The City of Love

I still have a sheepish grin when I think of the fact that I crossed through Belgium and entered France by bus in under 8 hours. The trip was long and tedious but certainly not enough to dampen our spirits. Paris greeted me with silence and charm. A slight contradiction to that of Amsterdam. Throughout the limited time spent in The City of Love, I found myself constantly making comparisons not between Cape Town and Paris, but between Amsterdam and Paris, funny enough that I should do so considering the short time I've spent in Amsterdam. Nevertheless, an astounding difference and one that I noticed immediately is that Paris shouts a sense of calm in it's atmosphere. I am certain there is an underlying chaos to the city, but upon first impression Paris is quieter and more subdued. (At least that was my experience). All the landmarks and buildings have an untouchable historical beauty to them, it somewhat feels as if noise in their presence would be disrespectful.

The journey begins.

With missing our first bus stop . . 

Typical Tourist.

A Blurry Brussels.

Shouting Silence

The Louvre

I am not in the position to make generalized statements about Paris considering I only had one full day in which to experience a fragment of the city. Due to limited time, the typical must-see attractions weren't visited. Yet, the experience was all together interesting and held a different experience to that of what typically should be done and seen in Paris. I had the privilege of staying in a studio apartment in the 10th district of Paris. We happened to find a indie/hipster nightclub which played the likes of M83, Metronomy & MGMT, a mere 200 meters from where we were staying. We spent Saturday afternoon walking around the Eiffel Tower, eating tomatoes and pretzels on a bench guarded from the rain, people watching. We ate cheese and crackers. We had overpriced coffee and wine in typical French cafe's. We wandered the streets, getting lost, but with nowhere in particular to go.

The lovely Sahar. Our guardian angel. 

View from the apartment. 

Night View. Eiffel Tower punching holes into the sky. 

Morning View. 

The strongly desired watermelon. 

It had to be done. 

Easily my favourite. 

Happy in Paris.

Superstitious Mich touching wood enough times for all the black crows in the vicinity. 

Tried Macaroons for the first time. 

Take note, the couple on the left coincidentally make an appearance again. Evidently like-minded travellers. 

So Fresh. 

Kalk Bay Representing in France.

An extremely typical sight. 

And there they are !

Paris Treats. 

My Lover.

One last time. 

Nat :)

When I arrived back in Amsterdam I was greeted with a sense of familiarity and it is then when I realized I'm starting to genuinely feel home. I've grown deeply attached to this city and the Dutch culture. Am now back in my container, listening to the sound of rain, celebrating my one month anniversary in Stavangerweg number 84 with a cup of coffee and an early evening before another Tuesday lecture day.