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Good morning friends! I’ve been thinking a lot about traveling lately, it is hard to believe that I took my last trip one year ago! Over the last year we have had to cancel many trips and adventures just like many of you but that hasn’t stopped me thinking about travel when it is safe.
If you know me in “real life” or if you have been following for any length of time than you know that Paris is one of my favorite places to visit. I went to Paris for the first time when I was 16 and fell in love with the museums, the architecture, the people, the city and of course the hot chocolate. Thirty-eight years later my love for Paris is just as strong. Luckily I have been able to return to the city of lights more times than I can count to go to school, visit friends and family and for holidays. I say this not to brag but to show that once you that once Paris captures your heart you want to return again and again to experience her magic.
Each time I return to Pairs I am amazed that the the ordinary seems extraordinary. A chocolate chaud at my favorite cafe, a walk in the park, standing in front of my favorite painting at the Louvre, meandering the streets with no destination in mind except to take it all in and absorb the sights( a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower), sounds( an impromptu concert on a street corner), and scents(a waft of perfume, or the smell of fresh baked bread in the early morning).
I’ve been on trips to Paris where I have been to as many museums, churches, parks and monuments that I can squeeze in 2 weeks and taken 4000 photos. Other trips I’ve not visited anything but simpley meandered the streets going in an out of churches, chocolate shops and whatever else caught my eye and on those trips never took one photo. One trip was not better than the other they were just different.
I am longing to stay at my favorite hotel, the same one I have stayed in for over 25 years when I have not stayed with friends. I want to wake up and walk to the patisserie for an eclair to eat before I have the first of many cups of hot chocolate for the day. I can’t wait to eat a jambon fromage sandwich for lunch sitting in a green metal chair in front of the Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens. Or to walk along the Seine and visit the Bouquinistes.
Have you been to Paris? What do you like to do? Where do you like to stay? Do you rent an apartment or a have a favorite hotel? Do you like to walk or take the Metro? Do you prefer the Right Bank of the Left? Tell me your favorite museum? Mine is the Musee Jacquemart Andree it is a wonderful museum so if you have not been put it on your list! 
I have been to Paris in every season but my absolute favorite time to visit is in the Winter, the first weeks of December to be precise. I love the weather, often times it has snowed, I like the Christmas decorations, the Christmas markets, food and atmosphere!
Where are you longing to travel too, aside from to see family and friends because that it at the top of my list as well? Have you made any plans yet? I am not making any plans yet but first and foremost I want to see my family. As for going abroad, Paris and Scotland are at the top of my list. For now I will savor my memories of adventures with family and friends and look forward to the future.
Have a wonderful day friends!
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Hello! I just discovered your blog – what a treasure – and was wondering if you’d mind sharing what your favorite hotel is as mentioned in your post? Thanks!
I got to house-sit a friend’s place in the 12ème this summer and managed to get into the Louvre during the small window when it was open. What a treat, to be there with no lines and almost nobody inside. I also got tear-gassed (trying to get into the Métro at Bastille and encountering a demonstration; didn’t quite go fast enough to beat the cloud of gas). Out here in France profonde, we don’t get much of that kind of action.
A suggestion: Le Square Trousseau for a meal. The famous Aligre market is just down the street, but I would suggest hitting that in the morning, and saving Le Square Trousseau for an evening meal. Reserve.
Also not far is la Coulée Verte, a former train line, kind of like the High Line in NY, with traffic-free strolling amid lovely plantings and a bird’s-eye view of buildings along the way. Not to mention people-watching.
I knew that you would have some wonderful suggestions! I have written these in my journal so that on my next trip I can visit them. Thank you my friend.
Never been to Paris. I don’t have the wanderlust in me. I’m a stay at homebody.
Brenda
I would love to see Paris, even if only once.
I STAYED IN THE 14th my last visit with my TWO SONS!WHAT A TRIP THAT WAS we were in COREY AMARO’s apartment above a BUTCHER SHOP!We met CARLA COULSON for photos in and near by the LOUVRE!WE toured the underground SKULLS forget the name and that was FASCINATING!NOT SCARY AT All………it was a 15 minute walk maybe less to that PARK LUXENBURG?SO, really not far at all…………..
I loved being there with MY SONS………….it is a MEMORY THAT I SHALL CHERISH FOREVER!
XX
Elizabeth I remember that well. I love the photos of you in that magnificent dress with your sons and a chicken if I am not mistaken! As for Corey Amaro, I have not had the pleasure of staying in her place but she is an incredibly talented lady and I do remember watching her blog as she decorated and fixed up this place.