I step off the train at Gare De Nord, aimlessly wander around the station for a bit trying to get my bearings, then step outside into a hectic and dirty scene that wasn’t too easy on the smeller either. I finally make it to my hostel, Absolute Paris, which was quite the breath of fresh air. The young woman working the front desk was very nice and was even willing to share with me the spots I couldn’t miss during my visit. Night one in a strange, new environment was in the books and I was optimistic of tackling this challenge known as Paris.

Without knowing a lick of French before my arrival (ok, maybe bonjour and merci), I was asking around and frantically scouring the internet for common phrases that would at least open the lines of communication. I was successful when pictures and signs were present, allowing me to learn the word of the item I was trying to order (even if I butchered the pronunciation). Yet there were times I just needed to speak English. Hoping to elicit a more positive response, I thought it would be nice to ask someone I just met if they spoke English in French, parlez vous anglais? The verdict is they don’t care. The majority didn’t take to kindly to speaking English. I had heard this from various people, but I wanted to test it myself, and my hypothesis was confirmed. With my experience, you are better off just talking in English, and if they don’t understand you, apologize and move on or try and ask for someone who does.

So I’m in a fast-paced, semi-rude, dirty city and this is supposed to be one of the most romantic cities on the planet? That’s because I hadn’t stepped out into the city yet, and I would be in for a treat. My first day started with a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes (garden of plants) on the south side of the Seine River. A gorgeous open space with a wonderful aroma even in winter. At the end if this elongated park is the Natural History Museum. My next stop was at the Pantheon. This older basilica with a large central dome is quite the site placed on top of a small hill, and worth the €6. Just down the way is the Jardin du Luxembourg, placed in the Latin Quarter. Another nice open space and segway to Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Free entry into the cathedral itself obviously makes it worth while and offers you an amazing architectural masterpiece. The detailed stone work and large flying buttresses that surround the transept made me kind of gitty. As I was leaving I happened to catch a street performer working his marionette magic (check out my Videos page). I ran over to the Eiffel Tower to get some night shots, only to be more entertained by the dozen illegal Africans selling novelty items getting chased by the police… classic. I had one last stop at the Arc de Triomphe. You travel under the streets to get right up under the arc, but have to pay €6 to climb to the top.  I snapped off a few more random photos around town and proceeded to Subway to practice my French and hopefully get some food.

Day two was in the books and number three looked as if it was going to be miserable. The rain and cold made travel by foot a little less appealing so I opted to buy a metro pass (a whole day pass for the city is only €5.50, not bad). I darted over the the Eiffel Tower, only to be disappointed that the top was obstructed by cloud cover, shit. Maybe it would clear up so I decided to hit up the more quaint, older parts of Paris. Known as Montmarte, this small, narrow street part of Paris is beautifully placed in the hills, north of the city. Believed to be over commercialized, I found it rather empty and one of the best parts of Paris. Home to Moulin Rouge (which I didn’t make it to), a myriad of street painters and the amazing Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. To enter the basilica is free, but to travel to the top (which I highly recommend) is free if you hop the turnstile… or €6. Great 360 degree views of the city provided me with fantastic photo opportunities. Upon leaving, you exit onto a flight of stairs that leads to a plaza that overlooks all of Paris as well… beautiful stuff. At this point the clouds had started to dissipate and I was bolting over to catch some photos of the Eiffel tower once more. I got some shots from the Jardins du Trocadero, then decided I needed to get all up in it to get a real taste of Paris. I chose to walk up (which you can do to the second floor), primarily because it was cheaper, only €4.50 compared to €8 for the elevator, and because the top is closed during the winter (which can be accessed for €13). After my hike up, I was not disappointed and would recommend it to all age groups. Amazing views of the city and a close up look into the construction of this industrial masterpiece. I hopped on the elevator down (they never said I couldn’t) and headed to tour the Musee du Louvre. Normally €9.50, you can get in after 6pm on Wednesday on Friday for only €6 (note that it is closed on Tuesdays). One quick piece of advice for nearly all the attractions in Paris: they have free entry on the first Sunday of every month. Even if you aren’t a huge art fan, the Louvre is worth it. Just walking around this massive museum of classic art and sculptures made me start enjoying the craftsmanship and skill behind the work. I left the museum and headed to the hostel to spend my last night in Paris drinking a cheap bottle of wine and eating bread.

Paris has definitely put my first impressions to shame.  Other than the people who really don’t take too kindly to speaking English, the city is amazing.  Filled with amazing architecture, great food (crepes are the shit), and just and overall astounding atmosphere.  Can’t wait to come back some day with a little bigger budget.

Being my first non-English speaking city, it was quite humbling.  I tried my best to learn a little French and it slowly came around in a couple days.  I added a few French phrases to my vocab that will certainly be used as building blocks for the future.  Thanks again to everyone I’ve met along the way, and to all of you supporting me back in America.