine to test drive a Ferrari though I am not sure if it’s a regular thing in the area. When in the vicinity, the viewing deck can be easily seen where you can take a good panoramic view of the area with the Eiffel. Also, if you are feeling energetic, good shots of the Eiffel can be taken from the alleys surrounding the area. It just takes leg work, and creativity.
It was fun, so fun. I would like to go around Paris some more but my body cannot really do it anymore because this is the last stop of our very mobile European trip. The cold was also another hassle, so shooting photos was very minimal. But, it’s not the end of the world. I will definitely go back and visit museums, chapels, complex, and gardens.
Au revoir.
How far from home? 