Paris or Bust!

Postmarked Wednesday, March 1st, 2006
Topic: Travel (227 words, 46 images, 3 comments)

Nothing could have prepared me for the extraordinary time John and I just spent in Paris!

Taking advantage of an "off season" 2-for-1 special on the Eurostar train, we initially embraced the trip as a quick touristy getaway. John hadn't been to Paris since the late '90s, and even then, admitted to not having seen much on that trip. I lived in Paris from age 10-13, and had revisited the city in 1997 and 1999, but felt like renewing my ties and memories from childhood. We agreed to split our time as "tourists" at the main attractions and "detectives" during our visits to my old quartiers or neighborhoods.

A week or so before our departure, I received a reader comment on this very website, in French. It was from my best childhood friend from France, Ariane, wondering if I was indeed the same Marjan from Collège Plaisance! It seemed that she had been searching for me on and off the same way I had been searching for her all these years later... (but I am getting ahead of myself - more on that in my next post).

First, here are a collection of images that illustrate the exploits of two explorer/investigators as they hit the pavement (er, cobblestones) of Paris, France one cold weekend in February.

Here we are on the Eurostar, leaving London Waterloo station. Paris Gare du Nord was just 3 hours away! Catching John's reflection. The inside of our Eurostar car - fairly cramped, honestly and rather yellow! Some light reading for the ride.
John adding up our points in Rummy 500 - an obsession we still carry since New Year's Eve. John doesn't look too happy. Is it because I won? I think so! This little boy kicked and screamed his way to Paris, to the delight of the entire car.
Finally, we made it to the hotel. Not as nice as the one in Venice, but still a place to stay. The next morning, we got up early and began to roam the streets. Here, John is impressed with the men's fashion. Very colorful. Chomping on a little snack in the Louvre courtyard. It was pretty chilly that morning! Me too, me too!
Wrestling over the camera... John near the entrance for the Tuileries, the gardens near the Louvre. In the hazy background you can make out the Place de la Concorde obelisk and the Arc de Triomphe. On the Batobus, or boat-buses of the Seine. They were quite airy and spacious.
Smile! I know where we are now! The sun came out as we passed l'Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame. Islands in the stream.
Next stop, a Parisian cafe for some crepes au nutella and cafes au lait! This is the best coffee I've had in a while. John shops for postcards! How about this one?
Half of us and most of Notre Dame! John finds the geographical center of Paris. Typical stands on the Seine's river banks. Famous bohemian English-language bookshop in the Latin Quarter.
Heritage Metro signs, still found at some stops. Gorgeous art-deco style. John in front of the modern George Pompidou Cultural Center. When I lived here, you used to be able to take the escaltors all the way to the top for free. Now it's 10 Euros!! And a view of the inside.
We made it to the Place Charles de Gaulle to visit the Arc de Triomphe. John really loved the Arc and pointed it out all the time! Getting ready to walk down the Champs-Elysees. Street sign. What a grand street it is (how do the Tour de France cyclists make it on the cobblestones??)!
A mob of shoppers waiting to enter the Louis Vuitton store. A special night-time visit to the Louvre! What a treat! It was pretty crowded, as it was free for under 26's. John is loving this!
We saw a lot of amazing art, including the obligatory visit to The Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. A special trip to the past splendors of Persia. John takes it all in. The view underneath the Pyramid, built by I.M. Pei.
The city glows at night. Wow!    

Reader Comments

1.

Comment from Tima

I'm following you Marjan jooni :-) Thank you for taking me along your journey ... I enjoy your memiors tremendously and you're such a good writer ... make into a book when you get back .....love it. Talked to your Mama yesterday after she got back from Tehran. Amoo Mehrdad was there at the same time and they had a couple of fun lunch dates with Mehraban also. Be happy & safe - Tima

2.

Response from Marjan

Thanks Khaleh Tima!

It's always wonderful to hear from you! Some of my favorite teenage memories are hanging out with you and the kids in sunny Orange County, CA! Miss you and see you soon?!

xo

3.

Comment from Tima

Did you say "C U soon" ? :-)!! You mean it? Or you just want to make me happy? :-) Yes, I remember those days too ..... we did have a good time, didn't we? Our house is called "the Kiani Hotel" ... so you're more than welcome ... I show you where everything is - first thing you arrive - all you have to do is make yourself at home and do whatever it is that pleses you ... and ... the bed comes free :-). Hugs - Tima

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