A Parisian Affair

I dont remember why I always put visiting Paris for later. I think it had something to do with the aura that I associated with the city, that I wanted it to be extra special when I first went there. With my easter weekend plans going down the drain, making that Paris trip was suddenly the most convenient option. So in a flurry I booked my tickets deciding to bask in all the aura by myself.

Easter weekend meant that Paris was really crowded. But it also meant that the city was bustling with life. I guess that is the case throughout the year. I loved the street musicians and artists, especially at eh Sacre couer, whipping the crowd to a song-and-dance frenzy.

The Eiffel tower the symbol of Paris, was magnificent, even more at night with the lights on. I spent a good 8 hours around it, revelling in the moment, and taking pictures. Sheer beauty.


I went to Versailles Chateau but skipped it after seeing the queue there, and instead, went to Rolland Garros, which for me was far more significant than another cathedral or castle. The tour was very enlightening, and I can now watch the French Open with a fresh perspective.

Walking down one of the most gorgeous stretches of land, from the grand Arc de Triomphe down the awesome Champ de Elsyees to the Louvre, I realized why this was billed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The charm, which for me makes a place memorable, was there to see.


The Louvre was a disappointment. Descriptions in French and sold out audio guides ruined it for me. And I failed to see how the Mona Lisa, which was clearly a tourist attraction, was a better painting than many of the others on display. Anyway, it was the last part of my trip, and after downing a sumptuous beaf steak with cheese sauce, I went to catch my mitfahr.

No trip ends without adventure, and it turns out that the guy had committed to more people than the places he had in his car. We decided to dump the guy and look for alternate transport. Looked like I was in for a long night, possibly lying around in the station. But they dont call me bookie for nothing. While the others bought train tickets at double the price, I went to Eurolines station and waited hours till the time of departure of the bus to Germany. Persistence always pays, and I got a last minute ticket thanks to a no-show.

I was unsure how travelling alone would work out. But there was enough life on the streets to keep me occupied. And I could go where I wanted when I wanted. The map in my hand took me everywhere, and I didnt have to listen to any 'My feet are hurting. Lets get back', a regular thing with many of my travel mates here. And I dont know how many would have been game for 8 hours doing nothing around the Eiffel.

Paris, the City of love, the City of Lights was beautiful. The Champs de Elysees deserves more than a 20 minute walk, and I will be there again, next time with company.