La Ville Lumière

Walking around the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars a small detail caught my eye--the Parisian litter on the ground. I have been to New York and live in Chicago and unlike the usual city garbage, the ground around the Eiffel Tower had remnants of rose petals and tops to champagne bottles; the perfect representation of the city itself--romantic and full of life. Paris, La Ville Lumière or the 'City of Light' is everything it is built up to be.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the 1st Time

I had just visited Notre Dame, jumped on the subway and let out a squeal..yes, a squeal..as I exited the subway walked a few steps and saw the Eiffel Tower towering high at the end of a street.When I first saw the Eiffel Tower it was surreal, like being in a place you are familiar with yet never visited. Standing in front of the iconic structure I felt silly just taking pictures, as if I should pay homage to it through song or dance or writing--that is how inspirational and beautiful this tower is, looking at it and snapping a few shots just doesn't seem to cut it but that is what I did (and I took the romantic but cliche kissing photo as well).

My first day in France was amazing and I have to keep reminding myself that I have 3 months here to explore and there is no need to rush as I let Paris reveal itself to me. Of course there are more sights to see and museums to visit, but my favorite part of any place I visit are the streets. Roaming the streets and losing yourself in any city is the best way to acquaint yourself with any new place and in Paris the streets are as romantic as the language, impressive as the sights and the food is as elegantly presented as the Parisians themselves.

I am practicing my French skills (or lack thereof) and have so far nailed the ever useful phrase parlez-vous anglais? Which, much to the flattery of my ego, has come in handy as people have mistaken me for being a Parisian. Never the less, I hold on to my French phrase book everywhere I go and try to switch my usual day-to-day phrases of 'hello' 'bye' and 'how are you' with 'bonjour' ' au revoir' and 'comment allez vous?' They say Parisians are arrogant and anti-American and although I am a 'newbie' to the city I have to think that it is only to those who don't attempt the language.

My day ended with a pair of macaroons from Laduree, a place known for macaroons of all flavors, and a delicious meal, which side note: not one meal has disappointed me since I've arrived in France. Everything in France is delicious, wonderful and so vibrant that you can't help but wonder if these Europeans know more about living life to it's fullest than us Americans will ever understand.