A European Adventure| Part 1 - Paris

Way back at the start of this year, Mitch and I decided this summer we would partake in a little European adventure.  With M being Australian and itching to see more of Europe, we bought 2 inter-rail tickets and set about devising a route.  With only a 2 week holiday window and an almost daunting list of possible destinations, we decided that Italy, via France, would be our focus - endless sunshine, miles of beautiful coastline and an unlimited amount of carbs...it was the obvious choice.

I won't lie, the planning of the trip was quite time consuming.  We had to work out a few months in advance where we wanted to stop, how long we would spend in each place, what the transport links were like etcetc but this was all necessary if we were to secure accommodation in high season (mid August).  As such, we finalised our plan around the end of June and then all we had to do was count down the days.

Finally, August rolled around and we set off like two happy campers with our backpacks and travel pillows eager to reach our first destination...

The beautiful and magical Paris.

[Credit]

Unfortunately, our arrival was neither beautiful or magical.  We had chosen the day that the Parisian heavens decided to open and rain for the first day in six weeks.  Needless to say, we were not happy bunnies.  By the time we had navigated the way to our hotel, our backpacks were soaked through and our flip-flop clad feet (we had high hopes) were more than a little bit cold and wet.  However, after steaming mugs of hot chocolate, plates of syrup covered pancakes, a hot shower and a well deserved nap, the sun was (sort of) shining and we were ready for adventure.

With only 8 hours or so to explore the City of Love we had our work cut out for us - we tackled the metro system, avoided the pick-pockets and also managed to meet up with one of my oldest friends who is now a total Parisian glamour puss.  It was a grey but glorious day...

Arc de Triomphe

Champs-Élysées

Jardin des Tuileries

 
The Louvre

Pont des Arts - Lovers' Bridge

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The Eiffel Tower

Every night, when darkness has fallen over the city, the Eiffel Tower is set alight with hundred and thousand of twinkling white lights.  On the stroke of the hour, the usually bustling Trocadéro stills and every single person is mesmorised by the sight.  To say that this was my favourite part of the day, would be an understatement.  For 5 minutes, everything was calm, the sky had turned into the perfect pastel backdrop and I got a glimpse into the magic of Paris.

The only thing to top this day?  A giant nutella crepe and a huge fluffy bed.  And you can see how excited I was about that.....