Paris, Again? Most Definitely

Paris, Again? Most Definitely

2/2020

When my friend recently took a Facebook challenge of posting 10 meaningful photos without giving any description of them, I took to heart her second one that included me. It was from late April of 2019 when she and I, along with another good friend, went to Paris for the first time. In the photo, our smiles are sparkling along with the lit up Eiffel tower we were standing beneath.

Two days after seeing that post my mother passed away. Looking at that photo again that night, I thought if I could be anywhere during this time of grief and darkness it would be there in the city of lights, a place that gave me so much joy. I told my friend who posted the photo that and to my surprise, she said, “Lets go.” We called our other friend and told her we’d found a website deal for points. Within the time it takes to say Enchante’ (delighted in French) we were purchasing our nonstop airline tickets from Philadelphia to Paris. 

The idea of being back in Paris in less than two weeks became somewhat of an obsession as I delved in to research and planning. On our first trip we only had two days in this magical city. This time, because of the spontaneity and commitments, we were only able to go for three full days. I had grandiose ideas of seeing so much more this trip as though the added day were a week. After booking our hotel, located near The Bastille, I began mapping out what we were able to do by foot and discovered the Louvre was a doable walk from our hotel. On our first visit The Louvre was closed for the celebrated May Day holiday. This time we booked tickets through Expedia with a guide. Our effervescent guide was full of knowledge and very informative with a lot of enthusiasm for history that she readily shared.

Thankfully our hotel had early check in available and we were able to get in our rooms for a much needed shower after the overnight flight. That shower and change of clothes gave us the energy to take on the day, which turned out to be a mild partly sunny one for mid February. Our flight arrived at 7 am giving us an early start to our first day. We set out to discover as much as possible and then reward ourselves with some of the delicious French food and fine wine that evening. Though we saw some familiar sights we took in many different ones since we stayed in another hotel. Although familiarity might add to comfort, it was nice to explore a different area.

On our second day we had planned to do the open market just a few blocks from our hotel and then take a taxi to Champ-Elysees’. We had so much fun at the market that offered an array of locally made crafts, jewelry and farm produce. My friends bought leather belts and purses. I bought a pair of gloves with an embossed Monet painting, so chic.

Once at the Champ-Elysees’, aptly described as the “world’s most beautiful avenue”, we walked past the luxury shops and outdoor cafes to the famous Arc de Triomphe, a monument honoring those who fought for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. We joked about burning off the delicious croissants we had for breakfast during the steep climb to the top for an astounding view of Paris.

Our final day in Paris was dedicated to touring the Louvre. We were very excited at the prospect of going to the Louvre and seeing the famous artwork up close. For me, Venus de Milo held a special interest because my Aunt had the museum replica of the statue in her living room. I remember as a very young girl thinking, why would anyone buy a statue with broken arms. Though I found all of the well-known artwork to be breath taking (Yes, I sighed at the Mona Lisa with her demure smile and enthralling eyes), I was gravitated to one self-portrait of a mother and child in a loving embrace. While my tour continued on my mother and I stood, recognizing one another in this moving painting. She’s with me always.

Though the Louvre was perhaps the highlight to this visit, I prefer to blend it all together since for me Paris is a kaleidoscope of colorful sights. As the sun set over the majestic city, we took a taxi to the Eiffel Tower and had dinner a few blocks away. It wasn’t our best meal there, but the location was ideal for our last night. We bought a bottle of champagne and walked around the grounds until the tower lit up, prompting us to refill our glasses to sparkle alongside it.

Since this trip was only nine months after our first time there, the “mishaps” we had experienced were still somewhat fresh in our memories and therefore somewhat avoidable.  We knew better than to travel with American cash. Nobody wants it. And going to the Change Exchange places is not advisable because of the exorbitant fees they charge. Instead, we went to the ATM, which gave us the best rate for our dollar with (check with your bank) no fees.  Yes, credit cards are accepted at restaurants and the shops. However, if you go to an open-air market (this is definitely something worth doing to get a feel for the local fare), cash only is accepted. And taxi drivers prefer euros, too.

I highly recommend good walking shoes. Walking is a wonderful way to see the city with the option of stopping along the way for photos, water, and a café au lait. I put 30,000 steps (more than 10 miles) on the first day and nearly 20,000 our second day. Even with the best walking shoes, my aching legs weren’t forgiving until after a very warm and soothing shower.

The welcome distraction of researching and planning for the trip probably caused me to spend too much time and thought on exactly what I wanted to do. It’s always best to be flexible. Avoid spending excessive time looking for one place, especially since there’ll be others to discover along the way. Be sure to ask the locals for a good place to eat, they are happy to recommend one. I had printed out walking maps of where I planned for us to walk from our hotel, but Google maps proved to be far more resourceful. Just remember to put the smart phone down and take in the sights. There are so many to be seen with stories that date back centuries.

Don’t be surprised to find that English is not always spoken. In fact, most of the waiters and some of the shopkeepers do not speak English. Attempt to learn French if only to use simple phrases for travel. Or, try another language, such as Spanish or Italian, both countries border France and are more often spoken. Do not think that no answer is a rude one. Usually it means they do not understand you. We asked our taxi driver a question again and again, eventually he conceded, “No Inglese. Sorry.”

Also, while Selfies can be fun (and at times necessary) to assure a really great photo including the ever-present scenery, ask someone else to take it. Chances are they will ask you to return the favor and be extremely agreeable to it. I bragged about asking the right people because each one of the passerby’s I called upon not only agreed but they also took their time by trying various angles and working around the sun or shading of the background.

This is my final thought on traveling not only to Paris but anywhere abroad. Don’t be afraid to reveal your enthusiasm and genuine excitement for being there. In France they are very appreciative and proud of their city that draws in millions of tourists every year. Paris is undeniably one of the most enticing places in the world. There is so much to do and see that many tourists continue to go back. Though we really accomplished a lot in our three days I’m already looking forward to going back again.

Certainly I am very grateful to Paris for being a place that lifted my grieving heart. A world traveler herself, my mother probably would’ve said, “you should’ve stayed longer, honey.” And then she would’ve added, “I’m so glad you went. And isn’t she truly a sight to behold, Mona Lisa.”

Me and my mother on a ferry boat to Capri- 1978. My beautiful mother shopping at an outdoor market in Sorrento-1978

Paris Travel Tips

Comfortable Walking Shoes are a must. Walking is still the best way to see everything and stop along the way for photos, shopping, up close sights, etc.Use Google Maps for finding places. Then put your phone down to enjoy the many sights.Itinerary is not etched in stone. If something isn’t done on your list, there might be something better. Don’t chase down anything, it’s too time consuming and frustrating. Be flexible because it’s really the experience that makes the memories.Selfies are fun but for the best photos ask a passerby and be prepared to return the favor.French spoken here. Learn some phrases and attempt the language of the country.Get your tickets for the Louvre ahead of time. You’ll pay more but it beats waiting in line and perhaps not getting in if the day is jammed with tourists.Facebook Group pages for Paris Travel offer very helpful and recent travel tips, advice, and information.Don’t ask for separate checks. We kept receipts and referred to the credit card bill.

Covid 19 Postscript.

I wrote this after we returned from Paris just prior to when the Covid 19 quarantine and travel restrictions were imposed. I was going to publish it in April. After reading about so many people on various travel sites canceling or postponing their trips I decided not to. Now with the promise of a vaccine hopefully not far off I’m hoping sharing this will assist those planning their trips abroad. I have learned a great deal during this Pandemic. Like everyone else it has been a difficult and challenging time for the most part but I’ve always been an optimist and try to find the silver linings. For me it has been having my adult daughters at home and enjoying this gift of time with them. Though life is on hold we must stay strong and be grateful for our health.

I’m so glad we took this impromptu trip. At the time we had no idea that we’d be canceling a variety of trips we had planned for 2020 with family and other loved ones. One of the things I miss most during the Pandemic is not being able to travel. I’ve been a traveler since I got my first passport at age 16 and toured Italy with my mother. She shared with me her love for travel and taking in other cultures. I treasure my travel memories and often draw on them when I get down or feel the need to escape but am unable to do so. More than ever the saying from that famous movie, Casablanca, holds true for me, “We’ll always have Paris.” My mother would most definitely agree.

My mom with me at one of my book signings. She was so pleased that my children’s chapterbooks were set in the places I had traveled to and experienced up close and personal.