Love in the Air

Paris, renowned as the city of love, was a solo adventure that had long been on my bucket list. Despite warnings of potential underwhelm (spoiler alert: it wasn't!), I embarked on this journey through a student trip instead.

I arrived early in Frankfurt and explored the city. Serendipitously, I was showered with rose petals from a tree: a fitting start for my escape to Paris! Onboard the bus, I connected with a fellow Kannadiga. The next morning, we embarked on a city tour and bargained for cute souvenirs in front of the iconic Eiffel tower.

We whisked through the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and settled into our cozy room at the Ibis. However, the allure of Paris was irresistible; within minutes, we were back on the metro exploring the city.

Revisiting the majestic Arc de Triomphe (the Gateway of France!), we marveled at its grandeur. Paris revealed itself not just as a city for lovers but also as a cultural treasure trove. Its sprawling museums and exquisite art spoke volumes. After a quick bite of pizza, we strolled to the Alexander Bridge and ascended to the tower.

Initially demeaning it to a typical TV tower, we were captivated by the mesmerizing light show that followed.

Despite the long queues, the panoramic view from the Eiffel tower summit was breathtaking: charming boats on the river and adorable moments of love dotted the streets below.

Descending to the second floor, the city sparkled with lights, a testament to its artistic charm and romantic allure. Paris, I realized, was undeniably stunning. This was an appreciably right time to delve into this exquisite city since preperations for beautification were underway for hosting the Olympics!

After a restful sleep and a classic French breakfast of croissants and breads, we set off to Notre-Dame, still under renovation, where we picked up more souvenirs. Our next stop was the Louvre, where we met the enigmatic Mona Lisa.

The museum dazzled us with its 400 rooms and 35000 paintings, each a masterpiece in its own right. Amidst the crowd, the Mona Lisa's subtle smile mesmerized us, a timeless allure that transcended generations.

From the impressive sculptures to the grandeur of the crown jewels, it left us spellbound as we wandered from room to room.

With memories to cherish, we returned to our hotel and journeyed back to Frankfurt. Paris, I concluded, embraces love, curiosity, and beauty in ways that captivate the soul.