The second day when we were in Paris was also my birthday.
Turning 26 was pretty scary – especially that moment when you realize that now you’re closer to 30 than 20!
It was similar to when I was 19 and was anticipating that big turn to 20, where I’ll no longer be a teen. I still remember then I was going to art school in Chicago and during my panicked anticipation, worked on lots of paintings and applied for a competitive slot that the uni’s art show so that I would have a lot to show forth turning 20. Luckily, I did get a slot and managed to sell quite a bit of art! I still remember getting a nice paycheck from the show. Rather than spending it on myself, I surprised my parents with it so that they could buy something nice for themselves, and I told them “this is my first pay check as an artist…and there’s a lot more in the future where that came from!”
My birthday ambitions aren’t any different this year after scoring my dream internship in the Netherlands (which I’ll reveal in an upcoming post!)
Anyway back to Paris!
The weather was gorgeous the whole time we were in Paris, and on the second day we decided to walk around and revisit all the pretty attractions we’ve been to before, like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre.
We also made a stop at the Galleries Lafayette, which has a nice terrance that boosts an amazing view of Paris!
One thing I had to do while we were there too was look at the purse section. If you know me well, you’d know that I have a weak spot for pretty designer purses. Luckily I wasn’t in any desire to buy anything, especially since the bf had surprised me with my dream purse the day before our trip. It’s definitely the best birthday present I’ve ever gotten and it was so fun to be able to use it for the first time in Paris!
Presenting, my lovely Givenchy Antigona!
Afterwards, we explored the Le Marais area and had falafels for lunch at Chez Hanna. They definitely have the best falafels I’ve ever had! We also tried the famous falafels at L’As du Fallafel (recommended by Lenny Kravitz), which is just down the street from Chez Hanna on another day we were in Paris, but even they dimmed in comparison to Chez Hanna.
So if you’re ever in Paris and looking for a cheap but filling lunch try the 5 euro falafels at Chez Hanna – the grilled eggplants especially are to die for!
Speaking of delicious food, we also made a stop at Laduree for some macarons. At 2 euros for a small macaron they’re not cheap, but they’re also just about the best macarons you’ll ever have. Did you know that they invented the modern day macaron? (before the macarons became a “double decker affair” they were actually just a simple cookie!)
At night, we went to Montmartre, which is quite the romantic place at night, especially with the pretty view overlooking Paris as it glitters at night. There was a band playing, and so many people just chilling on the hill.
It was such a perfect way of ending the day!
Stay tuned for Part III!