Cameron Does Paris

As many of you know I’ve been preparing for my long 2 month trip to Europe for quite some time. It has taken quite a bit of work to get everything together! From clothes, to medicines, to my work and trying to get everything packed (in under 50 lbs) it seemed like I spent 2 weeks running non-stop to get everything together! However, the wheels on the plane finally lifted up and I was off to Paris for a week and then over to Glastonbury in the UK to write with some dear friends. Glastonbury is a fun small town. There isn’t too much to say, but I will post pictures. Obviously, it is known for it’s sacred sites and the world famous music festival. It’s a quaint small town but there are plenty of shops for the spiritually inclined as well as some good cafe’s for tea and good food. You will notice that people living alternative lifestyles in strange clothing tend to congregate here, but don’t let that bother you. People here are friendly and fun. But I know you’re not reading this to read about Glastonbury. What you really want to hear about is Paris.

Once They’ve Seen Paris….

I landed at CDG (Charles de Gaulle) and enjoyed a G7 Taxi into the city. Traffic in Paris is a mess and darting into any space on the highway is a thing! Traffic lanes tend to be rare which I found interesting. If there is space for you to put your car, you can. The driver that day was an African man, who was very understanding of my limited French, my heavy luggage and my having to call the hostel where I was staying in order to get to where I was going. I stayed at Pariscoree, a well reviewed hostel in Le Kremlin-Bicentre in Southeast Paris. It is conveniently located on the 7 Metro line which will get you to almost every sight you could want to get to, nearly directly! The space was small and I had copious amounts of luggage but they were understanding. If you don’t want to go the cheap college route, lovely hotels abound both in that are and closer to town. Le Kremlin-Bi-centre is a flexible neighborhood. There are lots of immigrants, some older people but it is a nice place to be.

The Food in Paris was amazing. If they can put an egg on it they will: including Pizza (which was actually pretty good) which I ate at Vesuvius Pizza on the Champs-Elysees. I also stopped at one of the classic french restaurants: Le Select, in the 3rd and had a most delightful shrimp risotto and andouille sausage entrees with excellent appetizers and dessert. I recommend and so does Pablo Picasso.

Overall, don’t be intimidated by Paris. I tended to stay towards the tourist areas for a few reasons: they are generally safer (except for pickpockets and annoying people asking for donations) and most of the staff at restaurants and other places speak at least some English which is helpful. The metro system is quite extensive and fairly easy to navigate. I highly encourage you to make use of it. A 5 day unlimited 5 zone visit pass is only 35 euros. Be careful with your passes: they de-magnetize easily. I found that my magnetic money clip was killing my passes.

Paris is the city of lights for a reason. It is so exciting to be a place with such history. The area has been continually inhabited by humans for thousands of years. The history springs up for the pavement and right into your shoes even as the larger city is bustling around you. The tailoring of a man’s suit will look stunning (people dress here, take notes) and familiar sights from movies will spring to life as you pass by them. By sticking to your feet you’ll have a great chance to find the smallest but most interesting shops. I found an amazing papier shop in the 3rd simply by walking to my metro stop. There were fabric stores, ethnic stores, cafe’s, and much more swirling around. Pedestrians tend to have the priority so don’t be afraid to walk in the street as the sidewalks are very small, the cars will simply honk or drive slowly.

Paris was everything I wanted it to be and more. From cobblestones and pocket shops to sweeping museums and dramatic waiters in quaint restaurants I was thrilled to be there and definitely plan to go again the future. My next trip in Paris I think I’ll stay closer to central Paris, tick off 2 museums I skipped on this trip and spend some more time seeking out great shopping for things like paper, fabrics, housewares, and so on.

I miss Paris already, I felt truly alive when I was there and it was a pleasure despite my tired feet!

A Few Travel Notes

1. Coke is served on a bottle with glass and a lemon, fountains are rare.