Tuesday, July 12, 2016

A Parisian Adventure: Dreams Come True


The Vacation Blues, have finally passed.  We are once again in the swing of things of our Post Paris lives. However, I will so jump at the chance to go again, even for just a day. You hear that Paris? I am promising to come back for you right here.

Day two in Paris, was hands down the best day of our entire trip. I loved of every second of our trip, but on day two I got to see my dreams come true.

Get ready, this is a picture heavy post...



We started our morning off in super luxury with breakfast in the room. Y'all I have said it before and I will say it again: nothing equals luxury and vacation quite like room service, especially when it's breakfast. It was the perfect start to the most perfect day we have ever shared together.


On our way to Palais Challiot, we crossed the Champs-Elysées and got a wonderful close up encounter with this lovely monument. As I stopped to take pictures for two rounds of the traffic light, James had to remind me, I would be seeing it later that day and we needed to get moving. Thanks for the reminder James, because all that time photographing the Eiffel Tower and taking it in was needed.


Beautiful pink roses



There she is!!!

Can you see the excitement on my face?

 We had been playing peek-a-boo with her all day yesterday and finally I got to see the full thing. As we rounded the corner I took of in a run to get my first glimpse. I swear, kids at Disney World as the gates open have nothing on me seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. James promises that's the fastest he's EVER seen me move.









So many pictures... I had such a hard time narrowing the shots down to the ones here. This is my "select few" if you can even call it that.



I don't know if y'all watch any of Jimmy Fallon's Twitter Confession he does, but if you do...

"I always carry a fork with me in case cake happens."



A different and just as spectacular view of one of my favorite stops from the day prior.


Oh beautiful Paris...



One of the many things we will see on trip two.



Provides beautiful shots of the lovely Eiffel Tower, and very pretty in it's own right.



 I will never get enough of Sacré-Cœur. A spot in Paris to always come back to.





It finally happened!!! Champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Every part of my dream came true. The number one thing I have always wanted to do in life: See the Eiffel Tower, go to the Summit, and drink champagne while taking in the views. Thank you James for getting me up there even with my fear of heights and thank you again Mom and Dad for helping the trip happen at all. Y'all are always the light at the end of the tunnel for me.


More yummy food in Paris!!! Crepes... I haven't had one since high school French class. Our teacher was awesome. We always had Cultural Fridays where we would study foods, music, history, movies, and of course the art. She really made my love of Paris and France as a whole ignite. Here's to you Madam Morris!!!


Making our way across the Siene and back to the Chamaps-Elysées, we happened upon this memorial. I knew the Princess Diana Memorial was in Paris and I wanted to be sure I got to see it one day. It was so surprising that we just happened to cross one bridge over another and get to see it. It is a beautiful sight, filled with photos and articles over the many wonderful things she did while on this planet. 

To the People's Princess, may she rest in peace.



Our next stop of the day was to a famous little shop in Paris...

Ladurée!!!




All the beautiful displays had my mouth watering by the time we placed our order. Spoiler alert, we became so addicted to these wonderful treats we went back a second time before we left Paris. I am so happy that those sweet and delicious macaroons are available for online order because I know I will not be able to wait till our next trip to stuff my face with more.



The Arc de Triomphe

This gorgeous memorial to honor all those who fought during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. In the tombs beneath also lays the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. 

In my opinion the best views in all of Paris can be seen from here.





After our exciting morning and afternoon, we headed back to our hotel to enjoy a much needed nap before dinner.

On our way to the restaurant, we made a stop at a rather famous bridge in Paris.


Of course, like so many before us and no doubt after us, we placed a lock onto the guards. I could spend so much time here reading each and every lock. Not just couples, but beautiful locks in memory to loved ones too.





Of course a bridge full of love, would have such a beautiful sight.





We are HUGE fans of The Amazing Race. We even hope to be on the show one day. Totally love it. Any other fans out there?

On season 27, they made a leg of the race in Paris. An old favorite for the show. One of the challenges involved constructing a giant seafood platter at the famed La Coupole. After James saw it it got moved to his bucket list at the top. Me? My list is filled with places I want to see. Him? all sorts of places he wants to eat at.

When our trip was finally in the works and going to happen, I of course secured us a table reservation so I could surprise him with the best dinner of his life.





Look at that excitement!!! His face all night made every single penny worth it. Not to mention the food was outstanding. If you find yourself in Paris, you have to make an attempt to eat here.




After James making me wait all day, I finally got to dig into these for dessert. Vanilla and salted caramel are the best!!! I also really enjoyed the Marie Antoinette flavor. Aren't they so colorful? Best dessert in Paris.


Our second day in Paris was perfect. Every single detail is forever ingrained in my mind. All the waiting and the stress of the day prior was worth it for this wonderful day. The only way this day could have been better was without the sore angry feet from all the walking. That however is nothing compared to the wonderful feeling of having my dreams come true.

Though dinner was James' number one thing for Paris he wanted to do, next week's post was hands down his favorite day of our vacation. If we could, we would be moving here tomorrow. So come back next Tuesday for day three in this wonderful city. And if you missed my first post here it is:

A Parisian Adventure: Welcome to Paris

 City TrippingInspire Me Wednesday
Monday Escapes 
Wanderful Wednesday

17 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a great time! Wish I could go back to Paris and do it all over with my fiance! But we keep coming up with other trips. Maybe next year. #CityTripping

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    1. It was fabulous :) I know how that goes, I am trying to add a second trip in as well but the list is so long lol.

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  2. great photos! I loved the views from the Eiffel! they were worth the 3h wait:)) #city tripping

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  3. Mm… Laduree! :) I never made it to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, so it was fun living vicariously through you! Looking forward to day 3! :) #citytripping

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    1. Right!!! Ladurée, is magnificent. Other cookie like desserts pale in comparison. Thanks for coming by :)

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  4. Love, Love, LOVE ALL of this!!! You definitely did your research in advance to include all of the quintessential Paris things! I agree, the Arc de Triomphe has the best views because I want the Eiffel Tower IN my photos! Can't wait to read next week's!!

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    1. Oh my gosh yes lol. My husband came home from work and I was swimming in books, magazines, and about 15 open windows on my computer. Of the places we saw it really does have the best views. I was so shocked by it too because everything I read didn't even mention it!!! I know the big secret now though.

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  5. Wow that’s a lot you fitted in - what great photos of Paris. I do love Laduree as well #citytripping

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    1. Oh yes, I was on a mention to not give up seeing anything while we were there. Up early and down late. Next time, I'm going to do it at a slow pace and really explore neighborhoods.

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  6. Those views from the top of the Eiffel Tower are so stunning, and I love that you got to fulfill your dream of drinking champs at the top! You do get some great views of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe though! It's kind of like getting great views from the top of the Empire State Building, but from the Top of the Rock you get great views of the Empire State Building! I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

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    1. Top of the Rock, I must make a note of this for when we move back to the States and we plan our Manhattan trip. The views really were just breath taking. I must have sighed in happiness at it all 100 times.

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  7. Paris looks amazing from above! I haven't visited yet but your pictures certainly make me want to go!

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    1. It is a must!!! Thank you for stopping by :)

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  8. What a day full of joy! You did so much! And I love those views. I had no idea the views from the Arc de Triomphe were so good! I forget how lucky I am to live so close to Paris, the Eurostar is so convenient. I need to go again soon!

    I do however make sure to incorporate a little bit of Paris into my life by eating crepes as often as I can :)

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    1. Neither did I!!! Same here; I have taken to eating a crepe as often as possible. Even starting to learn myself lol.

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  9. I love all your photos - you've transported me straight to the heart of Paris. I'm so glad you got to go to Paris and did so much too. Will take note of the Arc de Triomphe tip for next time I go. Thanks for linking to #citytripping

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XOXO