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My Travel Log: Paris

Ahhhh Paris, The City of Lights! the birthplace of Surrealism, Dadaism, la Belle Epoque and just general joie de vie! (joy of life).
I cannot say enough of about the beauty and grace of this magnificent city… it is really a journey to be experienced, for the memories you will take home with you will be treasured for a lifetime.

When you go, make sure you know a little French. Parisians are very proud of their beautiful language and appreciate travelers who make an attempt to learn and speak it. Perhaps a simple sign of respect? Always say “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” when entering a place of business and don’t forget to say “Merci” (along with another Bonjour or Bonsoir, the equivalent of “Have a Good Day!” or “Have a Good Evening!”) when leaving a restaurant or place of business. It’s these little niceties that are reportedly a cultural norm and expected in civilized society. They say, if you want to have an enjoyable experience in Paris, good manners goes along way. Otherwise you may come back with the cliché negative attitude that French are so rude… not at all!

As I walked down the most prestigious avenue in Paris and the most famous in the world, Avenue Champs-Elysee, I was astounded by their notorious sense of fashion. Every other individual seem to have made a fashion statement.

From as simple as the female mail carrier wearing a short tight mini skirt, her tights, awesome boots, her hair way up on a bun, and Gucci glasses; to more dramatic like a lady who was wearing a white blouse with ruffles that looked like feathers, her cleavage went all the way down to her belly button, shorts, tights, and black patten boots that came all the way up above her knees.

I started out my walk; and because I love chocolate, I made it a point to go to the original La Maison Du Chocolat shop.

I found it and I bought a very small box of chocolates for $36.00. I thought it was a lot to pay until I tasted them. These are without a doubt the best chocolates I have ever eaten. I cannot describe how good they are. I called them orgasmic chocolates because they are so good, you just have to taste them yourself.

Then I went to Arc de Triomphe. 12 avenues lead to the arc at the end Champ-Elysee; it is safer to reach the arc by tunnel if you don’t want to get run over. Napoleon had this monument built in memory of those who fought in his wars. The names of various victories and of 558 soldiers are engraved at the top of the arc.

Then I went to the Eiffel tower: It’s a great sight, especially since they put the blinking lights on it for the millennium.

I climbed 700 steps (to the 2nd level),  the view once I got there was awesome. You can see for miles from the tower and spot Parisian landmarks such as the Sacre Coeur, the Louvre Museum, and the Les Invalides Complex. This is the world's most widely recognized and visited monument. The area around the tower is beautiful as well. The breath taking and astounding view of this magnificent city compensates for the steps that I climbed. If you get the opportunity, climb it!

The Mona Lisa: The most beautiful smile in the world.

It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I went straight to the Louvre Museum; no lines to get in so was already onto a winner! Spent the next 30 minutes exploring other sections of the museum, building the anticipation so to speak!. When I finally got to it, approaching from behind, I was nearly sick with nerves. But I had nothing to fear. It was like everyone else in the room disappeared and it was just me and her. Is it totally crazy to say that I think we shared a moment? It was like she was looking right at me, with a somewhat knowing yet approving look. Yes, it does sound insane but I left with a great feeling. Something wonderful to tell my grandchild; the mystery, the debate, the thrill of it all...totally worth it!

As I continued, I passed by the Ritz Hotel. This hotel was the last stop for Dodi Al-Fayed, son of its owner, and Princess Diana before their tragic demise in 1997.

Then I went on one hour Seine River Cruise. It was night time, so the illuminated monuments looked even more spectacular.

The weather was great, and overall; the the food, the people, the fashion, the arts, and the sights were AMAZING! My trip was everything that I wanted for it to be….I say everything because I know I had romanticized it a bit. Walking through some of the oldest and most famous parts of Paris was an experience I'll never forget.

I took a couple of classes, but they didn’t really help. I did learn a whole lot and enjoyed the process but not enough to make a hobbie or a living out of it.

I love the feng shui system but not so much as go
ahead and be a master.