A Million Moments

All good things come to an end so did my trip in Europe. After zooming across the continent across close to 10 countries it was time to conclude with France, specifically Paris. Paris a cosmopolitan city attracts tourists from all across the world be it North, East, West or South. It is home to everyone. Medieval & European architecture make up this city. This vibrant city of modern world has its own dark past.

Immersive Experiences in Paris

The journey from Brussels to Paris was yet again long but the excitement of seeing Paris did shorten it. We reached the city by evening and hoped for a merry welcome but was greeted by traffic! I being from Bengaluru was initially not amazed but soon wondered that Bengaluru traffic is nothing compared to what I saw in Paris. They have everything in place: The Metro, their own Outer Ring Road with bridges and tunnels (hopefully we do not get them in Bengaluru). But the traffic was too much and we just ended up wading throughout. Bengaluru only has few choke points beyond which you will find free flowing traffic but Paris, Nah ah. I got the first glimpse of the iconic Eiffel tower amidst this traffic. We somehow made it to the first destination and activity of the evening in Paris which was a river cruise. There was a long line to board the boat. The boats were huge when compared to the ones in Amsterdam. It did come with an access to the roof where one could enjoy the views of the night lights of the city. The river cruise across Paris over Seine on a chilly night was definitely mesmerizing! I witnessed my first of many Eiffel sparkles when on the boat. We passed by so many monuments and landscapes. After spending an hour on the cruise, it was time to head to our dinner and later to our hotel, calling it a day.

Discovering the truth of Versailles

The second day in Paris was a relaxed one. The day began with visit to the iconic Chateau De Versailles (Palace of Versailles). The Chateau is more than an hour away of drive depending on where you are staying in Paris. You could book your tickets online or could buy at the counter. It is better to book a guided tour to know the actual truth rather than awing at the architecture. An entire book would not justify the atrocities & unnecessary lavish lifestyles of the Royals while the common subject suffered. The French do not brush it under the carpet and proudly accept the facts and convey it to the world. We, Indians should follow suit. My respects to the Wodeyar Royal family of Mysuru doubled after my tour of Versailles. They have contributed so much to the welfare of the state and build it ground up which perhaps has not been done by any of the democratic government that ruled the state of Karnataka henceforth. I also learned the true reason behind the popularity and rise of French perfume industry. It is not all charming and soul soothing after all.

Eiffel Tower: A Symbol of Love

The tour ended and we headed back to Paris after a stop over for lunch in Versailles. The next stop for the day was the Eiffel tower! The excitement was unmatched and so was the beautiful steel structure. It is hard to believe that the structure that was built as a technology demonstrator for the world science fair of 1889 transformed into a symbol of love. Well, love is free but not the champagne you get at the top of the tower, 25 EUR a pop! Its barely 100ml… Well coming to the views it offers unmatched views of the city of Paris. One needs to make sure they go on a clear day to enjoy the view. Best time to visit is 4pm onwards as it will give you a chance to witness sunset and city-lights that follow. I could not stay neither for sunset nor the city lights as we had a schedule to adhere to. The day ended with us taking back memories for life.

Conclusion: Cherishing Memories

Alas, the trip came to an end after 12 days. The last day was reserved for city drive and shopping followed by departure to INDIA! We visited many prominent landmarks such as Arc De Triomphe, The Louvre, The Champs-Elysees and many more. I always wanted to travel and explore across Europe which I never thought would so soon. It was definitely worth cherishing. So much so that even after months after returning from the trip, I can write about it as though it was yesterday or perhaps, I am still travelling. So far, I have barely scratched the surface of this beautiful world. I only wish to see it more and more. Hopefully I will be back to Europe soon to explore the unexplored! But the big question is, will I visit Paris again to shoot the sunset and city lights from the top of the Eiffel tower? Only time shall tell…

Final Thoughts:

Europe awaits, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its romance and charm. From iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, there’s always something new to explore in this captivating city. Follow our guide for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Europe’s most beloved destination.