It is certainly quiet here in the month of August because most of the French go on vacation. Many restaurants and shops are closed from anywhere from two weeks to a month for this period of time. To my delight I woke up at 3:30p due to jet lag and realized that all the grocery stores were closed. haha! Lucky me, I found a boulangerie and bought a baguette to make a sandwich. Another nice part about most of the residents being on holiday is Paris isn't swarming with people. Yes, there are still tourists, but it doesn't feel like there are tons, when usually it does. Perhaps, because it is too hot in August. I think since Paris is a bit more deserted, it gives me more of a chance to discover new places, ones that I never came upon when I was here last! I have been wondering around and walking mostly. I have only taken the metro twice so far, and plan on holding off on buying a proper metro pass if possible.. walking and taking in the sites is a bit more charming than sitting on a scorching hot train underground with lots of tourists and people playing music to make money, with the occasional locals. Plus I'll even save some euros (extra beer money?) All in all sounds good to me.
As it was a beautiful day out, I took advantage of it and walked a solid chunk of Paris for 9 straight hours solo. Paris à pied! Today I passed the Princess Diana memorial up to the Champs L'Elysees via avenue Montaigne, down to the Place de la Concorde, through the Tuileries gardens to the Louvre, then across to l'île de cite (the very center and beginning of Paris) past Notre Dame to St. Michel, down to the riverside and up to Gare D'Austerlitz while hitting Jardin des plantes on the way… Followed by a nice walk home along the riverside as the sun set passing Pont des Arts, Musée d'Orsay, and Assemblée Nationale. I would say it was a day well spent.. You can look at a map and see where I went if you'd like, haha.
A few tid-bits to add: Princess Diana, just an amazing woman who's death stunned the whole world, is honoured with a golden Liberty Flame. (Yes I still remember that exact day when I heard the news!) Every time I pass by, it always leaves me overwhelmed with an erie feeling… it's even harder when you actually go through the tunnel on scooter. Very sad, but she still touches peoples' lives today, and this is evident when you go to her memorial.
After venturing up avenue Montaigne where you can see all those famous high-end boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior and the list goes on… I strolled past the American and British Embassys. First of all, is it ironic that they are situated next to one another? I find that odd, but beneficial for dual citizens like myself who could technically go from one embassy to the other if the first one fails. Second, it is not allowed to walk on the sidewalk where the embassys are, nor take pictures of them! All I wanted was a picture for Mr. Tricks (stay turned to see The Adventures of Mr. Tricks, a visual of my experiences in Paris but with a little fun), but I understand it is a security measure especially since the Palais de l'Elysée is just next to them. The Palais de l'Elysee is the French equivalent to the White House. Place de la Concorde is sick. For one the view is awesome. If you look up the Champs L'Elysees you can see the Arc d'Triomphe and in the opposite direction is the Tuilerie gardens which leads to the Louvre and the palace, once home to Sun King, Louis XIV, and many other French kings for nearly 4 centuries .. WOW!
Then crossing over Pont Neuf, one of the city's oldest bridges, I just kicked back along the Seine at square du Vert Galant. Pretty nice views, relaxing, and a moment to really take it all in along with a little lunch break (fresh peaches, cherry tomatoes, and water!) On to St. Michel I went, can we say tourist haven? Yes, true, but this area has so much history. The latin quarter, which everyone knows is where the students are. When school is in session you can see the neighborhood flocking with youth, Frances' future genisus'… perhaps. But this Bohemian area is always lively whether it is day or night with lots of little restaurants, bars, and small clubs. Jardin des Plantes (botanical gardens, natural history museum, and even a zoo!) is sweet to stroll about. It dates back the early 1600s and these gardens even harvested medicinal herbs… (the French were doing it in the 1600s!) On my long lazy stroll home along the river I passed the famous Musée d'Orsay. Definitely an amazing piece of art itself. First started by Napoleon I in the late 1700s as The Legion of Honor, but now features contemporary pieces from 1848-1914 and today is visited by thousands from across the globe. This beautiful building was also once home to a train station.. hard to imagine, but what an amazing site it would have been to see. And finally the Assemblée Nationale, which is home to the French Parliament. I have passed it sooo many times, but still have yet to really scope it out. Apparently the public is allowed to enter and watch.. definitely something to further look into…
*this was written about almost two weeks ago.. finally getting a solid internet connection..
hopefully I will update on the reg.. tune in for more
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