03 January 2019 PARIS – THE CITY OF LOVE AND ROMANCE

This was trip I was looking forward to. I had read a lot about Paris being a city of Love and Romance. A classic tale to draw the travel passionate to this vibrant and historical city. It was also my first trip to the French Capital.

As my aircraft touched down after a nine-hour ordeal of basically doing nothing, I was suddenly energized by merely a breath of fresh Paris air. The formalities at the airport didn’t take too long before I was on my way to my city of dreams. I had envisioned myself with the lady of my life strolling through the cobbled street of Champs-Elysees, culminating under the Arc de Triomphe. That for some reason hasn’t happened yet. I was just glad that I had made it to this city and the cosy Hotel Hor, just a few meters away from Gare du Nord. Its always convenient to be located in central Paris.

I had a couple of activities right up there on top of my list. The visit to the Eiffel Tower and the cruise on the river Seine. 30 min later, I was standing under the imposing and iconic Eiffel Tower. Its enormity is overwhelming. 324 meters of wrought iron, aesthetically assembled together and transformed into one of the wonders of the world. Its three levels beckon the visitors and provides sweeping sight and sound of this city of love and romance. The highest viewing platform is 276 meters above the ground and offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire city. There is a cute champagne bar on this level to cap off your visit. One more reason it is called the city of love and romance.

The visit to the Eiffel was followed by a cruise down the adjoining River Seine. A long winding river, snaking its way through the historical parts of the city. The cruise itself is a long ferry with outboard sitting allowing clear view of the iconic building dotting the riverside. The famous Notre Dame Cathedral instantly catches your eye as your ferry swoops past it. I make a mental note to include it on my city panorama to the following day. The famous Louvre, Grand Palais, Petit Palais are some of the famous building that you see as you enjoy the lovely Paris weather. The most famous of all, the Eiffel Tower still steals the show with its imposing presence as seen from the cruise. The highlight of the entire cruise is the Love-lock bridge. Sweethearts lock a padlock to the bridge to proclaim and symbolize their love of each other. The bridge is crammed with thousands of such locks across its entire length. One more reason it is called the city of love and romance.

What is Paris without a stroll down the Champs-Elysees. The cobbled street still reminds you of the tales of Napoleon and his rule over the city. The street culminates at the Arc de Triomphe, constructed as a victory gate to immortalize the many victories of Napoleon. The street is lined with well maintained trees and has been transformed into a fashionable avenue. Ah! The city of love and romance

I am tempted to write about my entire trip in detail but I will save that for my coffee table book I plan to write in the future. I know I will not be alone on my next trip. I have to come with that someone special to truly feel its love and romance. Au revior Paris, until next time. A promise to keep.