We got into the airport, after having to fly back around in the worst wind/turbulence I have ever experienced in my life, around 9am. We were SO confused trying to get to our bags and not knowing where to meet the driver we had set up -- it was not pleasant but we figured it out!
Gregory Oleschanezki was recommeded us to by the apartment rental company we used. He was SO friendly and sweet and showed us quickly what real Paris driving is like. I promptly decided we would NOT be renting a car while in town. It took about an hour from the airport to our temporary home but let me tell you... there is nothing like that first moment when you realize that you are somewhere very different than your "every day" and you are on the verge of a true adventure!
He showed us around the apartment, showed us how to use the heater/water heater, gave us an AMAZING bottle of wine and told us to enjoy our stay! He was wonderful and so helpful and made us feel right at home. He hold us where the metros were and where the closest grocery store/wine stores were. Really helped us transition nicely! There was even a little packet of what do in the area, how the metro worked, if we wanted a cleaning lady to come in, how to log on to the wifi... so helpful.
After he left we went out onto the terrace to see the view. It was spectacular! In every direction there was something so perfect about it. We picked the perfect place.
We quickly decided a nap was in order and decided later to venture out to The Galeries de Lafayette and see what else we felt up for that day!
Our first metro ride was spectacularly easy! It was helpful that I speak a little french and was able to get us metro passes quickly and hopped right on the train.
Side note: Google Maps was a LIFE SAVER on this trip. You can put in the address or name of the location you want to go to and it will take you to your nearest metro and tell you which train to get one, where to get off and how to walk from there to your location. It was perfect!
Once we arrived I think I didn't understand what we were in for. First of all - IT WAS FREEZING! And so windy! This mall -- it was like Macy's Time Square at Christmas! There were SO many people, everyone kept running into me, I got a bruise on my leg from a mans bag with no apology by the way. We finally found our way to the top of the building and were awestruck! The view was spectacular and totally worth all the abuse to get there!
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| Opera House and Eiffel Tower view from the Galeries |
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| Le Sacre Coeur view from the Galeries |
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| Jeremy in front of the Galeries sign on the Terrace |
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| smooch in front of the Opera House. |
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| raspberry macarons were soooo goooood. |
With our 2nd wind we climbed back up to the terrace - took some more pics and then decided a real lunch was in order. Yoos was the name of the Wonton shop at the top and provided us with much needed warmth and comfort food. The soups were clean and fresh and so yummy. We had our first coffees and just spend time looking around. Despite the wind and freezing cold we were happy and amazed at where we were and all that we had left to do! Thank you to the Eades' for this awesome first taste of Paris!
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| Wonton soup @ Yoos |
After leaving the Galleries we went back home, drank our wine on the terrace and watched the sun go down. We kept it low-key for dinner and went across the street from our apartment and had Chinese food. Like no other we have ever had before in our lives. Shrimp toast, garlic chicken and saffron noodles... it was perfect. And yes we do realize that our first meals in Paris were both Asian. We got our fill of French food later - trust me.
We called it an early night and decided we would start day 2 off fresh and bright eyed...
But not before enjoying our view and the rest of our wine!
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| Bonne nuit Paris! |
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