Day 12 - Paris

I come to Paris expecting so much,  expectations are built up from so many sources and influences. The city of love, architecture, culture, arts, food, wine and so much more.

Well it certainly delivers,  but personally not as I expected.  I love it, no questions, it is something you need to see and feel to understand and truly appreciate,  but I genuinely feel that the Parisians are holding on to a ideology of the past, and if they don't reinvent in the right way and find a NEW pride, they won't remain the city they were known for.

Every corner opens another area to explore, the architecture maintains a level of brilliance and breathtaking beauty that is hard to keep up with - the French (and to be fair the Parisians) have not been rude, unhelpful or unwelcoming - to the total contrary.

But I can't help but feel a lot of love and admiration comes from a expectation we feel we have to have or have been expected to have.

It's far from a clean city, infact I've never so often had the woft of urine as I walk streets the world over in my travels.  Rubish is everywhere,  cigarette buts make up the most, but generally it feels like there's been a reality catch up and a little "we don't need to do anything more because we're Paris"? My personal thoughts only, and consciously made after the honest feelings at the beginning of the blog,  but I wonder where this most beautiful city will be in 5 to 10 years from now.

Comparing is not always fair, but I suppose it's also human nature,  and when discussing my thoughts the other night with a taxi driver (local) he agreed, and we both agreed in the way London has found a new spark that is truly enticing to all.

But still, when the temps are in the mid 20's and you have so much to do and see I'm missing the point to why I'm here.

We have enjoyed so many sights since arriving, we shopped at a farmers market Saturday morning, buying poulet (chicken) and accompanying vege's for a home cooked roast. We have a great apartment as I mentioned earlier,  with small (very small) kitchen -but it works and I'm loving using it.

Cooked breakfasts by Pappa each morning,  that's my job, after a walk to the corner bakery for the days Baguette and croissants - and espresso!

We walked the Champs Elysees, in fact multiple times as we are staying just off it. Done some shopping and viewed the more modern business district as well as walked kilometers each day (averaging 10+) looking at architecture,  parks and gardens. Luxembourg Gardens on Sunday were great,  mid 20's with the locals out in force enjoying the sunshine and picnicking as they do

Enjoyed some great restaurants and lots of wine,  its not the place to try dieting.  In fact with a bottle shop directly below us a fromagergy 50m away we are feeling like this is our heaven. Unfortunately the patisserie is only 20m further past the Cheese shop. Oh well.

Today saw another 12+ km of walking. Some would say child abuse, but the kids have truly been terrific. Our day began at the Louvre and we beat the crowds easily making front row of the famous chick Lisa! After walking the halls and being amazed by so much we walked to Musee d'Orsay - Great closed on Monday, looks like a Wednesday activity.  From there more walking to the Hotel Invalides a rest in the park and onto SHOPPING!!! Oh no Ahhhhh. Ange found Le Bon Marche, but thankfully mental telepathy paid off, and I got out it with only buying the kids sale price shoe's.  Maybe my fear is still waiting around the corner?

Lunch in the park with locals - Baguettes and Salad and on to Notre Dame Cathedral. Wow again another monument to blow you away and photos will never do it justice. 

 

And the marvel keeps popping up everywhere you go.

                                       

Tonight was dinner at a fine local restaurant. Another special experience with the family.  Tomorrow is up early for a full day tour 'on bikes' of the Gardens of Versailles'.

So a very eventful few days with just two more to come before we collect the car and head into provincial France and enjoy all it has to offer.

 

Thanks to all staying in touch with us from this blog.

The Happy Traveller.