Paris and the Seine River

After a long and sleepless flight, Riley caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as we touched ground in Paris.

She looked over at me with tears in her eyes, her grateful smile hidden behind her mask. I knew what she was feeling. It was overwhelming joy.

Leaving Toronto was a breeze. Yes, there were very long lines but we were pampered with VIP service, arrived 4 hours early and bypassed it all. A guilty pleasure having amazing friends at the airport and we were most grateful.

The flight was smooth but not without some excitement. A man was very aggressive with the in-flight crew, refused to take his seat repeatedly until  threatened with legal action. No idea why he was so irate... but he was arrested and removed from the aircraft by the French Police upon arrival.

Then a woman 3 rows in front of me fainted and fell out of her seat and hit her head. They turned all the lights on and went into panic mode, paging for a doctor on board. There actually was one. He came over, checked her blood pressure and stayed with her. The excitement surrounding her episode and her well being continued into the remainder of the flight.

After leaving the aircraft in Paris we did have to contend with very long lines in Immigration with vaccination checks slowing the process down.  

We debated an1hr bus or 40 minute train ride from the airport into the city while trying not to get cranky about being hungry and tired and sore and dehydrated. We opted for the train and rode with mostly locals and a few other tourists. It was simple and smart BUT under construction in sections and stopped about 4 stops shy of our destination. We had to now recalculate and adjust our plan. We hopped on a bus from close to where the train stopped and it took us to the base of the Eiffel Tower, near our hotel. 

It was easy enough to navigate and people have been friendly and helpful. It did however make for a very long day.

We were so out of sorts but felt better after finding a patio and had lunch. It was 230pm and of course I ordered wine with my amazing falafel veggie bowl but realized soon after, that my body was still on Canada time. It was only 0830 am at home... my friends were heading off to work and I was already drinking 🤣🍷

We managed a quick nap but forced ourselves up and out to take advantage of the tickets I pre purchased online. We went on a 1hr river cruise on the Seine at 7pm and went to the Eiffel Tower at 8pm for a beautiful sunset. 

The cruise was a lovely way to see the city's river banks crowded with lovers both young and old, some dancing, some walking hand in hand and some chatting over wine and a baguette. 

Many friends gathering and celebrating life on a Friday night. I know it is where I would spend every sunset if I lived in Paris. The rich history and architecture along the river looked exceptional in the golden hour.

The ever present Eiffel Tower was calling us and we answered. We had some delicious ice cream to fuel us up the many, many steps to the 1st and 2nd level.

The views of the city were spectacular in every direction. We were also blessed with a peach and pink sunset that reflected off the calm River Seine. Then as the sky went back to blue, the Tower illuminated and everybody there fell in love with it all over again. 

We hit up another patio and Riley had a cocktail... to keep my wine company. I had a late night omelette and it was just what I needed. Riley inhaled a steak and cheese sandwich and we both are now feeling well adjusted. The legs might need another day after all those stairs! 

Sending love and light from Paris!

Bon nuit mes amies