little bitty girl

We were so tired by all the walking and lack of sleep that we pretty much fell asleep as soon as we got settled in our seats on the Eurostar. If we were living in the UK and making pounds and not dollars, I would be going to Paris every weekend! The train ride was very quick and so inexpensive.

We had rented an apartment in the Latin Quarter but we were confused as to where to pick up the keys. The agency we rented it from had just inserted a standard reply (to pick up keys from them) but also gave us other instructions to pick up our keys at the apartment (due to our late arrival). Because English was not their first language, queries via emails were a little ambiguous.

So here we were, in the City of Lights, tired, dirty, travel weary and hungry (we all know, I don't deal well with hunger...hungry soon amounts to hangry...) and had no idea where to go. On our part, I am ashamed that neither of us took our high school French more seriously. I would understand parts of instructions but not enough. There is no reason not to learn more especially since officially, Canada is a bilingual country. I am so enrolling myself in classes when I return.

View image

However, between the both of us, we persevered (not without having some Amazing Race bitchy moments). We managed to navigate the subway system that led us to the agency's office. Unfortunately, our keys were not there and we had no idea where to go. Luckily, this very nice couple who lived in the building and spoke English really well, told us how to get to our apartment.

I had read that French people were not really very friendly, especially to foreigners who didn't speak French. I haven't yet found that. While I was trying to drag my suitcase up and down the stairs of the underground, I had two people on separate occasions help me with my bags. Then there was the lovely couple who helped us figure out how to get to the apartment.

My first impression of Paris? I simply love it. There is a certain romance here that is instant. Perhaps because it's spring? I don't really know. As we were driving by the Seine river, up and down windy roads, seeing all the architecture within the night light, I could not help but love the city.

We finally found our apartment and it was located in a great little happening area. The elevator was so unbelievably tiny and quaint. We laughed so hard as we piled our bags and ourselves inside. The apartment itself was exactly as advertised. It was far larger than what a typical hotel would have been so we are quite happy with it.

By the time we both took a much needed (very blissful) shower and headed out, it was actually quite late and neither of us wanted to wrangle through having to going to a restaurant. Our saving grace? Tons of little "to go" shops. I got a panini with fresh cheese, tomatoes and basil and also a nutella crepe.

Have I already mentioned that I love this city?