After a little wait at the station in Cherbourg, I climbed on a train and did the four hour train trip to Paris.Upon my arrival, I immediately felt overwhelmed and utterly unprepared. The station was massive and there were at least five different types of trains to take. I felt like I was at Heathrow, but that everything was in a different language. Had it not been for a lovely French couple that I had met on the train from Cherbourg, I am not sure how I would have found my way to my hotel. They were kind enough to help me buy my ticket and took me to the right underground (RER). They explained how the underground worked, gave me one of their maps and even waited with me until I boarded the right one. I do not remember their names nor did I take down their contact details (which I truly wish I had done) but it once again proved to me just how incredible people can be.
When I told people that I would be going to Paris (on my own), the common response was; “Geez, you are brave going to Paris on your own”.I quickly released that there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. I think I may have leaned more toward the latter. In all honesty, I struggled in Paris. I found the language a huge barrier (especially since I did not know a word of French, other than your obvious hellos and goodbyes) and the Parisians not super accommodating. I have to, however admit that this may not be every body’s experience of Paris, unfortunately, however it was mine. I quickly learnt that talking in Afrikaans, or mentioning I was South African from the start got me a better response than speaking in English. My first night in Paris was by far the worst of my trip. After almost two days with no sleep, overwhelming experiences and 2 hours trying to find someone who would/could sell me a sim card for my cellphone, I pretty much broke down. After Skype sessions with my family and a close friend, I followed their advice, calmed down, had a long bath and got an early night. I woke up prepared to take on Paris and enjoy it as much as possible. I proved to myself once again just how much a positive attitude could help in improving your experience of something.
It got better by the hour, and slowly I really started to enjoy it. The Eiffel Tower was incredible (although in my opinion slightly overrated), Notre Dame was beautiful, both inside and outside and the Arc De Triomphe at the end of the Champs-Elysees breathtaking. I have honestly never walked down a longer street, lined with Versace, Dolce and Gabbana and the most interesting and talented street performers. Notre Dame is truly beautiful... and free and is definitely worth a visit. I never managed to do a tour of the infamous bell tower made famous by Hugo’s “Hunch Back of Notre Dame”, but it is apparently something worth seeing. Some of my favourite places were, however the more real places, such as the side streets of the Latin Quarter or steep stepped hills of Montmartre. I even ended up walking through a random local market in the middle of a buzzing area, while trying to find my way to Montmartre. It was a little intimidating as I was the only foreigner around and did not have a clue what was happening around me, but was definitely an experience I will never forget. I found the Louvre a little boring (and this is coming from an art lover), but it was still very exciting to see the infamous Mona Lisa and other incredible art.
In general walking around Paris felt like I was walking in a museum, with beautiful old buildings, architecture and paintings, combined with the most modern transport systems and efficiencies expected of a first world country (city). The food can be a bit tricky. I am not adventurous when it comes to food, particularly if I do not know what is in something, so trying new foods is definitely my weakness. Although in fairness, I have improved a hang of a lot since starting my travels. Paris is famous for its patisseries and crepes, among other things... and these I was prepared to try. Enjoying a ham and cheese crepe atop Montmartre (along with the most incredible view) was the perfect reward for climbing like a billion steps (slight exaggeration). In addition, devouring croissants and other pastries (purchased from local patisseries) on the lawns beneath the Eiffel Tower or in the Luxembourg Gardens gave me a true Parisian experience. I also really enjoyed visiting the Pantheon and walking down small side streets (let alone the infamous St Michel and St Germain Boulevards), while trying to find my way to the Bastille.
I recommend Paris for lovebirds and lovers of art and architecture alike. I suggest going with someone, even it is just a friend, as it truly is the city of love and thus one can quickly become lonely when alone. When feeling overwhelmed, push on... get an early night and take on the new day with a positive attitude and an excited spirit.
Whilst Paris may not have been my favourite place, I have to admit that I do believe that being on my own and visiting Paris as my first non-English speaking country had a huge role in my less than positive experience. I have heard great things about the city of love from friends who have visited it with family, friends or partners and I would love to go back again with a friend or family, as I believe my experience would be completely different as I would be better prepared and not so lonely.
The Louvre
Clock inside the Pantheon
Montmarte
Crepes
The Eiffel Tower
The Arc de Triomphe
Street performers on the Champs-Elysees
Notre Dame
Notre Dame
Notre Dame
