This last week I've done and seen more than I would in an average month. Or even year. A 6am depart from London to journey over to Paris, was nowhere near as bad as I originally thought it sounded. I think the excitement of the whole trip gave me that extra 'oomph.'
On our drive to Paris we were able to see the white cliffs of Dover, then ferried on over to the other side. Paris at first glimpse was not what I had expected. I had expected a city a lot cleaner than it was, but the part we were staying in was what I would classify as 'the ghetto.' There were gypsies all over the streets and just selling random garbage. The saying 'one mans trash is another mans treasure' really seems to make sense here as a lot of the pointless objects they were selling did in fact get sold. On our trip we were fortunate enough to be upgraded with our hotel by Contiki due to the amount of gypsies outside of the original hotel intended for us. The upgrade was very much appreciated by all. We had a group dinner that night which included champagne and you got it- escargot. I struggled in getting the slug from the shell- then realized my first one didn't in fact have the slug in it. On second attempt I eventually got it out and it was much larger than most. I can happily say I am not a fan of snail. The sauce was amazing but after chewing more than 3 times the sauce had gone, and on my fourth chew a new taste came and I had to spit my slug out. How attractive, I know.
On our second day in Paris we did a lot of walking, 8kms to be exact. We saw the Louvre and then went to go inside Notre Dame but I was not allowed in as the security man asked if I had a shawl and I said no.
My dress was not revealing in the least but I think they appreciate shoulders being covered. So myself and anther girl waited outside whilst watching girls with less coverage walking out the exit after being inside. Go figure.
My biggest regret so far is not learning more of these European languages. I stupidly assumed most places would speak English and I would get by with that- couldn't have been more wrong. Every sign was in French, majority of workers spoke French and it was a struggle.
Day three arrived and myself and my room mate missed the bus into town on account of not knowing how to open a door. Yes, we missed our bus due to not knowing how to open a door. There were no handles, and only a red button. In both our experiences red buttons usually aren't a good sign so we refrained from pushing that one. Other than that day three was just another exploration day.
Paris is beautiful. I truly loved Paris and would definitely go back. Before going overseas many people warned how rude the locals were but I can honestly say I never came across one rude person. There were many times they could've been (me not knowing their language and the small amount of words I did know- butchering them) but they were so helpful.
That night we went to a group dinner which was adorable as it included a man playing the accordion for us. He was amazing. Constantly smiling and just being a beautiful human. After the dinner we went to a cabaret, not at the Moulin Rouge- but a local cabaret place. To be honest I'm happy we didn't go to the Moulin Rouge. A small group of us did and said it was very over rated and more suited for the generation above ours. Our cabaret on the other hand, my god! The talent they all had and the involvement with the audience truly made it what it was. Plus I'm sure even the Guys all loved it as they all saw boobs for the majority of the show.
I'm not too sure which night this happened as I'm writing this a few days later on our bus ride (8hours to Barcelona) but we did all see and have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. I can't even describe the beauty of the tower. The light show happened and everyone literally just gasped in awe.
I feel really fortunate to have the Contiki group I have. Everyone gets along so well. When we were at the Eiffel Tower we all had wine/champagne and played a group game of "never have I ever" which was an amazing way to get to know everyone else. Then the Australians had to keep the Aussie spirit alive and whipped out a goon sack (wine sack) and started drinking that in true Aussie form out front of the tower.
I don't want to ramble anymore (I'll leave that for my next post)
So until next time,
Xox
