Travel Post: Eurotrip (PARIS)

I have uploaded albums on FaceBook and photo sets on Tumblr that featured our most recent family adventure. It was way back in May, and it was one unforgettable experience. The last time we went out of the country with just us 6 (Ma Pa and siblings) was back in 2005. After that, we always travelled with extended family and friends. As much as I love traveling with a big group, I miss being with just my nuclear family.

It drove my dad crazy to be stuck in one place with his 5 girls, but I'm sure he loved every minute of it. My eldest sister already has a family of her own, and Celine has been living in New York for the past 2 years, so it was on most days just me, Ciara, and my parents. I enjoyed the whole 3 weeks we were away from reality. And in my dream destination, Europe. Ever since I was a kid I've always been fascinated with history. So I was more than ecstatic when we arrived in Paris. The Louvre was just a 15-minute walk from the apartment we rented for a week. The Bourse train station was just a 5-minute walk from our place. It was like I was living in a postcard. I had to pinch myself at one point because I felt like I was in a beautiful dream and I didn't want to wake up from it.

On our first day in Paris, my mom, sisters and I walked to the Louvre (never mind the jet lag) and then went to the Eiffel Tower. My dad stayed at home, since he and Celine just flew in from NYC that morning.

Ciara and I with the pyramid of Louvre at the background

The Mona Lisa behind me

Celine enjoying Paris

Ate and the Eiffel Tower

Of course a trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, attending mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral, and going to Montmartre... And a day trip to Chateau de Versailles!

Ciara and Papa at the Notre Dame

We were lucky enough to have attended the mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Paris. But a lot happened prior to that. There was a group of young gypsies who surrounded us while on the train. If it weren't for this good French guy who caught the gypsies trying to steal from us, our trip would have probably been ruined. He kicked this gypsy girl from the train and started yelling at her in French. It was horrible, but thank you kind sir. We just laughed about it, but we were definitely more alert about our stuff after that incident.

Versailles

My beautiful parents at the Bourse train station while waiting for our ride

The Eiffel at night

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile along Champs-Elysees

Shopping in Paris was heavenly. With the GST refund, my mom, sisters and I were going crazy. We did a lot of damage in Italy though, Paris was just for our b-bags, foie gras, and Laduree. :)

Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre

As much as I loved Paris, Rome has captured my heart. It is, for now, my favorite city in the world. New York is a close second. :) Will post about our Italian adventures next time. For now I have to finish my econ paper and my readings for next week's classes.

xoxo