Crashing in Paris

I've been going non stop the last couple of weeks, and today my body refused to go any farther. Naps seem like such a waste of precious time. But, I finally took one today because I noticed that I was too tired to enjoy things like I wanted. Today was a free day, and tomorrow we will be going all day. So, it really was the perfect time, even though it pained me a little to spend part of my free day that way.

But no worries, I didn't sleep the entire day away, just an hour or so. First, this morning I had a scrumptious breakfast of croissants with ham and cheese, hot chocolate, and crepes with this yummy fruit sauce. You have to love a free breakfast! Then, Jen, Myra and I checked out some of the Paris sights and took some street shots. We went to the Arc de Triomphe first.













Next, we did some wandering. We saw two wedding parties taking pictures on a bridge that looked out over the Eiffel Tower. It was such a perfect place for wedding photos! But I'm sorry family and friends. Paris is cool, but I don't think this is the place where I want my destination wedding. Everyone will have to think of another excuse to come here. Olympics anyone?




After my amazing nap we all went in search of a pizza place. This is a mission that we've failed horribly at for the past couple of days. For some reason we are all craving pizza, and while Paris has tons of pizza places, none of them seem to be open when we go past. It's tragic really.

But we found a good restaurant, so it all worked out. Food in Paris is more expensive than London, which is hurting our pocket books a little bit. For example, soda is about 3 euros, so every drop of it has to be savored. While in Paris, scrumptious desserts are also a necessity. We got gelato tonight, and it was amazing. The decision of whether to get a gelato or a crepe, however, is a little like Sophie's choice (just a slight exaggeration - trust me).

Leaving London

Yesterday was our last day in London, and leaving was very bittersweet.

Who knew that I would fall in love with England as much as I did. There is history all around you. The architecture is beautiful and so ornate. The people are extremely friendly. The scenery is gorgeous, and the vibe is just amazing. I would absolutely love to live here. The only small obstacle would be that I would need my entire family to move here too because I kind of adore them. It might be a problem. Lives or something would be the excuse.

I really did love everything about London. We visited so much that I've always wanted to see and had so much fun doing it. Add onto it that my roommates, Merle, Michele and Alexis were fabulous and that everyone else that I'm traveling with is great too, and you have a very happy Megan.

Even though we only had part of a day in London before we had to catch the Eurostar for Paris, we didn't let that slow us down. Before leaving, we went to Platform 9 3/4, and to The British Library.


It may be just an area for tourists, but you know that this was a real treat for this Harry Potter fan.


The British Library was another amazing treat. I'm not a big fan of the modern architecture, but the treasures that it holds inside are priceless. Their literature collection thrilled me beyond belief. I couldn't believe my eyes as I looked at the original manuscripts of authors, such as Oscar Wilde and Jane Austin, along with the writing desk of Austin. Their Shakespeare collection was also beyond my wildest dreams. I was in awe as I looked at an edition of Shakespeare's first folio. I know they have many other amazing collections, and while I made sure to look at all of them, I couldn't help but go back to the literature section over and over, so I could have another glimpse at its amazing objects. When I go back to London someday, I'll be sure to visit this collection again, and I really want to take a closer look at the religion collection next time too.



After a trip back to the flat to get our luggage, it was time to go to the Eurostar. Going on the Tube to get there is the stuff that my nightmares are made of because the thought of not being able to mind the gap with my luggage makes me shiver. So Merle, Michele, and I took a taxi, and it was worth every pound to give me that ease of mind. I'd already experienced the miracle of getting my huge and heavy suitcase down the crazy London flat stairs, and I didn't want to push my luck.




Once we got to the station for the Eurostar, it was time for lunch. To get ourselves in the mood for Paris, Merle and I decided to get some delicious crepes. Lucky for us, the crepes allowed us to say hello to Paris and goodbye to London all at the same time. We both got The Londoner Crepe, which is a breakfast crepe, and we split a crepe with strawberries and creme. If London makes crepes this amazing, I can't wait to experience them in Paris!

Thankfully, we somehow all got to the station, got our luggage through and made it on the Eurostar together.














I was excited for the Eurostar because of going under the Chunnel. It turns out that the ride is really not any different when this happens, but it was still a great ride. It was so comfortable.













When we got to Paris, we splurged again for a taxi to get to the hotel. This is when the language barrier really hit me. I feel so impolite because I can't even make basic polite language with people, such as the taxi driver. This is going to be a little tricky.

Our hotel is really neat. It has a beautiful garden outside the breakfast area (breakfast is free, woo-hoo), and it's right by a grocery store.


The rooms are super tiny, but I kind of love it. Plus, Merle and I got used to a smaller space in London. But, it is different. The London flat felt more like our home because we had all of the rooms. It was easy to forget that we didn't live in London. The hotel feels like a hotel, so the trip is just changing its vibe a little bit. Now, I really feel like a tourist who is ready to explore.
So now, it's so long London and hello Paris. I'm sure I will fall in love with Paris too, but I really don't know how it can compete with London for me. We were just a perfect fit. None the less, I am so excited to explore France a little bit and feel really lucky to the chance to do it. If the view from the Eiffel Tower is any indication, Paris is going to be great.
















Although, I'll be a little more cautious here. Coming back last night I already got knocked into by a purse thief being chased by the police. I do not want that to be me!

Today will be the first rested day in Paris, and I'm really excited. Kat said that the people in Paris are really full of life, and I could already tell last night how right she is.