Paris Part Two- Illuminate Your Mind

            How do you begin a Saturday morning in Paris, but with a fresh baked croissant! Julie finished pulling herself together and I went out in pursuit of the perfect pastry. My nose led me into a sweet smelling brasserie right down the street from Julie. This place was filled with people buying their local breads and baked goods. The deserts appeared as if they had been painted and decorated hours on end, while their fresh smells proved their cookery earlier this morning. I purchased our croissants and headed back to Julie’s apartment to bite into the sweet soft crisp of the croissant and prepare for yet another full day exploring Paris.

The right way to start a Saturday morning in Paris! These croissants tasted as if they had just come out of the oven!

No wonder the sweet smells
lead me into this bakery. The deserts
looked just as fresh as the baked breads!

A local gem, this bakery crafted confectionary
masterpieces. From chocolate ganache to sweet
creams each treat was handmade that morning!

            We headed out to meet our other friends in Paris for the weekend and enjoy a bit of site seeing. Our first stop was Sacre Coeur, a famous church in Paris. The Church stood prominently perched along the hilltop gazing out onto the city of Paris. We climbed a steep staircase aligned with stucca houses and iron gates on one side and fresh gardens on the other. The cobblestone streets only added to the ambiance of this quaint neighborhood sharing with us one of the wondrous churches in Paris. Upon entering the church I was mesmerized by an elongated isle streaming towards an alter harboring so much beauty. Stain glassed windows and voluminous sculptures cascaded along the various walkways and decorative finishes covered the contours of the ceilings and walls. As we stepped outside the church, I was once again struck by such profound views where the church’s eyes gaze out onto a sunny view of Paris. 

The view of Sacre Coeur as we climbed
the stairs. The Church gracefully beamed
over the neighborhood.

After viewing magnificent artwork inside
the Church, you step out and art greeted
by the most breathtaking views of Paris.  

Bagpipes playing in the
Farmer's Market!

One of the wonderful side streets by
Sacre Coeur and the Farmer's Market.
I loved how this neighborhood had its own
 little Saturday festival while looking
out onto the city of Paris.
                                   

            Below the Sacre Coeur is a farmers market filled with foods, festive goods and artisans. We followed the market down the winding cobblestone streets and quarters. In this burrow, bakers and artists shared their creations with people passing by. Jolly tunes played as we passed by. I even heard the bagpipes, who knew I would find my Scottish studies nestled in the Parisian courtyard. What I really enjoyed was how local and tucked away this neighborhood was. It was the gem, I find myself always in pursuit of, sharing its own livelihood with those willing to experience it. 

Walking down the streets we came across this cafe with a Windmill in it! So many of the cafes were built in pearl white stucco sided with iron gates and vines. The pops of royal blue, reds and greens painted these cafes with personality.

Moulin Rouge was painted in pops of red and white! I loved
 learning about a place I've only really seen in movies

            We followed the escalating market downward and headed towards the Moulin Rouge Theatre. The hall was punctuated with powerful reds and whites. I moved beyond what I had known about Moulin Rouge and into its actual presence at the theatre. In this journey we were en route to Notre Dame. As we walked closer towards the Church I found myself in awe of such prominent architecture where stone pillars extended towards the sky and handcrafted sculptures decorated the entryways. The inside was just as outstanding. Painted ceilings and stained glass walls beamed in brilliant colors and long isles met a brilliant alter. I loved seeing yet another church whose historical and artistic value outlooks onto the city. Its beauty beams beyond the history books and I find myself savoring yet another opportunity to visit a place I have learned about in university. In many churches that I visit, there is a common practice to light a candle in memory or prayer for a loved one. It is a moment where I can unite my memories and family from home with my experiences abroad. I have seen this at Christ Church at Oxford University, Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame in Paris. This tradition is one that I uphold when I have the chance to visit one of these artful places. In this moment of recognition I light my candle and am on my way.      

Notre Dame stood prominently in the city of Paris. I marveled at the detailing of the gothic architecture standingthe artwork inside.

We passed another wonderful Church on our way to the Luxembourg Gardens. I love how so many historical monuments are tucked along the city of Paris.

We stopped to explore the Church and enjoy the courtyard it stood proudly in. In the center a stone fountain flowed and diners enjoyed lunch in the surrounding cafes.

We entered the Luxembourgh Gardens greeted by the sights
 and smells of fall. I loved how the trees patterned the paths
 in hues of burnt orange and mossy green

            We continued walking along, enjoying various churches and monuments that pocket the streets along the way. At one point, we stopped at another church set along a little courtyard and center fountain. We were captivated by another sight of beauty and the local shops that surrounded it. Onwards we went with our journey heading to a place I found to be one of my favorite stops in Paris.  I entered the Luxembourg Gardens and am greeted by the hues of fall and magnificent castles. Paths were adorned with burnt leaves fallen from patterned trees. In the garden center, fields of green grass and bushels of purple and pink flowers extend towards the center pond and aligned a masterful castle. We sat along the stone pillared stairways and enjoyed the vibrancy and sunshine. I felt warmed by the feelings of fall.

Perched along the stone entryway, I gazed out on some of the most amazing views I have laid eyes on. Fresh flowers and greenery grew alongside a wondrous castle.

My friends and I enjoyed walking around these gardens and enjoying all the fresh smells and bright colors

In the center, there was a large pound to which drew in all these magnificent elements of the Luxembourg Gardens. The paths, castle and gardens joined each other at this pond offering visitors so many routes in which to explore.

My friends and I sat and enjoyed the views in Luxembourg Gardens. We were surrounded by the beauties of mother nature and renowned architecture.

We walked to the Tuileries for another stroll through the park. In the distance you can see the Eiffel Tower!

I could feel fall in the air as
we walked through the Tuileries.
The paths are decorated in
falling leaves and broad trees

           Paris is a city blooming with beautiful gardens. Our next excursion brought us to The Tuileries, another garden situated next to Louvre. Passing by the Louvre, I was captivated by its size and the artisans it held within its stonewalls. We made our way into the Tuilieries enjoying a park of endless paths and recreation from sunbathing, tennis players and café diners. We seemed to all be graced with the same fatigue visited after a long day of walking and site seeing. Our remedy to enjoy the gardens with each other’s company and reflects on the day’s travels. What a way to spend an afternoon, let alone an afternoon in Paris, sunbathing with other garden dwellers alongside the  beautiful pond and archways. The garden paved paths to all sorts of central points in Paris from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower. I peered out towards all of these famous monuments feeling evermore energized to explore them. I felt myself dreaming towards all I could see in the distance.

We walked towards the Eiffel Tower and excited to take the elevator ride up it!

This was quite an interesting view of both the Eiffel Tower and the city of Paris. I love how you can gaze off onto another open greenery as you stand below the Eiffel Tower.

Halfway up the Eiffel Tower, we stepped out and enjoyed the
views as we awaited for the elevator to the top. As you look
you see quite a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower!

            As the afternoon faded into evening, we headed towards a very anticipated Parisian endeavor. The Eiffel Tower is born with so many enticements and avenues of exploration. At the top, I hoped these sights would come true. We entered the line to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower and proceeded to pass the time the best way we knew how. Together we shared a baguette melted with three cheeses, and just like that we were at the front of the line. Parisian food might very well be magic! We entered the elevator and began to climb the first stop on our journey up to the top. Halfway up, the views painted beautiful views of the night sky and city line. At this stopping point, you could stair up towards a towering Eiffel whose golden bronze bones pierced the night sky. This vertical view was one of the few moments I felt my stomach turn. I realized the distance left to go up on this vertical and increasingly narrow structure.

My friends and I halfway up the Eiffel Tower. Halfway up, it was pretty windy, beating the chill by enjoying the views of the River Seine and Paris in the background!

We finally made it atop the Eiffel Tower! The streets of Paris light up along the night sky!

On top of the Eiffel Tower I was overwhelmed by sparking lights and magnificent views of the city!

On top of the Eiffel Tower I was

overwhelmed by sparking lights and

magnificent views of the city!

            The moment we arrived at the top and stepped outside a feeling of pure artful magnificence grazed me. I was overwhelmed with a sea patterned lights and a navy blue sky illuminating the city of Paris from the views above. We. I could gaze out onto the Louvre in one direction, Sacre Creur in another and the Seine River in yet another. We climbed the tower with a little bit of luck on our side and just as we walked outside, the Eiffel Tower started to sparkle. I felt alive, beaming with excitement to visualize Paris in such streaming views. This view, which I saw from afar the night before, I now stood part of. In this sparkle, my friends and I rejoiced in the pleasures of Paris and the fortunes of life abroad. We smiled as bright as the twinkling lights and laughed along the beat of its illumination in the sky. We were not the only ones sharing the joy of such a magical night. The entire crowd joined in on our happiness and one couple actually got engaged amid the sparkles to which my friend was asked to film the proposal. The evening had to have been the most physically and figuratively dazzling night I have yet to experience. I was part of this spotlight and it too found a place within me. I felt the dazzling night invoke a sense of passion for these adventures up the Eiffel Tower and around the world. I was born into a haven of bright happiness. When it was time to leave, we followed the elevator half down and walked the rest back to ground. Bedazzled in beauty we made our way to dinner.

This special trip left me glowing as bright as the
 golden hues of the Eiffel Tower. In this moment,
I was so thankful for the experiences I have had
and the friends there alongside me.

A delicious dinner in a wonderful restaurant was the perfect way to end our bright night! We enjoyed a wonderful day as friends experiencing the city of Paris together.

            Since our lunch spot was such a big hit the day before, we decided to head back to the restaurant by Julie for dinner. We were greeted by live music and a friendly waiter ushering us all in and commenting on our big bright jolly faces. We enjoyed a delightful dinner in the company of great friends. I happily ate one of my favorite, open-faced baguette with brie and ham. Of course, our friends had to test out the Chocolate Pecan delight Julie and I enjoyed the day before. With six spoons, this oozy desert was gone in seconds. After a night of wondrous views and food, we headed back to relax at Julies’. As couple of tired explorers, we reminisced on joyful day of adventures and shared stories from home. We sent the other girls on the way back to their hostel stopping for a sweet crepe along the way. On Sunday we would all head back home and used the end of the night to say our goodbyes and wish each other safe travels. We knew however, it would not be long until our abroad journeys would cross again and experiences as wonderful as the ones in Paris would soon unfold. Exploring all my curiosities in Paris was made that much more satisfying in the company of good friends. I was full of the sweet delights of life.