Stepping into a paradise
Paris - the fountainhead of fashion - entices and enchants tourists who gape at its beauty and marvel at its might. My Parisian sojourn, which lasted week, was a visual smorgasbord.
My reverie became a reality at last. To see the land of haute couture and haute monde is anybody’s dream. I accompanied my husband Raja who was on a third trip to Paris. We were greeted by Bienvenu a Paris at the Charles de Gaulle airport.
I must admit I brushed up my French before boarding the aircraft and it helped me read the signboards.
The landscape from the airport to the city is expressive, speaking its own visual language. Since it was almost winter, just imagine how cold it would have been. The overcast sky, biting cold and occasional rains did not dampen my spirits and I wandered in the rues and enjoyed the attractions of Paris.
The tres–chic Parisien(ne) are trendsetters in every sphere and their camaraderie is infectious.
My friends briefed me on the not-to-miss points but they declared that I needed to take the elegant trains and walk to see any spot instead of traveling by autos or call taxis as we do in India.
I was mentally prepared for both and physically fine-tuned my body by doing some physical workouts. As a person exposed to torrid Indian summer for almost 10 months, just imagine my plight with the thick woollen clothes. I was camouflaged in winter clothes from top to bottom expect for my face which bore the brunt of the ice cold winds.
We decided to see one of the wonders of the world - Eiffel Tower - on the day of our arrival. We walked in the squally weather with winds slapping our faces and boarded the famed metro rail and got off at the nearest railway station. We marched eagerly towards the magnificent tower which is an inanimate symbol of Paris.
The Eiffel Tower loomed large in front of me on the banks of the river Seine. The Pont de la seine (bridge on the Seine), which leads to the tower had shimmering lights on either side and guided the tourists to the renowned spot.
We should enjoy and experience the panoramic view of the illuminated tower and the bridge which reflected on the quiet-flowing Seine.
There is a beehive of activity around this place.
Viola, if there is a paradise on earth, it is here.
(To be contd)
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