We have arrived!
Our travel day was fairly uneventful for the win! If you followed along on our last European adventure you may remember our flight was canceled day of departure, creating stress and extra expense before we finally got on our way a day late. This time we were only late leaving Portland, which made a very tight connection, but we're pretty athletic travelers, and with an airport sprint, we squeaked by-- the upside is we didn't have any dead time sitting in the airport! And if you followed along before, I'll remind you I overpacked, lugging cases on and off trains, up and down stairs, cursing my packing choices... I did pretty good this time! For the record:
It was a long day of travel, made longer by a very obviously sick seatmate on our fist leg. I travel with a mask for just this worry, so I masked up and attempted to put as much space as possible between us... which wasn't much. Steve did not pack a mask... Cross your fingers and think good thoughts we dodged the germs... The second leg was more pleasant, and dare I say roomy! And we had a gorgeous approach flying over France!
On the advice of our VRBO host and several travel blogs, we opted for a cab rather than metro from the airport. It was a great choice as our driver gave us a mini tour of the city and asked our thoughts about the new US administration... we are among friends in Paris it seems. (Il est fou!) We were met at our apartment for the week by our host, Jean Pierre, who gave us a load of helpful advice and made us feel welcome. I also met another welcoming host outside in the courtyard. Bonjour chat! Paris is friendly so far!
We are staying in a lovely old 3rd floor apartment building from the 1880s, nestled behind a gate with three other buildings. It's quirky and creaky, in the heart of the 14th Arrondissement. We've already visited a lovely boulangerie to be frequented this week, and I have eyes on a market and cheese shop as well!
After getting briefly settled, we brushed our teeth, washed our faces, visited the aforementioned boulangerie for a somewhat bumpy but ultimately successful ordering experience and set off with a warm savory pastry walking toward the Eiffel Tower. Where else would we begin this week in Paris? We took the lifts up to the viewing deck and then all the way to the top. Ah, Paris! So happy to finally meet you!
Our day and a half with a couple of hours of sleep caught up to us after walking back down and around the tower. We were beat and opted for a cab home. We popped into a grocery store and grabbed a baguette, cheese, salad, and wine for a quick dinner. This morning we're up early (shocking). It's unseasonably cold this March and because I packed light, i have no cold-weather running gear... Guess we'll bundle up and venture out for some breakfast!
Add comment
Comments
WOW! We are impressed with the size of your suitcase!!! Is that all you took? John is worried about your running gear…where are your running shoes? Well, hope the weather warms up soon or you can buy a cheap coat to leave
There when you come home. Love the blog!
Eh where is your beret bro??
Looks like you beat the crowds to the Eiffel Tower. Looks cold!!!
Enjoy that French champagne while you can. We get 200% tariffs on that stuff. 😜
Try to catch the Eiffel Tower at night. It is spectacular all lite up!
Yes!
I did squeeze my running shoes in! (An old pair I can cast off for room to bring home a bottle of tariff-free wine) I'm going to put my hat on and hit the pavement tomorrow....
Enjoy!!!
Watch out for the pickpockets. I hear they are a problem in Paris
Someone told us that…. Ever watchful!