I have been studying French for nearly 10 years. Going to Paris is like a pilgrimage to visit long-lost sister. So, when Dad finalized his trip, I knew I had to take him to Paris. Dad's first trip to Europe would not be complete without a café, a view of the Eiffel, and some culture at the Louvre.So, before dawn on Monday morning Dad and I boarded a TGV (train à grande vitesse/ high-speed train) to gay Paris! I was hoping the sun would come up as we were along the coast, because that train ride is always great, but it didn't. So, we took in some of the countryside, seeing snow as we traveled further and further north. And, precisely 6 hours later, we arrived at the Gare de Lyon. After checking into our hotel room near the train station, we took off on our whirlwind adventure.
First stop: the Louvre. Actually, from the metro stop to the entrance, 4 gypsies "found" gold rings and tried to convince us that we had dropped them and ask for money. Ridiculous! Four times in 10 minutes! Anyways, the Louvre was pretty packed (all of Paris seemed packed, more-so than I remember from my April visit). We hit all the highlights and a little extra: Venus de Milo and Winged Victory. Then, I saw the Jacques Louis David room, and was really happy since I missed it the first time. Then, we saw La Jaconde/ The Mona Lisa and some other daVinci's and Michelangelos. From the Louvre, we followed the Seine (passing Musée d'Orsay and the Hôtel des Invalides) to see the Eiffel tower.
If Paris is my long-lost sister, then the Eiffel is the anchor to my heartstrings. Upon reaching the base, my face was plastered with a smile-- and I think Dad enjoyed it too. We got in line for the elevators right around sunset and stood on the 2nd floor right as the last glimpses of light were leaving (and ya'll know how I love my sunsets).
We were in line to get to the summit when the lights were turned on and the first time the Eiffel sparkled. I also missed the sparkling on-the-hour last time I was in Paris, so I was determined to see it this time. At the summit I got pretty freaked out due to my fear of heights, but Dad just loved seeing Paris all lit up-- and the view was gorgeous, just a little high for me. It was a really great night. On the way to the metro, we stopped at the Trocadero to watch the tower sparkle again, and it was so magical and beautiful! Now, allow me to digress to say that the winter in Paris is not really my friend. I enjoyed myself, but the cold was biting. I wore so many layers and Dad and I were huddled and freezing for most of our Eiffel adventure. We never could find the temperature, but it had to be 20° F or less that night. I was wearing as much clothing as I possibly could, and I was still cold. I don't know if I would brave Paris in the winter again, but it was fine for this time.
We ate at a small italian place near the hotel, and I have to add in that Dad was so proud to order in French: "spaghetti bolognese s'il vous plaît." It was actually interesting having to play tour guide to my Dad.... (digression) A lot of people initially spoke to us in English and it didn't bother me, but I was always there when my French was better than their English. However, I was a bit surprised that so many of the Parisians resorted to English and weren't rude about it. I hardly even bothered to speak French in Paris because they were so willing to speak English with me. It was also cute when someone would stop me in the streets to ask directions or about the parade in Nice and Dad would just seem so impressed when I carried on with them in French. I think it would have been cool for my mom to see the interaction because she's the one constantly asking me to "say something in French!" but it's much more authentic when I'm conversing with someone else.
Anyway, Monday night we rested our wind-burned rosy cheeks and slept through the night. Tuesday morning (coincidentally Mardi Gras, which I didn't celebrate for the first time in many years) we got a slow start around 10 with some coffee at a cafe in the train station. From there we metro'ed to the Place de L'Etoile to see the Arc de Triomphe. I think this was a favorite of Dad's; he told me he could imagine the Allied troops marching down the Champs Elysées to liberate Paris and so much other history is marked at that point as well. After the mandatory tourist photos, we walked down the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde, stopping for some souvenirs. For lunch, we stopped near Ile de la Cité at a brasserie and had a sit-down lunch. I don't think we took complete advantage of the food Paris had to offer, but we were more into the sights.
3 monuments down, 1 to go. Our last stop in Paris was.....(drumroll).... Notre Dame Cathedrale. Located on Ile de la Cité, we saw the home of Quasimodo. I had hoped to leave time for the tower tour, but it was closed because of ice, so that is a next-time Paris goal. Anyways, we walked around the outside to admire the flying buttresses and then inside to walk around. Around three we bid "à la prochaine!/'til next time!" to Paris and headed out to Charles de Gaulle airport to catch a plane back to Nice. I'll skip over the stress that I usually feel trying to get to the airport on time, and say we landed safe in Nice and enjoyed some Mac n Cheese (thanks Dad! 4 boxes!) and some Glee before bed.
Wednesday was my last day to enjoy with Dad in Nice, but sadly the weather was gross. We did head out to see what the deal was with the flower parade, but it was cancelled (and I got flowers on the street since they wouldn't be throwing them at the parade), so we grabbed a bite to eat at Blast American Bar. I had heard they served a full breakfast and hoping for some, but alas we were an hour too late. I still had fajitas and Dad a "chili burger" (on the side?). We also went souvenir shopping for a bit, but eventually were too cold and wet to continue. So, we spent the rest of the afternoon lazing about in my apartment-- time not wasted since I won't see Dad until I'm back at home in 2.5 months. For dinner we went to a (chain) restaurant called Hippopotamus and it was the best meal I'd had in Nice! I ordered a grilled chicken breast and got (unlimited sides) ratatouille and potatoes au gratin on the side. The ratatouille was great and the potatoes were amazing! Then, dessert was a crème brûlée and mousse au chocolat for Dad. Seriously, so. so. good.
Thursday morning I escorted Dad to the airport with grey skies, and on the way back it started raining. I enjoyed catching up with friends the rest of the weekend, but this vacation had been the Vacation of a Lifetime!
Voilà! And I promise to write soon about Carnaval, now that it is officially over.
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