CAUGHT IN SUMMER STORM & STILL CHARMED BY PARIS

I woke up to an unfamiliar ceiling above me and for a split second, I was disoriented. Then it got to me, I am in Paris!

I couldn't be more excited! The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Montmarte, the gardens ...they were all flashing through my head as slumber took me back in.

La Ville-Lumière it is!

I am here for a limited two days. As usual, I come and go swiftly against my will. Arriving to the foot of the Grand Palais was how I saw Paris for the first time in the light of day. It's almost the end of spring and the weather is still bipolar. The sun is up one minute and the rain comes pouring in next.

On the background is the Grand Palais.

I have to admit that before coming over, I was less prepared than usual (which was a huge mistake). It was a last minute decision so I relied on what I already had in mind. I opted to see and learn more about the city as I explored it. I did have my own expectations of course. Paris, known for its elegance and grandeur held a very high position in my hierarchy of places on the map.

Jenny, my sister's bestie who lives in Paris took the time off so I won't be frolicking around alone.

We got to the historic Grand Palais and Le Petit Palais is just across it. These architectural wonders were too massive to take in one frame so I just had to take it all in visually and retain its picture in my brain.

Le Petit Palais, houses the Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des beaux-arts de la ville de Paris).

We headed to Pont Alexandre III bridge over the river Siene to get my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Meantime, dark clouds loomed overhead while I managed to take some more photos. Strong gusts of wind pushed us along as we fooled around laughing like children. Shortly after, lightning struck ground just about a hundred meters from where we stood. Thunder roared loudly and fiercely making us scream from fright. For a split second, it was like a doomsday scene. The rain poured heavily and people rushed to the southern wing of the palace for shelter. We were just caught by a summer storm! With a stroke of luck, it eventually stopped allowing us to wander on.

Sauntering more and we were led to Avenue des Champs-Élyseés.

View of the avenue extending to Arch de Triomphe (Buwis buhay shot from the middle of the kalsada! 😅)

It is one of the most famous streets in the world with the French proudly referring to it as earth's most beautiful avenue. I can agree - there are remarkable monuments, symmetrical landscaping (of trees), wide sidewalks, buildings of high aesthetic standards, luxury shops, historical café's and restaurants where famous people in history met and dined - name it, they're all here!

Louis Vuitton's Flagship Store, where a visit is almost necessary when in Paris. You don't have to buy anything. 😉

It was a long walk and a gastronomic stop was necessary. There are Italian restaurants everywhere, but I'm not getting Italian pizza or pasta bolognese in France. Of course, Ladureé was inviting but my tummy was screaming for a heavier meal.

We picked a 48-year old restaurant called L'Alsace, It claims to welcome it's guests in a typical Parisian brasserie spirit (a relaxed setting.). The place was nice and our waiter spoke in English (ehem...the guys on the other table looked like gods misplaced on earth! 😂). I ordered a plate of Tagliatelles Aux Fruits De Mer (seafood tagliatelle) while Jenny had pizza. I was hungry, so I can say without thinking that the food tasted good.

We moved on to check some of the shops while the rain poured some more.

As soon as it stopped, we continued on to Arch de Triomphe. No more summer storm, whew! It was early in the evening and the sun finally made its presence. I never really missed the sun so much as I did now.

It was one beautiful afternoon. Paris, regardless of the weather has her great undeniable charm.

Now its time to move immediately to the top of the arch. ☺ Posting about it when I can.