Week 2 - Paris, France

 

Aside from not being able to speak any amount of French the experience of 'living like a "local' is one I'll never forget. 

We stayed in a hotel that was 40 minutes by metro to the Eiffel Tower, which was initially disappointing until settling in. Over my week in Paris, I got to experience my own little neighborhood. While traveling there's always the urge to try something new, trying your best to experience it all. The moment I dropped that mindset and settled into a rhythm Paris opened up to me. 

Paris in notorious for its 'stuck up' nature. Before arriving, I'd heard a variety of stories: being denied service, price markups, just an overall unfriendly atmosphere.
It was intimidating, and while I've collected my fair share of stories that validate this part of the city, I also experienced a very different side of it.
There was a small pastry shop two blocks away from our hotel on a street corner, and after French hotel breakfast failed me, I stopped by every day without fail. Sometimes I'd take a different path back to where we were staying. Pastry in hand I'd trot along watching people commute to work, kids going to school, and people taking their dogs for walks. I was absorbed in my little Parisian neighborhood, and each morning I stopped at the shop the staff acknowledged me just a bit more.

Mornings like that are what I'd like to get used to. 

Now no one can deny Paris is chalked full of amazing experiences, two of which have made the top of my list for my trip so far. 
If you ever get the chance to attend a Cabaret, I highly recommend it.
(attached to the recommendation is a warning for partial nudity) 
I'd be interested to do a little bit more research into the various shows offered, as some parts of the show weren't up my alley, but I'd easily pay double for just the meal and the 'pre-show.' 

Aside from the singing and dancing my attention was captivated by the cellist who played for a large portion of our meal. She played a variety of pieces, including songs by Michael Jackson and ABBA, as well as slower more emotional pieces. 

If I were to go back, I'd look for an experience that consists of just this. 

The cabaret wasn't my only experience of Paris' nightlife. Initially it was hit or miss, Paris as a whole is incredibly strict on your dress and the way you carry yourself especially if you're hunting for the popular venues. However, if you ask me where you should spend your time it'd be La Gare La Gore. A jazz bar with an underground atmosphere, there were no dress requirements, the only requirement was that you had someone else tell you about it. The live music was excellent and worked well with whatever night you were trying to have.

It was a slow night when I experienced it, but I night I'll remember, nonetheless. 

Nearly every good experience has some tie to food, and tied to food came a movie like experience: a picnic next to the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, this wasn't with the love of my life, but it was picturesque, nonetheless. I found myself forgetting where I was at moments, so engrossed in the conversations I was having with my friends, then my gaze would drift towards the sky, and I'd be reminded where I was again. For some this is a once in a lifetime experience. 

Here I am hoping I get to experience a picnic like that at least once more. 

Paris wasn't at the top of my list for the trip, and while I know it won't steal the spotlight from some of the next places on my list it was a week filled with short but incredibly enjoyable activities.