Less than a week ago I got back from my trip to Paris, and now that I’m finally beating my jet lag (guys, it was so dang real), it seemed appropriate to share a little photo-dump with you all! This wasn’t my first trip here, but my first visit solo.

I will share that I’ve definitely developed a love/hate relationship with Paris, which seems to be the norm with everyone I’ve asked. I found that the Parisian attitude (rumored and also displayed) is very similar to that of NYC residents, in that it seems a lot of people are transplants to the city but in the same breath very irritated by “outsiders”. People largely don’t want to acknowledge non-French  (or French attempting) speakers, which I found to be a bizarre practice when a lot of revenue comes from tourists. At the risk of sounding “salty”, I suppose a location so established and popular can do what it wants, as there will always be more visitors.

That said, for whatever the Parisian attitude detracts, the city gives back tenfold by being gorgeous. Every turn presents you with something beautiful, be it a view, architecture, or just overall ambience. There were many times I just caught myself stopping to marvel at the age of Paris and its buildings. If only for the sights, I’ll definitely return.

PARIS, PART 1.

This is the view from my apartment window! The Eiffel Tower is located far back on the left there.

Another part~

Balcony friend.

People were eating outside at almost every location, despite the temperature fluctuating around 40 degrees.

The courtyard of the airbnb I stayed at.

Courtyard part two.

Oh, merci~

I’m definitely going to recreate this salad! Artichokes, burst tomatoes, asparagus + arugula in balsamic. So simple but so good.

Joyeux Noel.

I didn’t see that many strays, but when I did, they were the most precious (seriously, how cute?) Montmartre.

 Look at that view.

I walked up on something magical at the top of Sacré-Cœur. A man was playing guitar and people were taking turns volunteering to come down and sing while he played. At one point, he started playing John Lennon’s “Imagine” (which in itself is an emotional song), and the entire crowd picked up and started singing as well. Feeling the overwhelming emotion of some 500 people singing together with that amazing view of Paris was the closest I’ve ever come to a religious experience.

Sacré-Cœur.

HOLYBELLY

Ok frankly, I wish this place existed at home in Philadelphia because it’d easily be a place I’d visit constantly. I found Holybelly while searching local restaurants to try out, and the first time I walked by they had a huge line out the door. I was worried they’d be all hype, but the attention they receive is seriously so worth waking up early to be the first one at their door!

A lot of restaurants I tried to visit seemed super off-put not only by tourists, but Holybelly was super welcoming. Their restaurant’s decor was very open and bright, accented by plants and cute string lights. The staff seemed to work as a team to make the entire experience for customers a positive one. I don’t think I can talk them up enough. If you ever make it to Paris, definitely give them a visit.

 I need one of these signs for my restaurant, ha!

Have you ever been to Paris? What’d you think?
Don’t forget to check back for part 2!

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