Paris

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I have arrived in Paris, France, safe and sound. I am going to be here for 6 months, give or take an excursion. I am looking forward to starting school and meeting some new people. I am attending INSEEC, School of Business and finishing up my European Masters in Business (EMBA). Hopefully, once I am finished this, when I return to Vancouver I can find a job that will satisfy my career and financial goals.
What can I say about Paris? It is definitely an amazingly beautiful city. When I arrived in Paris, after traveling for 18 hours, I had little time to spare. My best friend, Camille and her husband had been in the city for two days prior and were waiting for me to meet up with them to tour around. Fortunately for me, my new roommate, whom I found on the internet, has turned out to be a great match and picked me up from the airport, saving me time in manuvering the Paris subway system with my luggage. Upon arriving in my great apartment, I quickly showered, changed, found out how to get to Notre Dam, and headed out.
We met at the Great Canadian Pub (GCP) on the Seine river…yes, I am always drawn to the Canadian pubs…and set out our plans for the day. After finishing up the beers, we headed to the Arc de Triumph and walked along Champs Elysees. I have seen the Arc in pictures, but the true majesty of it can only be discovered by seeing it in person. We decided to take the trek to the top of the Arc and the view of the city is breathtaking. All around the Arc, street are heading to the great roundabout and the eye can see landmark after landmark. The tower, Notre Dam, Sacre Coeur, the business district (which looks a little out of place), the Louvre, the Seine River…the list goes one. After being on the top for a bit, we decided to head down. One thing that I have noticed about Paris, the builders really like their spiral staircases, but boy, do they make a person dizzy when descending.
We decided to grab a quick bite to eat on the go and check out the Sacre Coeur on our way to my new place. The Sacre Coeur is a Roman Catholic church in Paris. It is located at the highest point in the city and offers amazing views. When we entered the church our ears were filled with captivating music coming from the choir and organ. The beauty of the building was powerful and one has to appreciate the work that went into creating such a masterful work of art.
After travelling through the church we decided is was time for a break…I was fading just a bit, considering I am yet to sleep in a couple of days. We hoped on the metro and headed to my place. I live about one block from the Stalingrad metro station, which is very convenient. When we arrived, we discovered that my roommate was still home. He was gracious enough to give us some tea that seemed to revive our senses and give us the strength to venture on. We decided to head out for dinner before going to the Eiffel Tower. Thierry, my roommate, decided to join us for dinner and took us to a great little place. He was nice enough to drive us too, which I was very grateful for. After dinner, the sun had set and we were able to experience the beauty of the city at night. Paris is beautiful during the day, but striking at night. I was surprised to see the Eiffel Tower lit up in a blue hue, but was told that it is in honor of France holding the presidency of the EU for six months. With the stars at the front, the entire tower is to represent the EU flag. I felt it took away from the natural old-school beauty of the creation and I look forward to January, when the tower goes back to its natural state. We did not go all the way to the top of the tower, but did venture to the second of the three levels. It is neat to see something in movies and then see it in person. By the time we had seen the Eiffel Tower, I was ready for bed. Camille and Nathan had made friends with the staff of the GCP and were planning on meeting them that night. Unfortunately, my energy level was not up to the encounter, and I had a ride home with Thierry if I left then. I have decided that tonight I will go there and meet their new friends, in hopes to make them my new friends.
After I recovered from my Jet lag, I decided that I wanted to discover more of the city. I found my school, which is a nice, short walk from my house (about 15 minutes). Another day, I visited Notre Dam and climbed up to the bell tower. I have been to different gardens, but I particularly liked the Jardin du Luxembourg. I feel like I have seen a lot of the city, but there is another part of me that feels I have barely scratched the surface. There is a lot to this city.
My roommate mentioned that there are certain days the Louvre is free. I went online and the first Sunday of every month is free. Needless to say, I know what I am going to do this Sunday. I am thinking that perhaps I may make that a monthly event…we’ll see how it goes.
Would love you hear from everyone at home
Xoxoxo
Leslie

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Photos

Paris Staircase
I am dizzy just looking at it!

View from the Arc
The Business district

Arc View
Sacre Coeur on the left

Comments

[Leanne]

You Go Girl!!
What a fabulous blog! I'll keep Alana posted on your adventures. Take care and be safe. We miss you tons...