Life has been a crazy few months and I needed a break – so I booked a flight to Paris. And since Paris is always a good idea – Im going to make the most of this time I have alone. I think I ended up changing my flight(s) eight different times, but I am here, and besides the cold, it is perfect.
I decided to stay in a hostel on this trip – so I could have connection if I wanted it, but also just do my own thing. I chose an all female hostel and it has been nice. Instead of just boring bunks like other hostels, these are more lik bunks/caves. We all have our own footlockers that can lock if you so desire. And in our bunk area we have a light, power plug, shelf and mirror. Lots of people get ready IN their bed, I am not this person. Everything is very clean – and oraganized.
I checked into the hostel and unpacked, then immediately went down into the heart of Paris to see Notre Dame. Last time I had more than about 10 minutes to spend here was immediatley following the fire. The melted scaffolding has been completely removed, the roof is back, and you can now once again enjoy the beauty that this cathedral has to offer. I have tickets to climb the bell tower on Friday.
I expected chilly, but not this cold. It is about 40*F so I had to give in and buy a scarf. It has already been saving me. I found a little restaurant for dinner after purchasing my scarf and walking around near Notre Dame. It is so nice to be back in the land of four cheese pizzas and well, just cheese as its own menu item in general. The pizza warmed me up, and I found a restaurant cat that stole my radiator for heat – good thing he was cute. I had a hot cocoa for dessert before heading to check out where the protests were happening.
I knew they were ending at 7pm – and I wouldnt be there until after 715 – I just wanted to see what I could. And the French have this figured out. It was a scheduled protest – that Im pretty sure ended up with water cannons (everything was soaked), so many armed officers with their riot gear (shoulder pads, knee/shin pads, barriers, etc). The medics and press all had on arm bands and helmets – doing what they could do for their own safety. I saw no fighting, no protesting – but I saw the city cleaning up immediately and putting things back together that had been damaged.
I slept 12 hours the first night – I havent slept this well in months. I clearly needed it. After getting ready for the day and packing for my detour to Brussels and Amsterdam I headed out to what I was planning on – the Eiffel Tower, but I never made it. I got off the subway at the Arc de Triumph. At the Arc they are setting up for something, putting up viewing stands and things. I snapped a picture then decided to walk down the Champs-Elysees – the wider, more expensive Michigan Avenure. Due to all the rioting here in Paris the stores are either boarding up their windows or putting metal grates over their windows. All the stores are still open, you just may not be able to see their newest product line.
I noticed the Nike store and decided to pop in for a look. They had a whole history of their “air” line and some fashion that I hope doesnt make it to the US (more chunky shoes, extra baggy clothes, etc). However, they have a customization station, so I think Ill be going back to get myself a hoodie.
After Nike, I continued my walk down the avenue and decided I would go take a free walking tour – so I had to get back over to Notre Dame as they meet across the street (Ive taken the tour a few times). I had plenty of time for lunch, so I stopped to eat and get onion soup and fries. Sadly, because I was so lost in my book , I missed my tour by a few minutes – but no harm lost on my part. I pivoted and decided to meander around the neighborhood. I then remembered that the Shakespeare and Company bookstore was around there – I was all of one block away! So I headed that way.
There was a queue to get inside, but once inside it was worth it. It is an English bookstore with rich history. Founded by a female expat in the early 1900s it became a place to gather and lend books to some of the literary greats: Ernest Hemingway, F Scott Firtgerald, etc. Even though it closed during the Nazi occupation (as many bookstores did), the current store was opened in 1951 by another American and he renamed it on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeares birth. It has remained family owned the entire time.
After my hour or so in the bookstore, I decided to head to the Pantheon, I havent been there in maybe 20 years?
Marie Curie is buried there along with her husband. Her tomb is lead lined due to the radiation exposure she encounterd during her research. She was also the first woman entombed at the Pantheon based on her own achievenments, not who she was married to. The Pantheon is large and yet understated from the outside, inside the floors and ceilings have so much detail its exquisite.
During my time in the Pantheon they randomly played choral music and it was beautiful, the sound experience in the Pantheon is an experience on its own. The sound travels beautifully and can sneak up on you and guide your ears on where to pay attention to. I sat in the Pantheon for about an hour enjoying the people watching, the warmth and random music.
I was about an hour away from the hostel via subway, so I headed out to get closer to home. I chose a restaurant and got a chicken, mushroom and pasta dish; while finishing up with creme brulee.
My face is wind burned, I only got about 18,000 steps in and Im cold in my core, but this is exactly what I needed. Tomorrow I head to Brussels for the night. I havent been there in about 20 years so Im excited to explore!
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