My journey took me through Paris. I took a train from Limoges to Paris and then flew from Paris to Berlin and then did the same on the way back. Making the connection from the train station to the airport in Paris on the way to Berlin almost proved disastrous. I scheduled two hours between arriving on the train and taking off on the plane. I thought that would be plenty of time. Wrong. The Paris metro system is crap, and I nearly got completely lost under Paris. Despairing thoughts like never seeing the light of day again started to creep into my mind. But, I resolved to not let that happen and managed to find my way to the airport with a little help from a very unwilling French women. But, thats not exactly what I intended to write about.
Anyways, on the way back I had five hours scheduled between landing in Paris and catching the train south back to Limoges. I thought it would be nice to wander around Paris a little bit, but I was a little apprehensive after my first encounter with Paris underground. Well, I arrived in Paris and boarded the dreaded metro and headed into the city. I selected the metro stop near Notre Dame. I wasn't sure what awaited me on the surface. I wasn't even sure how to get street level. I selected a set of stairs going up and started climbing. When I finally reached the top it was glorious. I stepped into the bright sunshine right in front of Notre Dome to the sound of the bells ringing.
My first view of Paris
I just sat down and soaked it all in. I couldn't believe I was actually in Paris standing in front of THE Notre Dame. I kept muttering to myself, "Oh my gosh, I'm in Paris." I had to convince myself it was real. After I collected myself and took a few pictures for other tourists I headed off to walk around the city. I didn't really know where I was going. I hadn't planned anything, and I didn't know where anything was. After walking down the Seine a little ways I spotted the Eiffel Tower. I made that my target and snapped pictures along the way.
Heres a few shots from the city.
I walked all around Paris for five hours dragging my suitcase the whole way. At the end my feet seriously hurt, but it was so much fun. I made it to the train station on the metro with no problems. Maybe the metro system isn't that terrible.
I'm going to spend a few days in Paris in December before flying home. I'm looking forward to spending more time in the city.
I'm going to spend a few days in Paris in December before flying home. I'm looking forward to spending more time in the city.
5 comments:
ok, now i'm so jealous i could spit. on you. on your face. and i don't even know you well enough to do that. but i would.
out of jealousy.
The metro is nice once you figure it out. If you want to couchsurf in Paris when you go back I know a couple of nice girls that would put you up!
Yikes! Train station to CDG in 2hrs...I like the metro, but hauling around a suitcase and dealing with the RERs as well makes everything a lot more complicated. Esp. when I had to change lines a zillion times and get off of the metro in the Montmartre district, and you have to go up 7(?) flights of stairs to get out of the freaking underground. Thankfully, several nice Parisians helped me lug my stuff up the stairs (this is right after my arrival when I had my massive suitcase packed for 10 months).
I would recommend booking accommodations now for december if you are thinking about a hostel...or look into couchsurfing as Thomas suggested. I wanted to stop in Paris for a few days in June before I left France, and when I tried to find hotels/hostels 3-4 weeks in advance things were getting full (and expensive).
I enjoyed the pics from Paris, and I am glad you were able to take in a little of the city.
way to go. cute outfit. can you come meet me in Moscow so we can sightsee together?
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