Paris feels like one big blur, especially the first day. When I look back at photos from that day, I can’t even remember all the details. Thank goodness for me documenting life through images.
I arrived in Paris early and I had to be patient to check into my apartment I rented on île st louis. For a while now, this little spot in the middle of Paris has been special to me and I have always wanted to stay here. It is a little tricky, the island is small and the apartments are expensive. I did manage to find a cute apartment through Airbnb for this trip. I did a quick search and it just looked like the perfect little spot for my home base.
The usual site I rent from was booked, which is always my first choice. Since this was a short trip, it was okay to try something a little different.
I had breakfast at Café St Regis, which may have been the most quiet part of the whole trip. I had my oeuf à la coque, baguette, french butter, and yogurt. I was in heaven. I waited patiently with my luggage to check in to my apartment in the early afternoon.
I had a meeting at 3 pm at Galleries Lafayette, so I quickly unpacked and freshened up before I had to run. I prefer to get around Paris by foot so I walked. My first trip to Europe was in the dead of Winter so there is something so comforting about the smells and crisp air across my face.
I was very close to the Paris Opera House after my meeting so I purchased a ticket earlier in the week to plan ahead. The last entry is at 4:30, so I was dashing through traffic to make it. I only had a few minutes but it was good to go back. I wanted to reshoot a few things since the last time I was inside was 2011. I hope to be back for a ballet performance later this year.
I only packed two pairs of boots this trip. It was a short trip. I can’t say enough about my blondos. Paris can start to rain at any moment and not only are these comfortable but they are waterproof.
You can read more about what I packed for Paris here.
I was invited for wine with friends who live on île st louis so I made the walk back to the island. I can’t say I wasn’t distracted just a bit by the fog and the rising Seine. It was great to catch up with them in their home.
Paris was so foggy and cold this first day. I thought I would never have any light. The idea of a series of black and white photographs immediately came to mind.
I pushed through drinks and found myself on the left bank for dinner. I had a destination in mind but ended up settling for something a little closer to the island. I couldn’t wait to fall into bed.
The spot I found was called Alimento, an Italian spot off of St Germain. What I loved about it was that I was the only American. This is something I am always seeking out. The reason why I travel abroad is to be immersed in the culture not to meet people that speak my own language. I may not be fluent but, observing and listening is so fascinating. It is why I stopped watching television. I ordered a pizza but the two gentleman next to me ordered the carbonara and I have never seen anything like it. I have to go back and try the pasta. Pizza and Pasta were in the range of 20 euros depending on what you ordered.