France
Joining the Crowds for the Tour de France
Knowing that today was going to be a busy day, I packed up my supplies (rain jacket, camera, extra batteries, snacks, book) and left my hostel for the day. I began by climbing up towards Sacré-Cœur, a simple ten minute walk from my hostel. Once I got there, it was a...
If Parisian Statues Could Talk
So I just really love parks. There's something about the sound of birds chirping and trickling water, a far off laughter - it blesses my soul. I could sit down with the sun on my face and a book in my hands for hours. So because Paris has practically a million parks,...
The Secret to Happy Travels
So I've been traveling for about 2 months now, and things haven't always gone according to plan. *literally laughing as I wrote that sentence* I mean, duh. That's basically the understatement of the century. But you know what? It's all still been really great. So you...
Expediting My Debit Card to My Hostel
Sometimes living a regular life while traveling can be super difficult. And sometimes it's impossible. I had 4 tasks to accomplish today: Call my bank to figure out why my debit card wasn't working Change hostels from the south of Paris to central Paris Drop my...
People At Museums Drive Me Nuts
Ok, I got beef. And not the Texas-smoked kind. I have beef with Tourists. And I totally understand that I fall under the category of "tourist" myself, but some people really take it to the next level. Whhhhhyyy is it necessary for tourists to go photo crazy in...
Enjoying the (Not So) Little Things
I decided to venture my way out to Versailles early one morning to enjoy the gardens. To be honest, I absolutely hate house/palace/castle tours. I find the architecture to be beautiful, but the inside feels replicated and staged. But the Versailles gardens were a...
Waking Up For the Sunrise at the Eiffel Tower
When my alarm loudly alerted me that it was 5am, I groaned at the thought of getting out of my hostel bunk bed. I also thought very seriously about rolling over and going back to sleep. But I pushed myself out of bed, threw on my shoes, and headed out the door....
Nailing This Tourist Thing
Whenever I arrive into a new city, one of the first things I do is take a Sandeman's free walking tour. It gives me a good foundation of where things are located, general history, and tips. I honestly really recommend this method if you have the time. Hugo, our Irish...
“Bonjour!” | Just Kidding, I Don’t Speak Any French.
So I know about three terms in French: Bonjour Au revoir Merci That list isn't really getting me far in Paris, unfortunately. I basically need to download some knowledge rurl quick. My best motivation has always been the threat of public humiliation. I don't want to...
Fireworks and the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day
Let's discuss dumb luck and how much I have. For instance, I know that Bastille Day is in the summer, but to be honest, I couldn't tell you the exact date. Fun fact - it's July 14th. Also fun fact - I flew into Paris ... on July 14th. I somehow managed to fly into...