Paris, Je t'aime

Once again I’m on a high-speed train but this time from Paris back to Amsterdam. The last 4 days have been wonderful! Sok’s family apartment is beautiful and in such a fantastic location. Sok and I somehow managed to have a jam-packed and yet relaxing weekend. I think that when activities are somewhat spontaneous there is less stress involved and therefore it’s possible to relax. With such gorgeous summer weather (highs of 30C), we spent our time outdoors in the sunshine. We visited Versailles, Centre Georges Pompidou, a photo exhibit (where we also stumbled across a Michael Jackson party in the street), the Louvre, Montmartre & le Sacre Coeur & the Jewish Quarter. Plus we managed to squeeze in a movie!

My highlight with Sok was going to the Jewish Quarter. Having to wait in a decent queue to buy a felafel was definitely a new experience, but it was so worth it! Feasting on said felafels on the grass in Place de Vosges was the perfect meal. I also discovered how rare it is to find grass in Paris that you’re allowed to sit on. Unlike London, where every patch of green has a sunbaker attached to it, Parisian authorities shoo away hopeful sunbakers to ensure the grass stay nice and healthy. If you ask me, what’s the point of having lush green grass if you can’t feel it under your toes?

I also discovered how dangerous it is to be a budget traveller in Paris when all shops have major sales on. A budget traveller who hasn’t been shopping in nearly a year. No, I exaggerate. I didn’t go crazy but a few items were bought. It’s nice being able to say when I’m back home ‘Oh yes, that’s my dress/bag/shirt from Paris’.

So after the weekend Sok had to go back to work, but I stayed on and had an extra two nights in the fashionable city. I thought it was very cool when I went to the Rodin Gallery/Museum and entry was free because I’m an EU citizen under 26. Apparently it applies to almost all museums in Paris since March this year. So I escaped the heat of the day by lying in the shade in the Rodin garden. Then I walked to the supposed Latin Quarter. Not sure if I missed the mark, but the only evidence of Latin influence were a couple of Spanish and Argentinean restaurants. I did walk through the trendy St Germain-des-Pres on the way and also passed the Pantheon, which was quite impressive.

I already knew I loved Paris, but these past few days have just been a reminder of how much. I could quite happily live the Parisian lifestyle and dine on croissants, baguettes, cheese & salads. But now I have to get my mind back into the Netherlands & speaking Dutch. Shortly I’ll be in Dalen with my grandparents – it may be a world away from Paris, but a world I’m just as excited about.