the city of lights.

                                    

my stay in paris, initially, wasn't what i had expected.  i had heard such marvelous reviews about the city that i originally thought paris would win my heart my first step off the plane and that i would never want to leave.  this wasn't the case,  in fact, my reaction was the complete opposite. 

however, on the second day of my stay i took a trip inside the louvre, this is when paris started to redeem itself for me.  of course the art inside is incredibly stunning but what really did it for me was the inside of the building itself.  it is massive and is decorated in such a way that left me awestruck. then a visit to the eiffle tower, where I climbed all 1334 steps, yes I counted, it kept me from looking down and having a panic attack. i managed to arrive at the top just in time for the sunset. it was a sunset i will never forget.  it was by far my favorite moment i have had thus far on my trip. 

my trip to the palace of versailles was a bit of a nutty time as i swear every tourist in france was there at the same time. never the less, the palace and their gardens are rich with history and beauty.  i'm glad that i paid them a vist even though at times it felt like a cattle drive getting from room to room inside. 

lastly, i will share with you my greatest accomplishment while in paris. i successfully have made it an entire 4 days in this city without being pick-pocketed! that's not to say that they didn't try.  i don't think i have ever been so poked and prodded in my entire life.  after a few verbal altercations with scammers, a nice lady pulled me aside who spoke english and informed me of all the the different ways and methods they will try to scam tourists. her last piece of advice was to 'ditch the backpack, get a bag that you can carry in front of you.  carrying a backpack is just asking the sneaky mother f****** to rummaged through your stuff.'  needless to say my mission to find a side-bag was back on (see pervious post 'becoming european').

much love from 'the city of lights',
lo. 

The Louvre.   

  

A giant crowd and mass amounts of security can only mean
one thing....

                
                               The Mona Lisa.

             

                'Lovers Bridge'. Love birds from all over the world come and
buy a pad lock, write their names on it, lock
it to this bridge,  throw the key into the river, and then
have a hot and heavy make out session while everyone
watches them. Cute. 

Paris from the top of the Eiffle Tower. 

Gardens of Versailles 

The Palace of Versailles   

Gold gates of Versailles 

Crepes - so delicious!  

 

Because I'm on my own and not able to process things
verbal,  journaling (with a fabulous view) has
quickly become my favorite pass time.