Postcards from Paris

Sarah had never been to Paris and I hadn’t been for many years so we hopped on the Thalys from Amsterdam and spent a few days exploring the city. We did the usual touristy things of climbing the Notre Dame, walking around the Louvre, the d’Orsay, Sacré-Cœur and Père Lachaise. Hopping on and off a tour bus and eating delicious food.

Lots of things were lovely, but (and please forgive me for this)…I just don’t like Paris. I didn’t like it last time and I didn’t like it this time. It’s beautiful, it’s dreamy, it’s romantic, the buildings and art and museums are beyond lovely. But, the vibe is just not for me. I am likely a terrible judge because I am not a city person, I am so far not a city person and I’m sure that clouds my judgement greatly. I’ve also never been shown around by a local and I’ve only ever been in Winter and for me there is just something in the air that has me on edge, pretty much at all times. You are most welcome to disagree vehemently with me on this but it might just not be for me.

While we were away a storm ripped its way through the Netherlands and all trains were cancelled, resulting in a mad panic at the Paris train station and a leap of faith as we hopped on the train anyway and decided to chance it in Brussels. It worked out beautifully, we got a free hotel for the night and found the nicest little vegan restaurant that had a dog (need I say more?) and got the first train next morning.