You may have noticed my slight obsession with Vespa scooters. All of my #scootersquatter craziness can be found on Instagram. I've compiled quite a batch of photos, so I may even devote an entire post to it soon!
Of note also, I have had one of my favorite Parisian pieces published on HumorWriters.org with the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop! You can check out which funny Paris post I've shared by clicking the link or the badge below.
But back to the point: PARIS.
I love Luxembourg Gardens. Full of flowers, statues, views, and Parisians, it's my favorite park in Paris, for sure.
Looking back on my time in Paris, I've realized that the main reason I went back was for the boulangerie and the incredible pain au chocolate. I think, all in all, I ate at least twenty in twenty-six days.
I love taking the metro, then popping up the stairs to scenes like this!
Parisian doors. Always.
The "overflow" of the Seine was a real concern while I was there. Add in the transport strikes, and the traffic was unbelievable in June! Many times I opted out from the slow transportation to walk two or three miles (three to five kilometers) to my destination because it was actually faster.
I ventured further into the heart of the Montparnasse neighborhood and was absolutely delighted by Rue des Thermopyles and the surrounding streets and squares. If you find yourself in this district, go to tiny Place Flora Tristan for a completely adorable non-touristed square of sidewalk restaurants.
I don't really remember where this was, but it was another wonderful discovery while walking around the Left Bank.
The Bekendams and I found our spot along the Seine in Melun (about 30 minutes southeast of Paris) to eat snacks and take a nap. For Tanya's recaps of her trip (including Prague, Munich, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein, and Paris), go to Random Scribblings of a Farmer's Daughter.
Because no post on Paris is complete for me without the Eiffel Tower! I love that after twenty-five years of pining for Paris, now I can't even count how many times I've been here. That's why #EiffelPrettyGood is probably my favorite hashtag of all time.
My favorite crêpes in the world are at La Crêperie at Place Jacques Amyot in Melun. I build my own with chocolate, caramel, and coconut, and I call it La Christy. The always-smiling owner, Sandrine, makes the experience even better!
I love how the street art both contrasts and compliments this square.
My friends and I walked from the Bastille to the Eiffel Tower along the Seine. Tessa took this amazing picture with the Grand Palais cut out against the sunset under the bridge.
I love when shops and restaurants just go for it with bold colors!
These mirror balls always make me feel like I'm Cinderella surrounded by the colorful bubbles while she's singing "Sing Sweet Nightingale."
This photo was taken from Pont d'Iéna facing Pont de Bir-Hakeim. It's normally my favorite quai along the Seine for hanging out, but that wasn't really an option with the flooding!
I got very excited about frozen yogurt with fresh strawberries, coconut, and speculoos cookies for toppings! "Enjoy" is right by Luxembourg Gardens.
Of course, I can't wait to go back! Here's to hoping I can pull the same work holiday off again next spring!
For all the Paris posts from this trip:
Pack & Plan: Paris
5 French Habits We've Carried to Germany
Paris Museum Round-Up: Delacroix, Rodin, Barbie
8 Surprises from Serendipity in Paris