I finally made it to Paris. Two weeks in a cultural paradise.
My great-great aunt, the author Harriet Beecher Stowe, perhaps said it best: “I’ve come upon a dreamland.”
What can I possibly say that hasn’t already has been said about Paris, France? It was wonderful. It lived up to the hype, for sure.
Paris is a destination I’ve wanted to visit my entire life. On one hand, I’m disappointed I didn’t get there in my youth. Heck, I’m 46 years old. I would have had far different kinds of experiences.
On the other hand, given everything the modern era offers, it was a blessing to go now in 2017. Google Maps is like the greatest travel invention of our time.
I had so many preconceptions of what Paris might be like, for whatever reason –movies, books and stereotypes. All the good turned out of the true, while most of the negative turned out to be false. I had nothing by positive experiences.
The food was mind-blowing: everywhere I went, the general high quality of the food, especially produce, was something I’ll never forget. Anthony Bourdain’s quotes are the best way to sum up how to visit Paris:
”Skip the tourist sights. Check into a nice hotel. Eat some cheese. Get drunk. You’ll have a great time”
“The French have an un-American propensity for a high quality of life.”
I got drunk enjoying my my two weeks in Paris and the Loire Valley area. I can’t wait to do it again sometime.
The highlights: The Left Bank, Luxembourg Gardens, The Rodin Museum, Palais Garnier, Museum Orangerie, Clos De Lilas and Harry’s Bar.
Loire Valley: Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, Chateau de Chenonceau, Amboise, Da Vinci Museum and Hotel Chateau de Pray.
