Since I was away for three weeks with no word, I didn’t think just whisking you off to London would be enough. So, let’s continue the adventure, together.

Early in the morning when the street lights are still a glow, we’ll catch an express train to Paris. Before 8 am we’ll watch passengers a few rows ahead, pop a bottle of champagne and we’ll begin to fill with delicious anticipation for the city of lights.

Once we settle into our Paris apartment (airBnB for the win!), we’ll head to a cafe for our first cup of café Americano. Sitting side by side, we will sip our cafés and watch as France’s most fashionable parade past.

Full of energy and expectation, we’ll hit the streets, navigating the underground maze of the Metro to visit all of the most iconic spots. We’ll sit together on the steps of Sacre Coeur, looking out at the sprawling city below. As the man beside us begins to play his violin, we’ll close our eyes and try to preserve this perfect moment in our minds.

As we wander through Montmatre we’ll try to capture the views that catch our breath but even our reliable Nikon doesn’t seem to be able to recreate the feeling of the twisting, turning cobblestone streets, the misty drizzle of rain and the smell of fresh baked croissants emanating from the patisseries on every corner.

Craving more magic, we’ll find our way to the top of Montparnasse. We’ll talk our way into the restaurant before it is even open and sit alone surrounded by the sensational sights of sweet Paris. The staff will swirl around us setting tables and straightening linens. We will sit and behold, transfixed by the city that we have imagined in our hearts forever. 

After gazing longingly at the Eiffel Tower, together we’ll decide we simply can’t miss out on a visit to the top.

After a stop at the Gentle Gourmet Cafe, we’ll have plenty of Parisian snacks to fuel us to the tip of the elegant Eiffel.  

We’ll enjoy a rich bite of vegan croissant or pan au chocolate, picnic-style on the grass as we take in the spectacular scene.

le sigh.

At the top, the wind will rush through our hair as we lean over the railing. We’ll slip through the crowds to get the true 360º view. It will be the gorgeous city and not the wind gusts that takes our breath away.

After spending too much time, shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of tourists it will be time for us to blow off some steam. We’ll do impressions of flexible statues in the courtyard at the Louvre…

and photo bomb the passersbys in front of the Notre Dame. We’ll laugh together as we sit by the Seine.  The French men will blow us kisses as we stroll past and we’ll twirl and smile and revel in the freeing gift of fun.

But we won’t forget the blessing it is to be in a city so steeped in culture. We’ll regain our composure and quietly wander through the halls of the most renowned art galleries in the world. We’ll gasp at the glorious works of the Impressionist and Surrealists. We’ll become so immersed in the art that we’ll almost forget where we are until we glance out the window to see Sacre Coeur looking down from her perch.

Having worked up quite an appetite we’ll find our way to falafel – some of the most reliable vegan fare in Europe. Lucky for us, Maoz offers a big bountiful, veggie-filled buffet to compliment those crispy balls of chickpea goodness. We’ll enjoy our meal in a quiet park, with a view of the cathedral and the sounds of the bustling streets just beyond the greenery.

As the sun begins to set and the city starts to sparkle, we’ll take to the river. We’ll wave to new friends as we pass under each bridge, delight in the romance of all the couples eating together at the edge of the river and marvel at the magnificent architecture at every turn.

We’ll have to keep reminding each other that we’re really here: in Paris.

We’ll dance on the deck of the Batobus as the stars begin to appear.

At the final stop, we’ll stroll back up to the city streets and stroll home together, both totally intoxicated by the absolute adoration we’ve discovered for this place.

In the morning, we’ll find ourselves back at the Gentle Gourmet for a frothy soy latte.

And of course, a chocolate crêpe.

Once again, sitting street-side, we’ll watch the city’s reflections shimmer in the puddles. I’ll remind you of Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote,“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life” and ask what lessons you’ll take away from our day. You’ll smile as you answer, we’ll both realize that this day and this city will always live on in our hearts.

p.s. We’re having such fun…it’s too soon to turn back. Tomorrow we’re off to Switzerland!