This past weekend was my opportunity to explore Paris. To say the least, it was a quick trip; however, a nice trip. Going with a tour guide for my first trip was ideal, as I'm unsure as to how I would have got around not knowing the language. I did attempt to learn a few key phrases prior to arrival, but mainly stuck with merci or thank you.
Normally, I would list the various places we visited but other than the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral, I really don't know the names. Despite the whirlwind weekend it was nice to see monuments that I've only seen in magazines or on television, until now.
I've heard Paris described as the place for love or romance and I can see that, yet I'm unsure if, for me, that would be an accurate description. Regardless, I've come to realize in all my travels that some things are the same wherever you visit, such as crime, graffiti, lots of tourist, and expense. Yet there are cultural differences that make you appreciate your native land. The one practice that I'd heard about, yet forgot, I'll affectionately call "pay to pee." This takes places around London as well, but not as frequently as in France. Subway, the restaurant, charged 50 euro cents ($1 US) to use their facilities, and I've never seen so many "port-a-potties" on streets either. Although I would think their street toilets are cleaner than most port-a-potties since they are stationary.
Although the weekend went quickly, I'm not sure how long I would survive in Paris on my own or with their "pay to pee" system, not to mention expense.
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