Paris.
I began dreaming of Paris in my early teens. I’d imagine myself at all the tourist spots and strolling down the streets and avenues just happy as can be because I was in Paris. I purposely took three years of high school French because my intention was to move to Paris for a few years and pursue a career in fashion and I wanted to blend in. I lovingly made those plans that unfortunately never came to fruition, but my love for Paris never wavered. It took me a lot more years and a few canceled trips before I’d finally stroll the streets of Paris but I can enthusiastically say the reality of the actual trip did not disappoint on any level and was far, far better than my limited knowledge and imagination took me. I just knew in my gut I’d love the city and my gut was 100% spot on.
I’ve been back a few times since and I can’t imagine another city taking its place as my favorite, we shall see. This is only a very tiny sample of my recollection of that first visit. I was a bright eyed tourist and so this trip reflects that. I have ventured farther in later trips but I’ll save those for a future post.
My first day exploring Paris. I obviously named this “An American in Paris”.
Moulin Rouge. I stood across the street like all the other tourists and had a grand old time watching the lights.
The view from the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck.
The stroll down Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It was raining but it didn’t deter the excitement one bit.
Notre-Dame de Paris. I didn’t make it inside, there was so much to see and not a lot of time to do it in, but the view was amazing.