Arriving in Paris

Landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, outside of Paris, France.  Charles de Gaulle is the 7th busiest airport in the world, and 2nd busiest in Europe, after London's Heathrow Airport. 


Being from Tampa, I have to admit, Charles de Gaulle is not nearly as clean or organized as Tampa International Airport.  But after a 7-hour flight from Philadelphia, I am not really complaining.  The flight was pretty comfortable, mostly because the flight wasn't full and I was able to stretch out a little bit.  

I was a little nervous when I got off the plane, because here I was alone in a foreign country, where I don't speak the language.  To make matters worse, my poor old outdated BlackBerry does not work in France.


Jorge arrived before me, but he accidently went to the wrong terminal.  


I decided to stay put, and he found me!  We were so happy to see each other.

I know I kind of looked like I have slept on a plane, but at this point it didn't matter, I was so happy to finally be in Paris!  


We have been planning this trip for months, and I have not seen Jorge since September because he has been working out of the country.  

We took the train from the airport, into Paris.  Parisians call their subway system the Metro.  Paris has an excellent train and public transportation system.  


This is the Gare du Nord train station, and it was completed in 1866.  It is decorated in neo-Corinthian style.  The 9 statues at the top signify the most important cities of France and Europe, where the trains lead from this station. 

Here is Jorge lugging my suitcase across the street outside of the train station.

I was immediately in awe of the beautiful architectural style everywhere I looked.   

I decided I could not go a step further until I had a proper cup of coffee.  We stopped at the cafe around the corner from our hotel.  I thought I ordered coffee, but I was brought espresso instead.  Although it was great coffee, I seriously doubt this is going to get me through the day.

I also had the most wonderful authentic French Onion soup at this cafe.  I think I am ready to start my first Paris adventure!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris-Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport

http://www.parispages.com/Gares/Nord/

Almost time to go to Paris!

A week and few more days to go before I leave for the romance and style capitol of the world - Paris France!  Très excitant!  The city of lights! (La ville des lumières!) The city of love! (La ville de l'amour!)

Alexander III Bridge in Paris

I have tried to soak up as much advise as I could about the city, the culture, and the language.  I will admit my French is a bit rough, but at least I have a few basics down.  This week is going to have to be my crash course in French.  

If I cannot speak the language very well, at least I will be well dressed.  I have carefully chosen and successfully borrowed (thanks neighbor), simple pieces that I can mix and match.  I am going for casual, yet well dressed.  I plan to do a lot of walking, so flats will be a necessity, although I cannot resist packing at least one or two pairs of heels.  

Since the weather is a little chillier than what a Florida girl is used to, sweaters and leggins will be my staples.  A few simple sweaters and a versatile mid-length trench coat will complete my look.  

This is my plan, and any advise or comments are most certainly welcome.  Please visit this blog next week, as I will be posting pictures and stories from my travels.  

Unitl nous moi encore mes amis!