Quelle Journée! Paris, Day Two (Part Une)

The idea that I was in Paris did not hit me until the next morning. I woke up at around 2am to the sound of roadworks and a gang of French youths shouting what I could only assume to have been taunts, at each other. It sounded like a little gang bust-up, and at that time in the morning, I thought I was still in Peterborough until I realised I couldn't understand what they were saying because I needed subtitles. The weather did not help either because it was so hot, and the hotel with it's shining double star-award didn't have any air conditioning. D, who was awoken by the ruckus and the heat as well, and I chatted for a bit and afterwards tried our best to get some shut eye. Breakfast was at a very early 6-9.30am schedule and so was our call time.

After a decent amount of Z's. I woke up to a nice and sunny morning. Still on with the background orchestra of concrete drilling, D and I got dressed quickly and met up with C and B for some munchies downstairs. The menu was continental, so it wasn't anything life changing. I must say though that amidst the sea of croissants and pain au chocolats, it was the humble crepes that took my fancy. And the strong French coffee. It was the perfect combo to get my system jump started for a long day ahead of us. And let me tell you now, it was the longest day we had out of the whole week.

The first stop was The Musée Louvre. Housing some of the most famous and valuable works of art in the world, the museum is a must for all, art-lovers and Joe Bloggs alike. I was even looking forward to seeing the teeny-tiny portrait of a certain gender-confused, androgynously cheeky individual. And maybe Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou with a naked GDILF branded with the pentagram. However, luck was not with us as it turned out, the Louvre was closed on Tuesdays. Darn! That didn't stop us or the rest of the tourists from taking advantage of some premium Kodak time at the site though. We all got up on those little pillars and took those photos. You know when you reach up your hand from a distance as if you're touching the peak of the glass pyramid? Yup, got a couple of those, then we sat by the pyramid itself and chilled for a while, munching on some French Haribos. What I found entertaining, despite the unavailability of things actually interesting from within the museum, were the people who really did go all out with their pedestal poses. A couple swapped camera time with each other to pose like Superman and Wonderwoman with the pyramid as their background, and while I thought it was worth a chuckle, more power to them! You get that pose down! Even though we couldn't get inside, it was as much fun hanging out outside the Louvre on a nice sunny day, and to see that everybody shared the same sentiment as well. 

When we got fed up of just sitting around, we got up and started making our way to the other end of the Tuileries and onto a long walk to Champs Élysées via the Place de Concorde. It was a long walk but it was far from dull. The city was going transitioning to Autumn and visually, the contrast was just stunning. A long stroll provided for another great opportunity to have a look at the people and their street style. Some oozed effortless chic while some embraced a more utilitarian approach for optimum comfort and practicality, especially with the long day full of things to do. I myself brought plasters in my bag just in case my Church's decided to dig in and give me blisters but luckily, they didn't. Just when I thought that the walk from the Tuileries was long enough, window shopping along Champs Élysées was even a longer stroll.

However, since it was purely within a retail therapy circumstance, it was more rejuvenating than taxing. It was definitely a shot of labels and love, the latter I had found at the steps of Ladurée where I finally got the chance to sample the infamous French treat. We have a Ladurée in Harrods in London too, but since I was going to Paris anyway, why not wait until I get there and buy it from the epicentre? It adds to the flavour of authenticity and experience, plus it was such a Blair Waldorf thing to do that I couldn't pass it up.

After stopping smack in the middle of the road to have a photo taken in front of the Arc d'Triomphe (the camaraderie between tourists was totally outstanding! When it comes to photos, reciprocity is key.), we were off to Montmartre to get our bohemian on. The ride on the metro was actually quite creepy. At this point, I was pretty much used to the beggars all over the city. I get it. It was a live version of Slumdog Millionaire, only it was on the Continent. However I wasn't prepared for the lady stationed at the metro line. I couldn't look, but all I knew was that she was crawling up and down the train. Only later did was I told by D, that she was literally on the floor, on all fours with her legs twisted like hind legs. It shook me and I was happy not to have looked. 

Montmartre was lovely. Beautifully old apartments that are typically post-card French, with little balconies and shutter windows. Living it up in Leeds kinda prepared me for walking around the hilly terrain, though it took its toll on B and D, who were both out of breath by the time we had to walk up the steps to Sacre Coeur. C and I powered through up the steps and found ourselves within the little artiste quarter, full of live painters and bistros al fresco. Just around the corner was a Salvador Dali exhibit as well, so if there was any place in Paris were Freedom, Beauty, Truth and Love would run rampant, this would be it.

After walking around all day, we were bound to be famished. Fortunately, there were many a choice around the square. I wanted a nice full French dinner, and so after taking a cue from Julia Childs, I suggested we go for the menu at Chez Eugene for Boeuf Bourguignon. Sitting down and having dinner while watching local artists sketch with their charcoal sticks was such a great way to take a breather. It was organically beautiful, with every element that you would associate with Montmartre coming together, I can only describe it as truly cool and offbeat.

...to be continued (I told you it was a LOOOONG day!)
xoxo