Paris France

So here, the magic starts to occur. My friend and I decided to take a bus tour from the Netherlands to France. Mainly Paris and Disneyland, only for three days.
I am not fond of traveling in tours, but we thought it would be most beneficial to travel in a group. And considering we had so little experience, it was the best solution since it included most of the iconic sightseeing we wanted to see.

The most satisfying part of this trip was the one-day pass to Disneyworld, Paris. I was overly excited about this since being a South African child; it was the one fantasy that we all had in common.
But this is where the memory impairment starts again. I mean eighteen years young and so much to observe and take in, especially in three days.

Paris City

What stood out from the start in this beautiful city was the architecture and the structures. I viewed most of it from a bus window, but what an adventure in all ways. Golden plated horses on pillars, bridges, and rivers.
We did get some time to wander around, and that is where we saw Paris in all its brilliance. From the Eiffel Tower to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), which I believed to be correct at that time.

There was the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre museum. I honestly think back at these moments and question myself why I took this so light-hearted? Why did I not recognized the extend of what I experienced and what I viewed on these journeys? But, I do have the memories, and that is the most important.

I remember being on the uppermost floor of the Sacre Coeur, the Catholic church featuring the Savage Garden video song. Truly, madly, deeply. I suppose being in Paris fills your mind with love songs.

We were walking up and down in small narrow roads with the aromas of Croissants and rich coffee. However, too broke and poor to buy or indulge in these treats.

Disneyland, Paris

It was time for Disneyland, Paris. Here I met my inner child. It was everything I ever imagined and more. I was in a world where everything was artificial but so believable; it was fantastic. I soaked up each second. My film camera was operating extensively, and my heart was joyful. I found myself in Never Everland, and there was not one moment misused.
I promised myself that if I ever have a child of my own, this is where I will bring them to a place where children can play, dream, and whish. Now I have a boy, and is it still on the bucket list. Don’t know for him or me, but we WILL go.

I departed Paris fulfilled but still wanted more. And being my age now, I know there was still too much to explore.
It was not on the list then, but oh my, how I yearn to return now.
The food, the wine, I grew up to be a culinary and vino enthusiast! I am obsessed with French cuisine and culture. Assuming in my former life, I was French, feasting with Julia Child. I acknowledge she was American, but anyways.

If it is part of the traveling story, I will go back. I have some unfinished business in France.