September 18-20: Lemons to Lemonade - My Deportation to Paris

Friday - Travel and Recouperation

     I had to leave the country and return to get a stamp on my visa - so where should I go? I hemmed and I hawed. I looked through my Pinterest travel boards, researched cheap flights, and asked fellow travelers for opinions. But what finally persuaded me were the immortal words of one of my dearest role models, Audrey Hepburn - "Paris is always a good idea."

Well, that settled it in my mind, and off I went.

     After 12 hours of travel on only 2 hours of sleep, I was more than thankful to reach my hotel room Friday evening. It was already getting dark, so I spent Friday night in my hotel room reviving myself with a good chick flick, some tea, and a nice dinner I had packed.

My hotel was right by the train station, Gare du Nord.

Walking Around Odeon, 5th, and 6th arr.

 Saturday morning, I took the metro to Odeon and walked around the 5th and 6th arr.

Flower boxes are a common and delightful feature on these old French buildings.

People watching at Danton Cafe

Typical old french buildings are built in the style of the above.

I got a macaroon from a fancy dessert place called Larnicol.

Typical Parisian street

Old-timey car winds down the street of a Paris market

These outdoor shopping streets are my favorite places to walk.

How picturesque!

Old buildings like this add to the elegant French feeling of the district.

The River Seine

Jardin Du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Palace is the home of the French senate, and the large gardens which surround it make for a lovely walk.

I'm quite a fan of tree-lined streets. Apparently, Paris is the place to go for such a thing.

I loved seeing the many violinists which play on the streets.

Saint Sulspice Church

After wandering about, I met up with my uncle's coworker, Mathilde, who showed me around. She was an absolute sweetheart, and I was so grateful to have someone with whom to spend the day. She didn't even know me, yet she gave up her whole day to show me around, and she even bought me lunch! How blessed I am that even strangers show me so much kindness and goodness. God shows me His goodness every day through His instruments of love and provision. Our first stop was this grand church.

Notre Dame

We did not go inside Notre Dame, as the line was outrageous, but I was quite glad to have gotten a glimpse at the outside. I love how massive, looming, and impressive it is.

Lunch!

I was quite glad when we decided to break for lunch. We stopped at a lovely outdoor restaurant and enjoyed the warm Paris weather.

Lovely outdoor restaurant

I got a bacon, tomato, and goat cheese crepe (though it doesn't look much like a crepe) - yum!

After lunch, we bought dessert at Gerard Mulot and walked to the River Seine, stopping to see a few old buildings and market streets on the way. 

Cute outdoor books and magazine shop.

The famous Lock Bridge. Couples from around the world come here to write their initials on a lock and add their contribution to the bridge which promises to immortalize their love. Unfortunately, the bridge has become so heavy that it brinks on collapse, so they are taking the locks down. This is one of the last sections that exists.

Eclairs across from the Louvre - perfect.

Having an Audrey Hepburn moment inside.

The Louvre

The world's most famous art museum, home of the Mona Lisa and other famous paintings. Again, we did not go inside the museum - I'll save that for another time. There was too much to see in just one day to waste the day away in lines!

The Louvre is currently under some construction, as you can see in from the main court pictured above.

The famous glass pyramids of the Louvre.

Madeline and 1st, 2nd, 9th arr.

France is known for its shopping. We walked around the really expensive shopping districts, pictured below.

Though you can't quite tell because of the glare, these French shops take pride in their extensive window displays.

This very famous shoe shop created and popularized the ballerina shoe. 

We climbed the eight floors of the posh French department store, Printemps, to glimpse a rooftop view of the city.

Paris Opera House

Most known in popular culture for the legend of the Phantom of the Opera, this gorgeous Palais Garnier is no longer in use as an opera house, but its legend lives on.

Petite Palais and Surrounding Area

We headed across the lovely river to the trendiest new drinks place, where you can lounge and enjoy the lovely view.

Eiffel Tower

Once again on my own, I headed to the Eiffel tower.

Arc de Triomphe

Finally, I took a bus to the Arc de Triomphe and saw the Champs-Elysees. There happened to be a parade at the Arc, which was really cool to see. A lovely end to a lovely day. 

I walked over 16 miles that day, according to my pedometer. So, I was happy when I finally took the metro back to my hotel and collapsed in bed for a good night's rest.

Home Sweet Home

I suppose it would be a gross exaggeration to claim that no one has ever been happier to arrive back in Scotland, but I certainly can't imagine being more thankful when I landed. People that speak my own language! Edinburgh - my favorite city in the world! The Scottish countryside and mossy knolls! France was a delight, but I mus say - Scotland is an incredible place. I've never been one for homesickness, but France certainly threw me for a loop. I arrived back in the country, received the coveted visa stamp, and arrived back at my dorm, safe and sound. I couldn't be happier to be back.