Dont you hate that feeling? When it's hard to believe it actually happened! That's how I feel about our time in Paris. Today, a month ago, we said goodbye to friends and family in the UK and climbed aboard the Eurostar to make our way to Paris. 1 Month ago - It feels like a lifetime ago already! Crazy. Anyway, we arrived in Paris, walked out of the station and declined the kind offer for a cab @ 75 Euros... Instead, we queued at the official taxi stand and were taken to our hotel in the 9th Arrondissment for 7 Euros. Funny that. Cant believe they'd intentionally try to rob us in a First World country, that kind man must have misunderstood us. Right.

So, we loved Paris. Everything about it. Even the Rand to Euro exchange rate couldnt dampen our spirits. For months we'd spoken about walking the streets of Paris and then stopping at a side street cafe, so we put our suitcases down and did exactly that - We explored for hours & hours - We made our way up through the Sunday markets to the Sacre-Coeur where we had our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and then headed towards the Moulin Rouge - Stopping at all the shops in between and breaking for dinner before trying to find our way back to our Hotel.

The next morning we were up early and eager to get going. Across the road from our hotel we found breakfast - Creamed cheese Bagels. Now, I don't know if you've been to Europe, but let me just say, if you're not keen on carbs, it's not for you. Bagels, Croissants, Pizza, Bread, more bread and then bread with your bread. It's everywhere, it's stop you in tracks kind of good looking. (The fruit had the same affect - I have never seen fresher looking fruit). Ashton kept wanting to try macarons and I kept convincing her it would be better if we tried the waffles. With cream. And melting chocolate sauce. I just drooled on my keyboard.

Once the carb fix was complete, we found a stop on the Big Bus tour line and climbed aboard. That was a full day. On. Off. Walk. Eiffel Tower - So Cool. French Fries (in France). Walk. Champs-Elysées. Coffee. Tea. Waffle. On. Off. Walk. Princess Diana Memorial / Tunnel. Snack. On. Off. Walk. Trocadero. Dinner. No more walking - Bicycle ride instead of cab please. We bought the night ticket for the same tour so visited the Eiffel Tower for the 10pm light show and then made our way back to the Moulin Rouge so we'd see it lit up at night. Great Day exploring all the tourist attractions.

Our last day in Paris we lazed around and then walked some more. So much walking - I think it helped and of course it meant we could have Carbs for dinner. Again :)

Oh Paris, you are amazing! I must be honest and say I find it very difficult to juggle being on vacation and enjoying the moments vs reaching for my camera to take a photograph. Finding the balance is hard work, especially since Ashton is on holiday too, so I don't like wasting time when there is more to see and do & I don't want her to have to pose all day long so I can play around.

Therefore. Wishlist Item number 356 is to return to Paris to spend more time working - Photographing. I want a do-over. Call me Paris!

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