Greetings From Paris!

Yes, I’m writing to you from the city of lights. Or at least, I think that’s how they refer to it, isn’t it?  First huge warning – if you travel to a European country in the summer months, be prepared for lines. It seems the entire world has read Rick Steve’s travel guides, much to my chagrin. And I’ve passed people spouting off his knowledge as they tour. That being said, you can still enjoy the heck out of your journey, just don’t feel tied to seeing everything he tells you is worth while. In fact, venture off the beaten trail! Try new resaturants! Some might be pricey, some might be terrible, but it’s all part of the experience!  

 First stop when I arrived here on Saturday morning, after leaving my bags at the hotel and shoving food in my mouth was the above. The Tour Eiffel. It’s really an amazing site. It basically says, you are in Paris. Pinch yourself, then gaze upon my steel beauty. It’s always so interesting that this hunk of metal has become so synomous with the city since when it was first built, all Parisians hated it. 

No matter. On to other fun pursuits!   

 Shopping of course! The first department store, I believe, was Galeries Lafayette. It’s actually one store, but it has two buildings. It’s like being in Saks or Bloomingdales to me. Gorgeous stuff, but a little on the pricey end. You should also go to the top of the building to get a beautiful view of the city. It also gives a great view of the Tour Eiffel as well. That way, if you can’t get a ticket to ride to the top of the Tour Eiffel, you can still get a great view AND have the monument in the picture. Here’s one I took from the roof.   

Here are a few more from inside the store. It’s worth it, even if you’re not into shopping, for the architecture. For real!  Enjoy lovelies! And I’ll post more when I find another free wifi station!

ATP