PARIS DIARY: I happily lost my heart to Paris

A city that spells love and smells like old wine, modern beauty with the antique shrine, Paris sparkles its own shine. It has a charismatic charm sweet but melancholic, the curiosity lingers in the air making it enticing and seducing. How can someone not fall in love, how can someone resist this charm, how can someone live on earth and still not visit Paris? So, here are some snippets from my Paris Diary!

The marvellous quotes by great personalities on Paris intrigued me towards this place. ‘Paris is always a great idea’ by Audrey Hepburn is one of the many quotes that stuck to my mind. So, I pinned Paris on the map, packed my bags and dropped in this heavenly place with my family. 

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My Paris Diary – A grand welcome!

We got a grand welcome with the dewy drops of rain brushing through our face, painting beauty with grace. The weather was chilling, cold and rough yet there was warmth in the buff. The sky was pink the sun clinging on for a few more blinks, 9 AM in my watch.

Our eyes opened wider to embrace the colossal Arc de Triomphe. It’s a huge monument that sketched the shape of an arch built in 1806 but completed in 1836. From there we reached the lover’s crest – the world’s wonder – the Eiffel Tower. And I fell in love all over again!!!!

The Eiffel Tower

We climbed to the top of the tower to catch a panoramic view of the city. We clicked pictures and snapped each bit of the beauty with our naked eyes. There were restaurants on the tower, Africans selling Eiffel Tower Souvenirs. They greeted us with broken Hindi and we witnessed a world heritage site that was beautifully maintained.

Champs Elysees

Next, we paraded to the Champs Elysees. There was so much to see and so little time in hand. We had no option but to rush leaving one heart-stirring location to catch a glimpse of the other. We saw the Concorde square and the fountains there.

Louver Museum

Then we paced to the Louver Museum It is the world’s largest art museum. This is the place that hosts the iconic creation of DaVinci and MonaLisa. With Leonardo Davinci’s best work featured in every corner of this museum, the very essence of this legend comes alive. 

We strolled through the hallways. And it was ornamented with the precious work of Egyptian antiquities, Near Eastern antiquities, Greek-Roman-Islamic art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and drawings.

Even one complete day won’t be enough to walk through the detailed work displayed in this museum. But we were short on time. And hence we had to make our next move.

Chateau De Chanti

which led us to Chateau De Chanti, located in the historic town of Chantilly, about 50 km, North of Paris. It was a beautiful castle featuring beautiful paintings and a huge library.

Lido de Paris

While going to the Lido de Paris in the late night, we went to witness the city dance in its gleam of lights. It was a feast to the eyes, comparable to none! We walked towards the Lido de Paris located in Western Paris on the famed Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

We were up for a two hour Lido Show, Parisian legacy enacted by artists. Men in tuxedos escoted us and we got hold of a plush long table with a direct view of the stage. The late night show was a beautiful, raw portrayal of life which we enjoyed over a glass of champagne. 

Though we were not ready for the bold and bare act, it was a little culture shock, especially watching it with the kids. But the extravaganza of the ambience made it all a dreamy affair. It swept to another era, another world, and the perfect blend of French can-can, circus, magic and cabaret is definitely worth a watch.

Lavazza Cafe

We went to Lavazza Cafe and  I ordered a cappuccino. The waiter brought me black coffee. I asked for milk and he served two tiny 5 ml packs. Next, I asked sugar and he sprinkled the powdered sugar not more than a pinch of salt.

Many Indians, by now, were looking at this spectacle. I asked him to give sugar in a bowl and poured in a full spoon of sugar. The Frenchman was staring in shock now. The taste of different cultures came to me in a cup of coffee.

Paris – A treasure forever!

So, that’s all from my Paris Diary!

What more can I say about this heartening place? The fashion was on point –chicly dressed french people—and croissants, a treat to the tongue. Youngsters buzzed around in the electronic trotinettes ( electric skateboards like scooters). Paris is a sight so dear to the heart, it definitely is life’s beautiful part.