The first few days here in Paris have been somwhat of a whirlwind, and I’m finally settled now. Two friends from Princeton came up from Bordeaux (where they’re taking an archeology course) for the weekend, so instead of spending the weekend resting/posting photos, I was thrown straight away into life in the city. On Saturday, we hit all the major sites–from the Sacre Coeur to the Arc de Triomph–which are impressive no matter how many times you’ve visited them.
the Sacre Coeur
I’ve found myself appreciating many of the quirky little things you notice walking around the city (like a giant IranAir store on the Champs Elysees, which I don’t imagine is doing great business these days), and I’m looking forward to spending more than just a few touristy days here. There are all sorts of holidays and fun-sounding festivals going on while I’ll be here that are being advertised around town, including apparently yesterday a big gay pride festival…which I didn’t know about until I got back that evening, but now explains perhaps why we saw some 6’4″ drag queens in fabulous pink cinderella dresses and ridiculous wigs in front of Notre Dame.
Notre Dame meets drag, apparently
We also had a wonderful lunchtime picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, and as there is no shortage and beautiful green spaces (with free WiFi!) around the city, I’m sure it will become a tradition. I love how outdoors friendly Paris is compared to other large cities. No matter where you’re walking there’s always somewhere nearby to stop and enjoy your baguette.
Today, we did some final meandering before my friends left, and discovered a little carnival next to the Louvre: cotton candy, haunted house, boardwalk games, the whole nine yards. Took the spinning swing ride, and enjoyed the slightly surreal feeling of whizzing over Paris in a tiny chair…Louvre, park, tower, park, street, Louvre…
view from the swingset