I remember walking through the streets of Paris as if I was on Taylor’s Swifts music video for “Begin Again”. Sadly, I wasn’t lucky enough to find the love of my life on a Wednesday, in a café but that’s okay I guess. My entire time in Paris was surreal! I could not believe I was seeing such iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre! Upon my arrival I was determined to make my way to the Eiffel tower to see if it lived up to my expectations. At my first glance I was a little undertaken, but as soon as I got close I could not believe I was standing next to this 19th-century tower. I waited until the nighttime to get on and I quickly realized how scared I was of heights. As I stood at the top of the tower I was filled with fear and asked myself “why did you do this?” but my fear slowly diminished as I saw the city of Paris light up the starry night. Paris was the only place I have been to so far that really made me hate having to go eat. The stereotype that the French are very rude if you did not speak their language was very imbedded in my head. It was not until I actually tried to order that I found this stereotype to only be semi true. I give thanks to my friends Marine and Taima for showing me these lifesaving phrases, Je voudrai, and S'il vous plait which mean “I would like” and “please”. I would say these words every single time I ordered as I pointed to some item on the menu. I noticed the waiters did not give me such a hard time as I imagined. Although I did see them being rude to others who did not even attempt to speak French whatsoever. I also had the hardest time trying to say “thank you”. Every time I attempted to say “Merci!” I couldn’t help but roll my R’s which along with many other things, made me look like a total tourist. As for the rest of my time in Paris I paid a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, the Mona Lisa (which I was very disappointed due to the size), Tuileries Garden, Notre-Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg, Latin Quarter, Catacombs, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation, just to name a few. There was SO many things Paris had to offer and I can truly say I did not spend enough time in Paris to see all its attractions. Everything was amazing, the food, the museums, the shops, the people and the fashion. The only downside I saw in Paris would be the high prices and the high amounts of pickpocketing that I saw. So if you ever decide to come to the city of love, be alert, and be ready to drop some cash. My arrival to Brussels was a bit stressful as I did not load a map prior to my arrival and had no idea how to make it to my hostel. After sitting back and enjoying the best waffle of my life I managed to find Wi-Fi and make my way. Brussels was absolutely beautiful! As soon as I arrived to the Grand Place I was in awe. Everywhere I turned I was hit with the aesthetic color of wealth and detailed architecture. Following the Grand Place, I found myself wondering the small but enchanting city. The Royal Palace, Atomium, and Mont des Arts were some of my favorites but all in all I loved everything about Brussels. The streets were full of different food options and chocolate shops (which always gave out free samples). For me, Brussels was the perfect place to visit after a city such as Paris because everything was so much smaller, making it easier to get around. Towards the end of my trip I was filled with emotions. Every time I leave a city I cannot help but think of when or if I will back. It’s a bittersweet feeling, but at the end of the day I am happy to have experienced it with my own eyes. Paris, you are absolutely lovely and no matter if others told me you were not the best, I consider you one of my top places I have been to so far in Europe. Brussels, although small you definitely gave me the wow factor with all your gold accents and breath taking architecture. I cannot wait to get back and relive everything all over again! Au Revoir!
-Ricardo
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorRicardo Perez Archives
October 2018
Categories |