Paul Georges . Alterego Construction

Where to start… how about this: j’adore Paris!

Yesterday’s stay at le d’Artagnan was great except for this one Japanese guy that snored relentlessly throughout the night. Friendly and helpful staff, great room and warm showers. Not to mention the great free breakfast this morning! This morning I visited Montmarte and Sacré Coeur: photographer’s paradise! There are so many beautiful opportunities to capture, from kids chasing frightened pigeons to street performers to the beautiful architecture… and then some. Sacré Coeur, which lies at the top of Montmartre, is heavenly (literately and figuratively speaking). I assisted a mass guided by a priest preaching the good faith, accompanied by a choir of celestial resounding voices. Great experience. Montmartre, big highlight of the day.

Afterwards I travelled to the Louvre area on la Seine. The Louvre is larger than life… seriously, no wide angle camera lens could possibly capture it all in it’s immenseness. I didn’t go inside but I plan to sometime this week. I feel kind of guilty knowing that I will only be able to spend a few hours when I’ve heard that many people spend several weeks examining all the beauty that the museum has to offer. Parc des Tuileries which is located between l’Arc de Triomph and the Louvre was a beautiful place to walk. Everywhere I looked, I saw couples doing what they do best. On benches, lovers embracing. Laying in the flawless green grass, lovers kissing. Sitting near the beautiful ponds and fountains, more lovers. C’est l’amour quoi! Paris, c’est l’amour.

At one particular pond, children crowded around the borders pushing sailboats back into the dangerous waters surrounding the perilous fountain. Once again, beautiful place to take pictures. I headed towards l’Arc de Triomph, through les Champs Elysées. The stroll was wonderful, everyone seemed so happy and overwhelmed by what Paris had to offer, even those that seemed acquainted with the city.

Tonight I’m staying at Loïc’s place in the suburbs of Paris. I got here without any problems; I’m a Paris metro/RER expert now! Loïc and his parents are so great for having me… I’m so thankful and indebted to them. Thanks so much Loïc, you can’t even imagine how much I appreciate what you’re doing for me! Your generosity makes my stay in Paris so much more enjoyable.

We just got back from a friendly café Égyptien 30 minutes from Löic’s place. Au menu, chicha à la mangue, thé à la menthe et des superbes petites patisseries. Très sympathique quoi!

So all my battery powered necessities (toys) are being charged for tomorrow’s adventure to the Quartier Latin and le Parc du Luxembourg. More to come tomorrow!

Highlights:

• Friendly exchanges with Paris locals
• Constantly being told that I’m Québécois
• First French baguette
• Photography session at Montmartre
• Writing several journal entries while riding the metro
• Yann Tiersen playing in my ears as I traced the steps of Amélie
• The Louvre: ginormous!
• Café Égyptien super sympa

P.S Photos are just a sneak peak! Expect 100 from where these came from… and that’s just from today!