Thanksgiving Weekend in Paris

Thursday morning, bright and early, we woke up and made our way to the airport. After a short flight, less than 2 hours, we were in Pari. <3



From the airport, we decided to take the bus to the city, and from there the metro to our hostel. The metro system in Paris is beyond extensive. There had to of been at least 20 subway lines. You could take it just about anywhere. And so, we bought a three day pass, got our bearings, and made our way to the hostel.



Our hostel was called, "Oops!" That's what it was, one big oops. lol... Though rated top 10 in the world, bu who knows who, and listed as a design hostel... for its green neon walls, and tacky wall paper... it was far from the nicest accomodations. There were 5 of us, and we were suppose to be staying in a 6 person room. Instead, they put us in a moldy smelling 4 person room and threw a mattress that barely fit between 2 bunk beds. Seeing as how bunk beds and I dont mesh well, I took the mattress in-between.



From there, we made our way to the Louvre Museum. It was spectacular. The size was overwhelming, and even after spending 6 hours there, we still did not get to see it all. The french paintings were my favorite. :)



Later that evening, Amber went to have dinner with her family, and Brittney and Libby were invited along. Danesha and I went to do some night time photography. On our way, I bought a pink bourette. Not only was it so cute, it also kept me warm in the extra cold weather. We got to see Notre Dame, and then we went back to the Louvre. After all the subway stops, I had finally figured out the infamous french girl diet. It's their subway! The stairs were killing my already injured ankle and knee. From there we went to what I've been waiting for... Moulin Rouge! Though a little disappointed, because it was not quite what I had expected, it was still pretty fantastic... especially all lit up at night.



Then, Danesha and I shared Thanksgiving dinner... at a fast food place... fish filet, french fries, and a sprite... lovely. :/



Next stop, the Triumpful Arch. It was glorious. I wasn't expecting it to be quite so big! Then, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower, and caught the light show. Who knew? It sings, and dances, and changes color! I fell in love. <3



Friday morning we woke up bright and early. We ran into Nina at our hostel, and she joined us for the morning. She's such a nice girl. Our first stop was Notre Dame. It was really unique... definitely not just another church. Then, back to the Metro. You know, there's nothing like being on the metro in Paris, listening to a seedy Spanish guy singing in hebrew Hava Negilah! Oopa! lol



Moulin Rouge was our next stop. I even had a chance to stop in the store and purchase a little somethin somethin for myself. My life might just be complete... ok... not completely... but it was pretty exciting! Through the streets of Montemarte, we made our way to Socre Coure, another breathtakingly beautiful church with a view of Paris that would make anyone weak in the knees. A top the hill, musicians filled the streets. This is the Montmarte I had imagined. A guitar player and saxaphonist played my favorite jazz classic, Summertime. I would've sat and listened to them for hours.



Next stop... Eiffel Tower from the Trocadera. It was just as glorious during the day. The sheer size of it is beyond anything I had in mind. After walking with the girls to get a baguette, I had decided to split up from the group. I decided to go for a nice sit down lunch... escargoe, duck, apple tart, and a couple glasses of the best chardonay I have ever had.



After lunch, I had decided to take a boat tour of Paris. It was sooo nice. Then, I made my way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Wow, was it high up! You could see the entire city! It was incredible. Paris lit up at night was definitely a sight to behold. On my way down to the second level, I ran into Evan, Ryan, and Christina. Nothing like running into people you know in a foreign city. lol



After hanging out a bit, I made my way down to watch the light show one more time. :)



On my way home, I grabbed a crepe. It was sooo good! I got ham, cheese, and tomatoes... yum yum yum! On the subway ride home, a street musician was singing my favorite, "Killing Me Softly." It was just what I needed to hear. I really did love the french. They're artistic, musically talented, fashionable, and polite. I don't know why everyone says the french are rude. I thought they were far more enjoyable than the Italian. ;)



Saturday morning the girls decided they wanted a shopping day, so I decided to make my way to Versailles. It was raining, cold, wet, and miserable, but it was well worth the trip. As I lept onto the train that I was hoping was the one that goes to Versaille, I was hoping I wouldn't break my poor knee and ankle, which were really struggling in Pari.



When I arrived, I got myself a baguette with tuna, eggs, and tomatoes, and then made my way to the Palace, also known as the Chateau de Versailles. It was magnificant. It's nice to be rich, and have your own private artists, and palace, and everything! From the Chateau, I made my way into the beautiful gardens. Due to the weather, I ended up taking a mini train ride through the property. Then, I went to Marie Antoinette's house, and Petit Trianon. The Kind gave Petit Trinon to Marie as a gift. It's nice to be queen... until your beheaded. Then, it sucks. lol



From there, I made my way to the Grand Trianon Palace, and finally the Grand Canal. The property was gorgeous. I can't even imaine what it'd be like living there.



On the way back to Pari a little 4 year old tried to pick-pocket me. I caught his hand almost in my pocket. When he realized I had caught him, he simply stuck out his hand and asked me for some money. No way! Didn't get it yourself, I'm not giving you any! It's incredible how young they start them off!



After a short nap, I made my way to dinner. Foie Graie, Steak, Baked Potato, Rice, Wild Mushrooms, Carrots, and Creme Brulee. Oo la la! A delicious end to a lovely weekend!



When I woke up Sunday morning, I woke up with a soar throat, and a very obvious, where did this come from cold. I was/am miserable. We missed our bus to the airport, and had to catch a cab.



When I got back to Rome, I did a little grocery shopping, and then from 1-8pm, I was in bed... to miserable to do anything. This week is going to be torture. "Death to Dec. 3rd." That's when everything seems to be due. Hopefully, I'll survive.

Signing Off,
Ciao Bella...