n
n
Paris Emptied My Pockets
by Cindy Karow
World renowned Paris, centre of fashion and art, and the city of
romance was my destination last summer. After a year of hard work I was
looking for a vacation, it was then that I heard Paris calling. I think that for
women, in particular, there is a special attraction to the city of lights.
Maybe, because no matter how much they deny it, all women relate Paris
to the fantasy of romance. This is not to dismiss the endless tourist
attractions, famous gourmet cheese and wines as well as haut couture.
Paris is fashion driven by big names like Gucci, Versace, Armani, and
Louis Vuitton. On the streets of its downtown core, immaculate displays
of the latest trends and expensive habits lace the bodies of Parisians.
The first 24 hours in Paris define the experience. Stunned by the time difference and exhausted from my long flight I soon discovered the essence of the city. Paris never sleeps. Throughout the night there is continuous noise coming from the streets. The city and its people are busy 24 hours a day. In fact, the city seems to wake up at night, and become even more alive. Youth are going to parties, tourists are out late drinking wine on open patios, there are street vendors, food vendors and huskers stationed all over the place. Musicians, singers, dancers, violin and guitar players create a constant soundtrack to the city. Honking and cheering from boats on the river as well as shouting and laughing sneak around corners. And yes, you cannot miss the unmistakable siren of European emergency vehicles. The sounds of Paris follow you through the night and don’t stop when morning arrives.
Parisians manage to be just as awake and lively in the early morning as
they are at night. I would like to attribute this accomplishment to the coffee. Café’s
are
quite popular in the morning for espresso, croissants and the newspaper.
Whether alone or with someone, café’s are social and abundant through Paris.
You can even find a Starbucks. French coffee is strikingly different, very strong.
Perhaps coffee connoisseurs would appreciate it more than I did. Maybe it’s an
acquired taste or the remedy to heavy drinking from the night before. The French
do love their wine!
Moving through the city, there’s a noticeable harmony in the architecture,
especially towards the center of Paris. A strange mix of Gothic and
Renaissance help define the resistant spirit of the city and its people.
Built with sturdy but beautiful stone and aided by exceptional restoration
has permitted this city to keep its treasures in such superior condition.
Cobblestone streets and alleyways, eye catching statues on every corner,
bubbling water fountains, small spontaneous parks, hidden boutiques
and old fashioned street lights also help define the character of Paris.
From the moment you arrive, you are stricken by the beauty, history
and romance that beholds you.
My stay was at the Hotel Citadines. This hotel has many
locations throughout France and is clean and friendly. The clerks
were bilingual and I found them to be very helpful with advice
and directions concerning when and how to go
about
the city.
If you pick the right area for accommodations you can easily
do most of your traveling on foot. The Hotel Citadines was
perfect for me and my low budget. Located next to the Sein
River, it was in a quite central location with many of the main attractions just a walk away. The best form of transportation in Paris is their underground subway, the RER. Its efficiency and frequent departure times made travel quick and easy. It will save you a considerable amount of time and money; in the city traffic is bad and taxis are expensive.
Paris was beautiful, cultural and unique in its own way. Even though Paris emptied my pockets, it was an adventure that you can only discover through experience.
Photo Credits:
Cafe © Paris Tourist Office - David Lefranc
Seine © Paris Tourist Office -David Lefranc