So we finally made our way to Paris. The plane ride was quick and easy. The ultimate challenge was to find our hotel which is located on Montmartre area. Before we book our hotel we made sure it has a close metro stop. It also says that it is a hop and a skip to Sacre Coeur. Sounds really good.
The night before we left from Barcelona, we tried to figure out how to get to our hotel without getting an expensive taxi. It looked like the best way was to take the train to Gare Du Nord and walk our way to our hotel. What we didn't expect was Montmartre is very hilly so walking your way with a luggage on an uphill is hell. Another part that the streets are confusing, there are too many intersections with small streets. We did got lost. Good thing we got a map from the tourist booth at the airport and little by little we found our way to our hotel.
It wasn't a good first impression on Montmartre. It was seedy with a lot of sex shops. We are actually a walking distance away from Moulin Rouge. Good thing about the area was the place is not touristy and the restaurants prices are more reasonable.
This was the view from our hotel room. Nothing much to look at but it gave you a sense on what its like if you have your own Paris apartment. We hated our location at first, there were men hanging out by the motorcycle parking area, a homeless guy (or maybe is just camping) that sleeps on the green tent below and the place smell like pee. As the days went on, we settled down and felt like college days all over again (only the locals speak French). Hah!
About 2 small blocks away from our hotel, we settled on eating on a random restaurant, it was a small place and the waiter was very nice.
This is the first time we have escargot (snails), it was cooked with lots of butter and pesto. I actually like it. It reminds me of clams, only you have to dig your way into it. I would have this again.
Of course, the fabled French Onion soup. I try to avoid this like plague since I don't like anything that has a strong onion taste. This one is actually very good, it has a sweetness taste to it. Bread and cheese on top made it tasty.
We also found a local bakery (boulangerie) nearby. Prices seem very reasonable. I got a slice of that Flan Abricots, it was good and reminds me of the custard pie we had at home.
Our first order of business was to visit the Louvre Museum. I have been here once or twice but I can't recall any of them. It felt like its the first time I am seeing this place again.
Also, I wasn't feeling too well when we got here. I bought champagne and cheese the night before and it gave me such a bad heartburn that kept me up all night. I remember being so tired while getting here. I haven't ate anything since my stomach is still bothering me. But I still have to charge on since I am not sure when I will have the opportunity to visit here again.
The crowd at the Mona Lisa. It was amazing that everyone seem to be taking the same photos that you could get on any art history book. The portrait is in an enclosed glass and there is no way to get closer than those barrier. There were security guards on both sides. You are better off looking at other masterpieces, at least those you can see close enough to see the brush strokes. But I digress, you have to see the Mona Lisa in person (at least once) if this is your first time visiting the Louvre.
We cut our day short from the Louvre visit. I wasn't really feeling too good. It is bad enough that I might pass out. My friend gave me her antacids and I was able to catch some sleep while they went out to shop. I felt better by night time and was able to walk around the area. We pass by the Moulin Rouge but did not watch the show. It is too expensive.
Now that I am feeling much better, we have another bout of sightseeing and shopping to do tomorrow.
The night before we left from Barcelona, we tried to figure out how to get to our hotel without getting an expensive taxi. It looked like the best way was to take the train to Gare Du Nord and walk our way to our hotel. What we didn't expect was Montmartre is very hilly so walking your way with a luggage on an uphill is hell. Another part that the streets are confusing, there are too many intersections with small streets. We did got lost. Good thing we got a map from the tourist booth at the airport and little by little we found our way to our hotel.
It wasn't a good first impression on Montmartre. It was seedy with a lot of sex shops. We are actually a walking distance away from Moulin Rouge. Good thing about the area was the place is not touristy and the restaurants prices are more reasonable.
This was the view from our hotel room. Nothing much to look at but it gave you a sense on what its like if you have your own Paris apartment. We hated our location at first, there were men hanging out by the motorcycle parking area, a homeless guy (or maybe is just camping) that sleeps on the green tent below and the place smell like pee. As the days went on, we settled down and felt like college days all over again (only the locals speak French). Hah!
About 2 small blocks away from our hotel, we settled on eating on a random restaurant, it was a small place and the waiter was very nice.
Also, I wasn't feeling too well when we got here. I bought champagne and cheese the night before and it gave me such a bad heartburn that kept me up all night. I remember being so tired while getting here. I haven't ate anything since my stomach is still bothering me. But I still have to charge on since I am not sure when I will have the opportunity to visit here again.
Now that I am feeling much better, we have another bout of sightseeing and shopping to do tomorrow.
Comments