Wheels down in Paris was bright and early, which meant as soon as I arrived at the hotel there would be no napping. The Rossy bus was fantastic; it's a bus that you take from the Airport for 10 Euros and drops you off in front of the Opera House in downtown Paris. Our hotel was literally across the street from the Opera House, so instead of taking a cab and paying close to 70 Euros it was a no brainer to hop on the bus.
The Charles De Gaulle airport is about 45 minutes on the outskirts of Paris. When we first started driving towards the center of Paris I was a little disappointed at what I saw because it resembled just an ordinary city; traffic, billboards, modern apartments and business buildings. Mind you, the metropolitan of Paris is huge, somewhere close to 12 million people, but soon enough we started to reach the administrative limits which is hardly unchanged. This is where you begin to see the true Paris. The Paris you see in movies and hear about. It's amazingly beautiful.
When I arrived at the hotel I couldn't believe I was in the heart of Paris, steps away from the Opera house, and within walking distance of the several icons of Paris; the Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and The Louvre. Aside from these icons there is also plenty more to see! I tried to take a little nap, but there was no way I was going to get some shut eye at 10 am. I had to refresh and put on my walking shoes and start exploring. But first things first, when in Paris, you must start your day off with a pan ou chocolate and an espresso at a local cafe. That's exactly what I did.
I love to explore a city on foot. This way I don't miss anything and I feel more connected to the city and its people. I believe I must have walked close to 40 miles while in Paris, but I always made sure to stop, sit and refuel at a local cafe or restaurant by eating a crepe or macaroon and sip a small cup of coffee. Walking along the streets or on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées also confirmed to me that Paris is the fashion capitol of the world. Not only are the stores and boutiques to die for, but you'll never see a local walking around in sweat pants, t-shirt, and flip flops, or with jeans sagging to their mid thigh and exposing their underwear. No siree...the Parisian people enjoy looking good and they love their accessories, whether it be a hand bag, a scarf or jewelry, they know how to make a plain attire look fabulous. The French have style and that was refreshing to see.
The attractions of Paris are endless. Every where you turn there is a building, a church, park, or statue so magnificent and beautiful to admire. Within the 5 days I stayed there, I saw so much and read quite a lot on the history of buildings, statues, museums, palaces, etc... My all time favorite places during this visit was the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which is located at the highest part of Paris. The views of Paris from the summit is spectacular. I sat and admired the church and the view for a couple hours. Plus, the basilica is located in a very cute neighborhood filled with cafes, quaint stores, and hole in the wall restaurants. Jardin du Luxembourg is also at the top of my list. It's the second largest park in Paris. Here you'll find a little of everything; cafes, the gorgeous Luxembourg Palace, and lush gardens where you can find a quite area to picnic away from the crowds.
And of course I can't forget my all time favorite, Mr. Eiffel. The pig iron tower is the highest building in the city, so you can't miss it. And despite all it's controversy when it was first built, the tower has become the most prominent symbol of Paris and France. To see this art piece up close is extraordinary, especially at night when it's all lit up and the lights flicker every hour on the hour. What made it even more memorable for me was seeing it with the love of my life.
Paris was everything and more I had hoped for. The architecture and history, the scrumptious food, wine, crepes and the friendly people made an everlasting impression on me. My night walks with my husband along the Siene River overlooking the Eiffel Tower were definitely priceless and memories I'll cherish for a lifetime. I sure hope Paris and I meet again.
After months of anticipation we now finally know where our next assignment will be. Much to my surprise we didn't get an African country. Instead in September 2012, Billy and I, (and Dante) will be heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The capitol, Riyadh is where we'll be living. My mind can't quite contain what is coming our way. I don't think I'll believe it until the wheels of the airplane hit the Saudi airport runway. 
