In about two days, I managed to visit nearly all of the Parisian hit-landmarks. So for my remaining two days, I revisited my favorites and also by walking around the less-touristy areas, saw many more unique areas. Of everything, I have loved just strolling around, marveling at the sights, reading all the signs, listening to the beautiful French language, and dreaming about one day being able to speak fluently while residing in this magical country.
Of course, I spent more time in the Luxembourg Garden, where I read Pushkin’s Pikovaya Dama; I stumbled upon a Russian book store and found this classic in a dual Russian-French format, where on the left page was the Russian (original) version and on the right side was the translated French version - that way I could practice both languages! I thought that the such a valuable find was worth taking advantage of.
Also, I spent some time walking around Jardin des Tuileries, where many flowers were in bloom and this interesting monument was extravagantly decorated by vibrant red tulips.
Also adjacent to the Louvre is a love-lock bridge, on which I crossed the Seine. There is a lot of love in Paris!
As per recommendation of my middle school French teacher Madame Grewal’s son, Drew, I went to a jazz bar one night, which turned out to be a wonderful time! Underground, the wine-cellar-type ambiance made it for a unique and fun atmosphere where couples went all-out dancing on the dance floor. Talking to the band, it turned out that they were from the US and absolutely love San Francisco - what a small world!
I also met up with Nathalie, one of Madame Grewal’s teacher-friend’s daughter, who had recently moved to Paris. She and I had lunch at her favorite place - a quaint family-run restaurant, where the salad and the fresh pineapple-mango jus-du-jour were mouth-watering. We walked around the Canal St. Martin and she told me about life in Paris, French politics, and some ideas she had for me on how to live in France! Such a kind mademoiselle who works towards positive social change and is incredibly inspiring, joyful, and supportive of my French dreams. It’s such a pleasure to unexpectedly meet quality people such as her - thank you for everything!
Every building in Paris is picturesque, so spending literally the entire day just wandering around is one of the best activities anyone can do in Paris.
It’s even nicer that the city itself is quite clean and the people are put together and pleasant. Granted, that’s in the lower-number more central arrondissements, but just like in any city - you have your classy places and your sketchy, dirty places. But for the most part, Paris is very clean and safe in my opinion.
And lastly, walking around Paris at night, I came across a giant roller-blading party. So fun! If only I had rollerblades to join in. Guess I’ll know for next time!
Overall, Paris was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Incredibly beautiful, historic, captivating, accessible, inspiring, and just purely wonderful. For upbeat young impressionable people, this is a perfect city to live and work in. Though expensive, as most major cities are, every penny spent in Paris is worth it. This visit certainly confirmed my love for France, Paris, the French culture, food, language...everything.
Of course, I spent more time in the Luxembourg Garden, where I read Pushkin’s Pikovaya Dama; I stumbled upon a Russian book store and found this classic in a dual Russian-French format, where on the left page was the Russian (original) version and on the right side was the translated French version - that way I could practice both languages! I thought that the such a valuable find was worth taking advantage of.
I also met up with Nathalie, one of Madame Grewal’s teacher-friend’s daughter, who had recently moved to Paris. She and I had lunch at her favorite place - a quaint family-run restaurant, where the salad and the fresh pineapple-mango jus-du-jour were mouth-watering. We walked around the Canal St. Martin and she told me about life in Paris, French politics, and some ideas she had for me on how to live in France! Such a kind mademoiselle who works towards positive social change and is incredibly inspiring, joyful, and supportive of my French dreams. It’s such a pleasure to unexpectedly meet quality people such as her - thank you for everything!
Every building in Paris is picturesque, so spending literally the entire day just wandering around is one of the best activities anyone can do in Paris.
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| And of course, while in Paris, one must sit and dangle his feet over the Seine River enjoying a baguette sandwich for lunch. |
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| I also stumbled upon this building - the Russian embassy! What a coincidence! |
And lastly, walking around Paris at night, I came across a giant roller-blading party. So fun! If only I had rollerblades to join in. Guess I’ll know for next time!
Overall, Paris was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Incredibly beautiful, historic, captivating, accessible, inspiring, and just purely wonderful. For upbeat young impressionable people, this is a perfect city to live and work in. Though expensive, as most major cities are, every penny spent in Paris is worth it. This visit certainly confirmed my love for France, Paris, the French culture, food, language...everything.
Until next time, Paris! You’ve been amazing.
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