As I stepped foot on Parisian soil for the first time I was overcome with both apprehension and excitement. I was a few weeks away from my 22nd birthday and it was my first time out of the United States.
Once I arrived at the place I would call home for the next two weeks I checked in, went to my room, and got ready for my first adventure in Paris. I wandered the streets and I got lost. It seemed that every street in the city bent at some point and changed names. I found my way back though, without panicking. I went to sleep for the first time in the city that would become an essential part of my dreams. I woke up early the next morning and started to tackle my Paris to-do list.
I loved the main attractions – The Eiffel Tower, The Notre Dame, The Arc de Triomphe, and The Louvre (The Winged Victory is the most beautiful piece of art I have ever seen in person). However outside of these four essential Parisian landmarks I also loved:
1.) Jardin du Luxemburg – This is my favorite place in Paris. I’ve joked that I will get married here. The first time I went to Paris was for a 2-week study abroad program in law school. The place I stayed at was right across from the gardens so every day I walked through it on my way to class.
2.) Sainte-Chapelle – This church is stunning. The stained glass windows are breathtaking.
3.) Musee Rodin – The sculptures here are beautiful, but my favorite part was sitting in the café in the lovely garden, sipping hot chocolate, and just taking it all in.
And a short list of few other favorites include: wild strawberry and chocolate sorbet ice cream cones, strolling through a flea market, Seine River Cruises, watching a show at the Moulin Rouge, sipping hot chocolate at a café on the Eiffel Tower, eating chocolates and pastries all over the city, and eating at a Chinese restaurant in the Latin Quarter (I wish I could remember the name – I often claim it had the best broccoli I ever had).
But perhaps my favorite part of being in Paris was the way I felt when I was there. I’m learning French and hope to return this fall.
I fell in love with the City of Lights and Love; it’s hard not too.
Rachael O’Bryan is a contract/document review attorney in New York City. Also, she runs her own online magazine for women called Rachael and you can check it out at http://rachaelmagazine.com - subscribe today! Also, connect with Rachael Magazine on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Rachae
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Also, check out her personal blog at http://rachaelsnewyork.blogpos
Besides writing, her other interest include watching sports (New York Mets, Louisville Cardinals), exploring New York City, traveling, and being a wonderful aunt to her amazing niece and nephew (Kendyl and Max).
