Midnight in Paris

              Last year, my family and I watched the movie Midnight in Paris, and I fell in love with the city of love since then.  Don't get me wrong-I've always been astonished by the beauty of the city, but it never clicked with me until I watched the opening credits of the movie, a 3 minute collection featuring raw classic shots of the many lovely places in Paris. Watching this simple yet beautiful montage, I sat on the couch with popcorn in my hand and a blanket covering me, thinking, one day I'll go there and it will be magnificent and amazing and lovely.  
Besides the 1920s being my all time favorite era, I just found so much love for the culture and art of Paris.  Being a fashion student, I obviously knew Paris would be the most perfect place to explore my passion.  It's the center of fashion and art, and the parisian life was all about embracing this rich culture.  After that family movie night, I went on to watch the movie about 4 more times, and I'd fascinate on the sheer possibility of traveling to this lovely city one day.  
At the same time, my mom was booking family vactions and she realized she had reward mileage for traveling so much in her past career.  About a month after my Midnight in Paris obsession started, my mom walked into my room with a glowing smile.  

"Don't freak out.  But just listen.  I have reward mileage, enough for 3 tickets flying to Paris, France."

I freaked out.  It was almost too overwhelming to the point where I sunk on my chair and sat on the ground rocking back and forth, pretty embarrassing, I know, but I was just speechless.  

PARIS.  JUST. WOW. PARIS.  I couldn't even fathom how that opportunity presented itself.  It was the most spontaneous decision ever, but about 4 more months later, my mom, my brother, and I set off to the most iconic city: PARIS.

I wanted to share this little experience with you, because it was probably one of the greatest places I've ever gotten the oppotunity to explore.  

                  Arriving there, it was cold and foggy and rainy, but that did not hide the beautiful architecture in every direction.  Just being in that environment felt so elegant and authentic.  

Our classy hotel, Home Latin- amazing service and a lovely stay. (The beds were killing the comfort game.)

 

Since we lived in the latin quarter of Paris, the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris was a 5 minute walk, and everytime we passed it I was in awe of the beautiful and intricate architecture.  We also had the opportunity to explore inside the chapel and as I stood at the center of the altar, no words could describe how peaceful and free I felt.  

Most mornings and nights were spent at St. Michel, specifically the narrow streets filled with all different cuisines and bakeries.  I have to say, my favorite thing about St. Michel was the Boulangerie Saint Michel, a local bakery with the BEST baguettes and croissants.  Nothing felt greater than holding a baguette in my hand and snacking on bread for the day.  CARBOLOAD! 

At night we'd go to cute cafes and resturants for dinner.  Favorite dish was definitely the salad with raw salmon on top.  Holy crap, it was so good.  And let me tell you, I'm not the kind of girl who only eats salads and small portions of food; I feast, and I am proud to feast.  I guess coming to Paris was a way to teach me how to eat more classier?

The streets got busy and all the buildings were fully lit.  The sun doesn't set until 10ish, so everyone dines and just hangs out until midnight.  That's the kind of life I really would love, enjoying good food and good company in a beautiful night under beautiful lights.  

We visited Musée de Louvre on a windy and foggy day, but seeing the art in the historical museum was magnificent.  One thing I love about this city is that it's so rich in culture - I think everyone needs to experience this richness in life one time or another.    

We took some trips to Montmartre, a hill up north of Paris, and St. Martin Canal, on the opposite side of Montmartre.  Personally, Montmartre was my favorite place to visit in France - the winding roads and the peaceful environment made it so comfy and homey, perfect for a day to relax and enjoy simple living.  

  

Of course, we had to hit up the famous Eiffel Tower.  Honestly, seeing it with my own eyes, it almost looked fake.  I guess it was because we see all the time on TV and in pictures but in reality, it just looks out of this world.  

The last day in Paris was coincedentally their "independence day" known as Bastille Day, so there were fireworks and huge celebrations at night.  We decided to go out and walk around the canals, watching the moon light up the sky, and then it finally hit me: It was midnight in Paris.  

This trip was the official start to my travel adventures.  There's so many more to come and I cannot wait to explore the world.  

                   GRACIE'S LIFE ADVICE: Travel, explore, and learn - learn to understand that there are no boundaries when it comes to exploring the world.  Broaden your horizons and be open to new culture and new surroundings.  Live the adventure, get out there and take risks, because you'll learn that there's a whole other side of this world that will provide you a new sense of what the art of life is truly made of.