Paris is Always a Good Idea
On the streets of Paris we will begin our story. It was my first time there, and Jamie’s second. But our impression of it was new for both of us! Not knowing what to expect, I was completely swept away with its historic buildings and quaint cafes. Jamie however seemed to see it for the first time - an energetic scene of fashion, design, and adventure. Together we walked the streets every morning, passing Notre Dame with a cafe creme, hot chocolate, and a croissant in our hands. The chilly morning air encompassed us as the raising sun unveiled the baroque style buildings, cathedrals, Seine river, and the morning markets. Every single corner had a cafe that looked as if it came straight out of a movie with Audrey Hepburn, or illustrated in a book shelved at Shakespeare and Company. Food wafted from the open doors, and outside heaters created an oasis for the avid people-watchers. But the beautiful thing of it all, was the Christmas decor that hung from every awning.
Christmas in Paris gave it that touch of magic that you taste when you visit this city this time of year. It brightens the shops and the cafes with garlands and frosted trees, glittering with large red ball ornaments. Streets are lit with handing icicles during the nighttime, and Bing Crosby is playing in the Galleries Lafayette. We walked through a Christmas market in Montmartre as we climbed the tiny streets to the Sacre-Coere and Moulin Rouge. The Eiffel Tower was seen often at a distance, and dazzled you (literally) the closer you stood beneath it. Tour Eiffel is more impressive than you can imagine it to be. It’s HUGE, and the history of it as a massive antenna is fascinating. I freaked out and had to get off at the second level, where I watched videos of people painting Tour Eiffel with no security measures back in the day. It was enough to make my skin crawl!
Pere Lachaise Cemetery was a beautiful walk as well. We lost time trying to discover the graves of Pissarro and Stein, but were lucky enough to stop by Oscar Wilde’s grave and chat with him for a bit. The winding, cramped labyrinth of graves was ghostly as is was exciting. The trees of the cemetery hovered over us with bare, pointy branches while the moss and fallen leaves scattered the surfaces of tombstones. The stone and brick pathways promised a gorgeous, respectful walk - however we still took our visit at a brisk pace. Maybe because it was a cemetery, or that there were not many people there, or because a black cat crossed our path TWICE.
What we will miss most is the cafe culture of Paris. It truly is a lively city, and when we visit next, we will be able to enjoy it more in a relaxed attitude. This trip however, there was just too much to see. Too much to fall in love with.
