My Account of a Trip to Paris Then (2017) Versus Now (April 2023)
I found it hard to believe. I wouldn’t say that there was a stark contrast between the Paris I visited in 2017 and the one I arrived at in 2023, but the capital of France was not quite like what I found earlier and anticipated.
Flashback 2017
Paris was my very first European destination and I instantly fell in love with the elegantly laid-out `city of love’.
Except for a couple of misdemeanors, like a rude waitress at a café, or a rickshaw driver misleading us about the charges and later duping us with exorbitant rates for a half-hour ride. The charms of Paris was mesmerizing indeed! Here’s the reason WHY.
More than anything else in Paris, the symmetrical French architecture creating uniformity throughout the city, left a lasting impression on me.
The beautiful tree-lined pavements and boulevards, spick and-span roads, and the entire vibe absolutely captivating.
Pretty cafes found at every nook and corner, (done up in delicate wrought iron or cane furniture) providing frequent opportunities to feast on delicious French cuisine (croissants and different types of pastries)
Medieval-era structures, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Arche De Tromp, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, speaking volumes about the legacies of a rich past and history.
An overall enchanting aura of the Renaissance period.
Of course, the Louvre Museum and its incredible collection of art, paintings, masterpieces, and sculptures totally awe-inspiring.
The cherry on the cake — the banks of the river Seine, a hub of a bunch of activities. From guided boat trips, which we did, to relaxing on the grassy banks running parallelly on both sides. A perfect place to people-watch and enjoy the scenery.
Finally, the extraordinary summer weather of August playing cupid — mornings pleasant and evenings chilly.
April 2023
Being an `Emily in Paris’ fan, I spent my travel time binge-watching the series. I was brimming with happiness and looking forward to visiting the locations where the series was shot. Unfortunately, that dream was shattered to some extent by:
A city marred by strikes, violence, and group demonstrations.
A city littered with trash, piles of garbage dumped on roadsides, courtesy strikes by waste collectors. The consequence — a stench pervading the air.
Protestors thronging the streets, slogan-shouting crowds and rowdiness.
Thankfully our flight was not delayed, (though getting luggage did stretch longer).
Disneyland Paris
A saving grace over all the chaos was that my trip included two full days at Disneyland parks! Luckily, the area around the Parks (Situated roughly 20 miles on the outskirts of Paris) was not affected by the urban malaise. Our spirits uplifted and hearts filled with joy to find the pristine, and green fairyland in the midst of nature.
Though the general opinion is that Disneyland Paris is not that great compared to other Disney parks, I beg to differ. No matter which Disney Park you visit — the excitement and vibe is the same, the queues are the same and the rides are the same. This was the best part of the trip this time, making our stay fulfilling.
It was a cold, and rainy weather that we encountered in April 2023 in Paris, which was a contrast to the pleasant summer weather of August 2017.
Hoping and praying for peace to prevail, and anticipating a future trip to France free of turmoil.
