I had a really hard time trying to remember every city and cathedral we went to, I am glad that I somewhat blogged about it.
I have had a lot of people ask specific questions about my trip, so I am going to try and answer them today.
What did you love most?
I loved Spain! I have forever and always loved Paris, but there was something about Spain that captivated me. The people are warm and kind. They live in a very peaceful, relaxed, family first way of life. They don't seem stressed. They take holiday, we all need this! I loved the rich history and culture in Spain as well. Seeing as we went through so many parts of the country the rich history and legacy of the Spanish people. I loved the big cities of Spain, Barcelona, Madrid. Honestly, my favorite places were smaller costal towns we stopped in. One of them being Siches, Spain. We traveled there by train from Barcelona one day. It was beyond breath taking. The edge of the white walls of the town met by the majestic blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches were not over crowded, a lot of people were already on holiday. The food was incredible, I had the best paella ever there. The shopping was fun and small town feeling. The character of Siches was endearing.
That was a long answer, but seriously I loved loved Spain! Zaragoza, Costal Del Sol, Cordoba, Siches, Barcelona.... on and on.
What about Paris?
Okay, I have thought about this a lot. When we first got on the train to head to Paris, things seemed different. We had a rough morning leaving Barcelona. The day before we heard about several terrorist attacks throughout France and then an attack on a beach near Morocco where we had been just days before. (not where we were, near where we were) We had someone in our group that was robbed while we were waiting to load our bus. When we boarded the train the French police were walking the cabins looking at passports and checking people out. Profiling I am sure. We did see some Police in Spain, but it never felt unsafe. When we arrived in Paris, it was very hot. Mind you, they don't have air conditioning. I had packed a jacket, sweater, and pants for Paris it was supposed to be chilly. Heat wave central! Paris on the out -skirts looks like any other growing city. Lots of construction, traffic, and trash. We stayed on the outer part of the city, so honestly at first I was disappointed. There was so much character in every part of Spain, from the buildings to flowers, statues. Paris felt cold. We took a bus tour the next day into the city and I loved it! The history came alive, the buildings were beautiful. There were gardens and statues and the kings palace. This was the Paris I had dreamed of. The Effiel Tower, the lock bridge, The Lourve, The Opera House. In the main part of the city, where the most tourist are...that is where the charm and character of Paris lie. I will be honest and say that I didn't encounter very kind French people. I can think of 3 people that stand out to me as being more kind than most. I spoke french to a shop girl and she answered my bag in English with a snotty face. The French from what I saw, don't much like American's. That I know is a broad statement, not everyone I met was that way..but it seemed to be the majority for me. I did meet a couple wonderful Parisan's! The Palace of Versailles. Was totally beyond anything you can imagine. That place is just incredible. The Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antionette's bedding and rooms, to the Laduree' they have downstairs, the palace gardens, fountains, drapes, wallpaper, gold everything. I could go on forever, it was so amazing.
Our last night there we took a boat cruise around the island and that was honestly the most relaxed I had felt since we arrived in Paris. It was beautiful to see the sights from the water. I was able to see a little more character of Paris that night. The Parisan's flood the water walls. They bring blankets, wine, bread and sit and eat and chat for hours. By the end of the trip there was hardly any space up and down the river. I saw how they spend their evenings, not at home locked away in front of the TV, but out enjoying company, food, and the sights.
I would go back to Pairs. I did love it, but I loved something even more about Spain.
Packing...
I did over pack. shocker right? European's in the summer wear a lot of dresses and cute sandals. I only wore pants one day and that was to Morocco, because I knew I would ride a camel.
I wore the same pair of Old Navy tassel sandals almost everyday. I only once wore flip flops. Europeans do not believe flip flops should be worn anywhere but the beach. I did wear shorts a couple of times, and did see some locals wearing them as well. They dress up there, they dress to impress each other. The women wear wedged espadrilles everywhere. Even on the cobble stone streets, total talent. Pack an umbrella we had 2 days where the sky opened up and poured for hours.
I loved Paris, Spain, and Morocco. I would do Spain without hesitation, Paris I would maybe do differently. Stay inside the city, take things slower, do things like a true Parisian would. Sit on the river banks, enjoy the sights.
So much love!
Here are some pics from some of the places I mentioned.
XOXO
Kristine
