In the 7th grade, we were all tasked with a decision that would change the course of our lives forever: which language would we chose to study for the remainder of our school career. For whatever reason, French was the language that stood out to me. I found it beautiful, different, and interesting, and so began my conquests with the French language. I spent those classes writing in notebooks with Eiffel Towers on the cover and bringing crepes in for French skits. The classes I took were not only focused on us learning the language, but with that came learning lots about the culture and of course, the city of Paris. Now, after years of enduring difficult teachers who for some reason just did not like me, I could finally experience all that I learned about.
It did not disappoint. From the moment I stepped foot in Paris, I knew I loved it. After exiting the metro stop to my first destination, I looked up and saw the top of the Eiffel Tower and it took my breath away. The city along the Seine River with the tower in the background was everything I pictured and more. I arrived several hours before Sam (my boyfriend for those reading who don’t know, though I’m SURE you all know), and had time to kill. Naturally, I decided to go visit one of the best things that sets Paris apart from any other European country: they have a Chipotle. Yes, my first stop in Paris was at Chipotle, and though it is not as good as it is in the United States, for being deprived of such a luxury for months, it really satisfied. I then took the metro to the airport. Perhaps I began to love Paris so much from only a metro ride and a quick stop at my favorite fast food chain because it reminded me so much of New York City, and that is something I have not felt in any city I have been to yet. I felt comfortable taking metros and walking on the streets. I also could understand the language for once and though I am extremely rusty, I managed to communicate in French here and there.
Once we settled into our Airbnb, we made our way out to dinner and the Eiffel Tower. The closer and closer we got to the tower, the more beautiful it became, especially when it twinkled.
We went to a French restaurant where we of course had to try the staples: escargot and onion soup. The onion soup was amazing and the snails were not that bad! They ate almost like a muscle or a clam, though I only had one to try and let Sam finish the rest. We finished our first night in Paris with a banana and Nutella crepe, and while I really did not know how much better a crepe could be than any crepe anywhere else, it really was something different and delicious.
The next day it was time to visit all the most important sites. Only having 2 days in the city, it would be impossible to visit everything as Paris is so large. We started the day again at the Eiffel Tower in order to see it in the day light and to of course, get a few pictures. We then made our way to the Louvre. Once again, the Louvre exceeded my expectations. Not only was the building itself stunning, but the garden inside as well. To our surprise, we walked right up to the front of the area to see the Monna Lisa. While yes, I agree with the majority in saying that it is smaller than expected and may not live up to the hype, it was incredible to be able to see what is perhaps the most famous painting in the world. We then walked through the museum a bit, and ended in the gallery which held the French Royal Jewels where I got to see a royal French tiara and that in itself is more than enough to keep me satisfied!
From the Louvre, we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysses. However, it was hard to get around because it was a Saturday, and Saturday are the days for the yellow vest protests in Paris. We once again boarded the metro and made our way to Cathedral de Notre Dame. Along the bridge adjacent to the cathedral was where we saw one of the yellow vest protests going on. There is so much that I could write about seeing these protests. We quite literally were standing in a pivotal moment in history. However, I will keep my political activist side quiet for the moment, as that is not why you are here.
Near the Notre Dame is a street one of my friends recommended for us to walk along, Ile de St. Louis. On this street, we found tons of boulangeries and patisseries. We picked up a few macaroons, a baguette, and some cold cuts and cheese, then went along the bank of the Seine and ate a little picnic there. The baguette was delicious and the macaroons were good, though they are not my favorite dessert by any means.
Our next stop was planned to the Palais Garnier—the Opera house in Paris where one of my favorite musicals, The Phantom of the Opera is sHowever, we did not make it. Why you may ask? Well, it happens to us all at some point (or at least that is what I’m telling myself), but I was pickpocketed on the metro on our way to the Opera. A quick detour to the French police station and a mental breakdown later, there was no hope for visiting Palais Garnier on Saturday. But, what can you do about it, it is a lesson learned and a story to tell (too soon?). It was a great excuse to get a cookie at a bakery after all.
On Sunday, we started our day finally trying a croissant and then making our way to the Palais Garnier, no pickpocketing this time! Though we did not get to go inside because it is still a functioning Opera House and we did not have tickets, the Palais Garnier is enormous and really beautiful to look out from the outside. But the best view of it were from the rooftop of the department store, Galleries Lafayette, next to it. This was one of the most amazing views I have ever seen.
There are not enough words to explain how I feel about Paris. I can say without a doubt it is my favorite place by far and I hope to be able to visit it many more times in my future. It is a beautiful city rich of culture, history, art, and food. I have no idea where the stereotype that the French are mean to American’s came from because the people I met were nicer to me than anyone I have met in Italy yet! I felt so comfortable and enchanted by the sights around me, even with the political protests and pick-pocketers around me. It made it feel like a real city. Truly an unbelievable trip and I’m not sure how any others will top it!
Wanderfully yours,
Sophia
Ciao for now 
This brought back lots of happy memories of all the places Grandpa and I went when we were in Paris! I assume Sam had a great time too. Who wouldn’t?
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