PARIS con mi Prima

I just had the most pleasant experience in France. who would have guessed that after the supposed tense relations between their government and that of the US, I would have met some of the kindest people in Europe. Paris, I am so happy to report is a lovely city. Its various districts are filled with history, bakeries, flower shops, and beautiful buildings. After arriving at our comfortable hostel on Wednesday nights, my cousin and I were abel to track down a grocery store with camabert cheese and bread for dinner. the next morning we woke up early to visit Versailles. I didn't perviously believe reports about the size of the grounds, but after walking for half the day, I began to understand its enormity. The palace of the "sun king" is exquisite, filled with the beautiful paintings and gold covered statues. The hall of mirrors was one of my favorite views of the whole trip. During our visit we were also able tot see Pont Neuf, Notre Dame, St. Chappell, the Louvre, a culinary school, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomf, the Champs Elysées and the Luxembourg Gardens. My favorite foods in Paris defiantly include a chocolate eclair, ALL the bread, a nutella and banana crepe, and PASTRIES. I ate the most delicious apple croissant with a buttery flakey outside and a tart, fresh, apple sauce filling.
The extent of my french is basically limited to "bonjure" and "merci"...if you have not yet mastered these phrases, I suggest procuring a French dictionary, or choosing to study a different language. Despite, however, my non-existent vocabulary, every PArisian i met (with the exception of the rude French guards in from of the AMERICAN embassy) was delightful.
I am also obliged to tell my readersthat I climbed 43 flights of stairs to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower. For only 3.10 euros, you too can get the euivalent of an hour on a stairmaster....BUT amidst the backdrop of Paris. After a few minutes of walking/ ( climbing a mountain) I was rewarded with a gorgeous picutes of the Seine river and the surrounding city landscapes.
While my trip to Paris was certainly unforgettable, I believe that LA TIERRA DEL MEDITERANO has the greatest hold on my heart. I cannot forsake the cliffs and rolling hills of Andalusia's olive groves for Parisian pastries and edifices. My cousin, however, is just the opposite. She cannot wait to eat her daily portion of chocolate macaroons, open her own fine dining establishment, and reside in her own carefully selected apartment with balcony amidst the quiet neighborhoods of Paris. I believe that each contrasting city in Europe, captivates its own audience. However, the sheer diversity and beauty of each municipality within this continent, leaves its travelers dazzled with amazement.

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