A couple of summers ago my family and I took a day trip to Paris and I was not really a fan. It is such a beautiful and iconic city, I hated to not like it, but I found it very nasty. When we were planning weekend trips a while back several people wanted to go to Paris and I was very against the whole idea. Simply because I did not like Paris when I last visited. But like I said, this time was a whole new experience!
We left on Friday afternoon and first off our place we stayed was like a palace. We rented a Airbnb loft. It was awesome!! We walked in the door and there was a big kitchen and living room (2 pull out couches). We then went down stairs and it was kind of dungeon-ish because of all the brick. I am like 90% sure this place used to be a bomb shelter back in the day. It was such a cool place to stay in the heart of Paris!
We were all starving after that and stumbled upon this amazing burger place. I am not sure what a famous French dish to order is, but I do know a little thing called “French Fires” and I consumed a ton this weekend. The place we ate dinner was to die for. I think after two weeks of pizza and pasta we were happy to eat a little something different, but wow y’all it was such a great meal!!! We ended up having a movie night back at the loft that night because we were all so tired and we knew the coming days would be busy! Needed to rest a little, which is why we slept in the next morning. It was great!!!
Saturday we did a lot of exploring. We didn’t really have any set agenda we just walked and walked, which was very nice if you ask me. We stopped along the way several times for sweet treats and we just roamed in and out of shops. Saturday night’s dinner was also very good and after that we went to the Eiffel Tour for the night show that happens during the first five minutes of every hour. This night was honestly so funny. The last night I went to the Eiffel Tour all I remember was all the different venders being chased constantly by the police. It was very frightening. I was a tad nervous about going at night, but it was honestly so much more enjoyable this time. I mean yes, venders were everywhere, but no one was being chased and no one made me feel threatened. The night show was so pretty… I could sit and look at that tour all day long if I had the opportunity. I say this night was funny for a few reasons:
1. Allie Bolding made me ride the Mary go round with her AND I ended up riding this lion that did not even move. My feet touched the group the whole time. SO FUN @allie.
2. Allie Bolding also suggested we share a crepe, but they was totally against banana. I wanted a banana chocolate one and she wanted a strawberry chocolate one. Needless to say we did not share a crepe and Allie got the one she wanted. Then, later on, Allie dropped a strawberry on my shoe. I now have a constant reminder of that night!
3. I hailed a cab on one side of the street and ran to the other side to get in his cab. When this happened we passed the other 3 members of the group (who we got separated from) and they thought we were all running away from them because I was running and the other 4 people with me followed along. Also, in this process I was almost hit by a car or two. These may not be that funny to you, but I can assure you memories were made that night!
If we are being honest the real reason I went to Paris was because I wanted to see Sam Baxter and Sarah Amend!!! Two of my favorite people ever!! On Sunday we were able to meet up with them and spend the whole day together. Though it was raining, it was still a fun day. We met at the Eiffel (because everyone knows where that is) and then just went around that area. We also visited this chapel that overlooked all of Paris. If it weren’t raining I am sure it would have been beautiful.
That afternoon we had already planned to take this biking tour around Paris and I must say it was my favorite thing in the trip. Plus, Sarah and Sam came along with us. This really made me enjoy Pairs. I think in the past I have been to all the really touristy parts of Paris and that is why I wasn’t a big fan of the city. The bike tour was 4 hours and we went all over the city. At iconic/important places our guide would stop and tell us information, which was nice! Such a good way to see the city. Plus, we stopped for ice cream AND a boat ride around the river was also included. I highly recommend looking into a Fat Tire Bike Tour if you visit Paris!
Monday, was quite the day. We woke up and ate at this delicious breakfast spot. I had pancakes, with fried eggs and bacon on top. It was like one whole dish together, which was kind of weird, but insanely awesome! We then went to the Louvre and holy cow that place is massive. Even if we had a whole day to spend, there is no way you could see the whole thing. We went to the main attractions, like the Mona Lisa, because that was really all we had time for. It was still really cool to see such famous art in person. Maybe one day I will have time to go back and spend more time!
We then went to the airport. The next part of this trip is insane. Here is a summary of the travel plans over the next 24 hours (Monday/Tuesday):
We were originally supposed to fly from Paris to Florence. Keep that in mind please!
Basically we showed up to our 6:15 flight at 3:45 pm, then it got delayed, then it got cancelled (majorly sunny outside, yet it got canceled for weather) then we got on a flight at 9:30 to Barcelona (always wanted to visit this place… Yay adding another country to this trip), then that got delayed, then our Barcelona flight finally boarded, then a 30 minute delay, then we took off in the air, then landed, then another delay cause not enough staff to deplane to group, then we finally got off the plane, got a hotel room, left the airport at 2, finally got checked in at 3 am, slept at 3:39 am, and finally woke up at 5:45 am to watch the sunrise over this beautiful city because for several of us it was our first time in that city. I would have killed to have a day in that city. I cannot describe my emotions when I heard we were staying in that city overnight. We got no sleep, but it was so worth it in my book. The sunrise my beautiful and just being in that city was a success for me. We then had to get on a flight at 11 am back to Florence because we did have to get to class. It was such a crazy weekend, but full of amazing fun and memories. It will be something I never forget! I cannot wait to go back to Barcelona!!
How’s that for an update? (Lol).
I have been back in Florence since Tuesday afternoon and besides a few days trip over the next week I will be located in this beautiful city. I am excited to spend some much needed ground time in this city.
I cannot explain how thankful I am to my God and my family for making this trip possible. Everyday I am amazed and in awe of this part of the world. I am such a lucky guy! Makes it really easy to be thankful, huh?
May you all be thankful for the unexpected adventures in life! I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful
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