
I knew the rudimentary French that I learned in high school and subsequent 2 years of college was not going to cut it. While I knew the basics, there was no way I would have been able to hold a decent conversation in French. So at the train station, I grabbed a subway map, asked for directions from the clerk and made my way to the train along with Madison.


Now if you plan on spending an entire day in Paris, I recommend getting the 1-day pass which costs €17. It allows you to switch from train to train, and since the fares are based on zones, you wouldn't have to worry about having to pay another fare. The views from the train from Disneyland Parcs into Paris are absolutely breathtaking.

Now Paris is everything I thought it would be and even a little bit more. I have to be honest with you, my visit to the Eiffel Tower was very uncomfortable. While I wanted to be there, I also didn't want to be there. Sounds confusing, doesn't it? Think about how people felt after the 9/11 attacks when it came to flying? That's exactly how I felt. While there was armed French military around, it still left a very unsettling feeling so I took Madison, got her picture taken and whisked her away as soon as I could. At any other given time, I would have taken the lift up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but when I asked Madison if she wanted to go and she loudly exclaimed "no", I was ecstatic.

Now the Eiffel Tower is located near the Seine River so if a ride up the tower isn't your thing, you can take a nice stroll along the river bank or even take a river cruise, which we also opted out of doing, but I do have to say any other time, I would have done it and I may still do so on another trip to France. I fully intend to visit one day again.



Not feeling too comfortable along the Seine River or the Eiffel Tower I decided to do what New Yorkers do best. Get on the train and head to where the shopping was, and where else to go shopping than the famous Champs-Elysées. Now the Champs-Elysées is to Paris as 5th Avenue is to New York City. It's a shopper's paradise, but it's not just luxury shops. There are also restaurants, theatres, and cinemas lined along a mile long avenue.


If you're not one to shop, then indeed window shopping may be for you, and there is no lack of stores for you to do so. The very first store that we saw was Cartier, and all we could do was drool at the jewelry in the window, and since we were drooling, we decided to head to Ladurée, famously known for their delicious macarons. Who even knew there were so many flavors of macarons to choose from?





Madison had a splendid time along the Champs-Elysées and so did I. While I've crossed France off my bucket list of places to visit, I do however see another trip there in my future. It's a beautiful place, and I can't wait to visit again.
Let's discuss: What are you most looking forward to visiting in France if you do visit? If you have, what did you most like about France?
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