Final Thoughts . . .

Evening on the Seine

I wrote this blog as a diary of my trip and also to share with those who may be contemplating a trip to Paris in the winter, and for those who might consider traveling to Paris alone. As this was only my second time to the City of Light and my first time traveling overseas alone, I realize I didn't venture too far beyond what most tourists normally do. Traveling to Chartres and Bruges was huge for me as those were unknowns and figuring out the trains and navigating through these unfamiliar cities was a personal accomplishment. Other than a few minor bumps in the road, I have no complaints about my 10 days abroad.

Some final thoughts . . .

• Would I rent an apartment again or stay in a hotel? I would say for the length of time I was in Paris (10 nights), I would definitely rent an apartment again. Although it wasn't a huge space, it was far more spacious than most hotel rooms and having a fully equipped kitchen was a perk when I wanted to eat in. The washer/dryer was also a bonus. And the price was less than I would have paid at a hotel.
• Would I go back in the winter? Absolutely! I think I was a bit spoiled with the great weather in Paris this past winter and had it been raining everyday, I may feel otherwise. But the quiet of the city, the lack of lines and throngs of tourists . . . it definitely fit my personality being there in the off season.
• What did I enjoy the most? Walking along the Seine on a brilliant, sunny, Sunday evening. Wandering around Pere Lachaise with merely a dozen or so other tourists. Seeing the Chartres cathedral for the first time. Coming home and knowing that I now have a warm familiarity of this city that I love so much.
• What did I dislike? Arc du Triomphe and Champs Elysees . . . busy, overcrowded with way too many tourists. Dining out alone at night. I really did feel alone and wished for someone to share memories of the day's adventure with.  Dog poop on the sidewalks. Why don't Parisians pick up after their pups??!!
• What did I wish I would have done? Gone out more at night. Photography is my hobby and I wished I would have done some night photography of the architecture lit up by the famous Parisian floodlights. I was a bit apprehensive being alone and, being under the weather for a good part of my trip, I was pretty exhausted at night.
• As far as speaking the language . . . I have a very minimal French vocabulary but I knew how to ask for tickets and transportation directions. I am very adept at ordering a glass of red wine! I can get by in a restaurant just fine. I know the pleasantries of Bon Jour, Au Revoir, Merci and always Sil Vous Plait. But . . . it was very apparent to the Parisians that I did not speak French as they almost always responded in English.

I may add to these bullets as I reminisce about my time in Paris but for now, this is it. Vive la France!