Paris!

I did it, I made it to Paris! When I failed to go up the Eiffel Tower 8 years ago in highschool, I thought, I'll be back....so I made it happen and I just had the best time! I met up and stayed with my friend Marie who is living there, right in the city. She and I hadn't seen each other in 5 years, so it was amazing and just great to be with her and catch up.

I arrived on a Wednesday, Sept. 30th, and followed all my directions from Marie and my research and had no problems finding my way to downtown where she worked. Marie happens to work very close to Notre Dame Cathedral. I remembered this church very well from before, but I just LOVE old churches and it was just as beautiful as ever. After a small bite and of course a glass of wine (I was on vacation), I met up with Marie in a Starbucks! Didn't have a drink there, when I'm here, I want European things. That night, we met up with a few of her girlfriends for a few drinks and dinner. I was just loving the fact that I was with a local, seeing what they do, and didn't have to go find and sleep in a hostel.

Thursday and Friday, Marie had to go into work...so I was free to explore the city on my own, with her recommendations and direction. First, I went to the Arch de Triump, then walked down the very loooong street of Champs Ellysees, which basically ended at the Lourve and great shopping areas. I chose not to go into the Louve, as I did it last time, and I thought this time...my money and time should be spent on shopping, and enjoying Paris. Friday, I went to a beautiful Church called Sacred Heart Basilica, which had an amazing view of the city. Cute cute cute little area, where everyone wanted to draw your picture. Um, no thank you. From there, I had to go see the Moulin Rouge! Marie said it was a pretty trashy and scandulous part of the city, but I had to just go see for myself since the name is huge and that area. She was right, a whole street of x-rated stores, but nothing to be scared of...thought it was funny! Did some more walking, and found the metro to go to the Pantheon Museaum. Here, there is the world's largest pendulum, which proves the theory of our spinning earth in relative to the sun and universe. Pretty cool, but was basically in and out in 20 minutes.

Friday night, Marie and I hosted a party in her ONE BEDROOM flat! Yes, one small little room, we had about 10 people over, and everyone brought 1-2 bottles of wine. We made some pasta, and just enjoyed socializing. Everyone basically spoke english and were very nice! Around midnight, I asked if we were going to actually go out...they said, "Oh ya, you Americans go out early like at 9 or 10 huh...lol." I was fine with it though, of course I was fine, I was in Paris! 2 trains later, and a little walk, we were at this really big, new club...and we were VIP! Yes, we had connections, and passed the cover and the line, it was great. Totally crazy, but full of life and dancing. I was just LOVING it, I rocked out!

Saturday, we were a bit tired from getting home at 5am......but that didn't stop us from moving on cause we were going to see the Eiffel Tower!!! Marie hadn't been since she was 10 years old. Funny how when you live somewhere so famous, you tend to overlook what the world is coming to see. We picked a great day to go, even though it was busy, it was great weather! We took some silly pictures, since I was the "tourist", then we stopped at each level (3). At the top, I was definitely "higher!" Great views of Paris, and that's when it really hit me that I had made it back to do this! I was in great company, and just enjoying that priceless moment. Life was good!

That night, Marie and I went and had a nice dinner in her neighborhood. I had a very early flight Sunday back to Sweden...basically I left her house at 6am, and got into my house around 6:30pm. That's how it is here, between all the trains, buses, planes, and more trains. I really had an absolutely amazing time, and it was just what I needed! Thanks to Marie for hosting, and to Paris...I fell in LOVE! It definitely held its reputation for great shopping and beauty. Enjoy the pics! I have much much more if anyone is interested!

Only about 2 months left in Sweden!! Still figuring out my next move, but am working on it!