Paris in 24 Hours

Visited the "City of Light" or "La Ville-Lumière" for truly a speed trip! 24 hours spent in Paris for me (48 for Riah and Gabby) plus about 10 spent traveling wasn't nearly enough time but we still had a blast. The train ride was so peaceful and quiet. Talking on cell phones is not allowed so we were able to truly enjoy the breathtaking scenery in peace and quiet. Whatever gripes you may hear from me about this place, and I'm sure there will be many, it truly is beautiful. The greenery, the trees, and mountains which stretch for miles don't seem real as they are almost idyllic.


Paris was exactly as expected. Grey gloomy skies which add to the appeal, mystery and history of the city.  Staying in the picturesque and centrally located Le Marais district we rented bikes for a mere 2 Euros. There are numerous stations so you can return them all over the city. Not only convenient but by FAR the cheapest thing to buy in all of Europe I am finding. Here are photos of us in action or as I like to call it the tour de france 2012.


Gabby sporting for the tickets.

Riah looking oh-so-chic and sporty.

Me hoping to not fall off. It had been awhile since I'd ridden a bike, like maybe a decade or so. But riding a bike is like, well riding a bike! For the most part....

We biked down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées past many famous monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and The Louvre. However I couldn't take in any of this as I was petrified of becoming Parisian road kill.  The bike lane on this famous street is loaded with competent bikers whizzing past but even worse it is also the bus lane. What should have been a leisurely ride in Paris with some old friends turned into a panicked moment in time where I didn't want to turn my head towards the buses coming behind me so as not to veer directly in their path. Thankfully it finally started to downpour so after initially waiting it out, we opted to turn in our bikes for lunch and a Kir Royal (champagne + creme de cassis = delish). Plan was to then head to the Louvre for the Marc Jacobs/Louis Vuitton exhibit but we ran out of time! Exhibit runs through September 16 though, if anyone wants to meet me there? Did a little shopping then headed to Kong for dinner. (Side Note: Sex & The City fans, this is where Carrie meets Alexandre's ex-wife in the final episode). We even made a new friend (see pink hair chick)!  

Food was awesome, company was even better and the people watching in Paris is ridiculous! They really are as stylish as I'd imagined and I don't know what kind of shampoo 
the men use, but they all seem to have SO much hair!


Headed home in the morning to the boys and they had an awesome "boys' night" complete with too many pork products and special dessert. Of course Hardy had everything under control and everyone was happy to see us. :-)


As usual, great tour directing by the infamous Gabby!


Much Love!
Lilli & boys