Coucou! I’m baaaack!
Can I tell you something? It is a lot easier to write blog posts when you are in the middle of the French countryside and you can’t leave the house because you can’t drive in France anyway. When I was in La Campagne, the days were long and calm and often filled with nothing in particular except for sunshine and baking cupcakes just because. (Seriously.) In the city, I feel like I don’t have time to catch my breath sometimes. There is always somewhere to go, something to do, someone to see, and in a city like Paris, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out if you stay home.
Did I tell you I’m in Paris?
Well, I am. And today, I’m staying home because it’s the first time I’ve been able to call somewhere home since I left La Campagne (…two weeks ago. I’m so dramatic.) I don’t actually live in Paris, but I unpacked my suitcase and saved the wifi password in all my devices, so I think it counts.
I kind of have a love/hate relationship with Paris. I lived here for about a year before I moved to Lyon, and even though I love to visit whenever the opportunity presents itself, I don’t think I could ever live here again. This is how I feel about it:
Love: It’s so beautiful!
Hate: But it’s so expensive.
Love: It’s so international with many opportunities to meet new people.
Hate: But it’s so expensive.
Love: It is rich in culture and has world-class museums.
Hate: But it’s so expensive.
Love: It has Mexican food!
Hate: But it’s 11€ for a thimble-sized margarita.
You get the idea. There are many reasons I’m happy to live in Lyon instead of Paris, but the sheer cost of Paris is oppressive, especially for a thrifty girl like me. I hate overpaying more than I hate people who spit on the sidewalk and cut in line at the post office (because I’m pretty sure it’s the same people) and in Paris, it’s not difficult to overpay.
But… it’s Paris. Just look at it.
I’m so excited to be ending the summer here and I’ll tell you all about it. What do you want to know?
Have you been to Paris? Did you love it or hate it?
Love the pics! I feel the same way about it being expensive. And too many tourists! But what can ya do. Where’d you take that second picture from?
Thanks! I totally agree about the tourists! I mean, I love to play tourist, but the crowds are overwhelming. The second picture was taken from the towers of Notre Dame! We had to climb a LOT of stairs, but the view was amazing.
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Was only there for two weeks – one week bookended on beginning and end if our bike tour, so not long enough to “hate” the expense, but I can completely understand how that would happen when living there – not unlike New York would be or probably London.
But keep telling me what you loved about it 🙂 I loved the bridges and the Passages and the antique book and postcard vendors – speaking of which your photos are stunning and worthy of postcard or bookmark status, certainement !!!
Thank you!! Paris is such a photogenic city – I whip out my iPhone wherever I go. Two weeks in Paris is a great length for a visit. I’m so glad you had a good time here!
I couldnt agree more with you!! I also lived in Paris and I dont think I can never live there again, not if I could choose… but I always love to come back to visit!! And yes, the main reason is because its too expensive 😦 especially apartments, ohhh I hate that! hahahaha great pictures! Enjoy your time in Paris 🙂
Thank you! Yes, apartments are soooo expensive in Paris!! You’re right, it’s a great city to visit 🙂
You’re welcome! Yes they are, Paris is already itself an expensive city, but the rent is absurd hahaha