For my last half-day in Paris, I am visiting Montmartre for a walking tour. I wake up later than planned—staying up into the wee hours blogging has taken a toll. I blog with total dedication—if you are gonna do it, you gotta do it right.
I arrive at Anvers metro station at 9:30a, Nina is already waiting for me. She is wearing a black top with the most adorable Parisian skirt. I, on the other hand, being much more conservative in my choice of clothing, wore a boring one-color dress. We head up the hilly streets of Montmartre toward Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. After a few minutes, the stark white basilica peaks out from behind lush foliage. The Sacre-Coeur, along with other white residential buildings and shops lining the winding cobble stone roads, makes Montmartre sparkle in the sunlight. Atop the Notre-Dame yesterday, I could easily point it out without having visited here.
We continue upward, jumping away from aggressive merchants trying to sell us bracelets (one man actually grabs Nina’s wrist to put one on her…yeesh, good thing she reacts quickly). At the base of the basilica, we snap a photo in front of the beautiful fountains, then turn around to admire the panoramic view of Paris. Nina points out several landmarks: Le Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe, Hotel de Ville… I recognize them too—how exciting!
We then take a quick tour inside the basilica. No photography allowed here, so we stop by the gift shop and I purchase a prayer card with some of the paintings printed on it. For the rest of the time, we stroll leisurely in the neighborhoods. Today is very relaxing, especially in this area away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Paris. Montmartre is known for its street artists. We also see tons of outdoor cafes. I wonder what it’s like to live here. Do the residents here need vacations when their lives are so relaxing 24-7?
The area is small, but the roads are not on a grid system. We try to find the Dali museum but lose our way. I snap photos like a madwoman, trying to capture the beauty of Paris for my own record.
I’m traveling to Germany in the afternoon, and Nina kindly offers to take me to the train station. For that I am very grateful—my ticket is in German and train info at the station are in French. But of course we stop by a bakery first for more croissants. We chit chat at the station for a while—she has lots of funny stories, the conversation flows so easily. Then it was time to say goodbye. I invite Nina and her husband to visit me in the U.S., and I hope they do. They definitely don’t have Mama Mia or Popeye’s in Paris. I wonder if they would be appalled by the unhealthy food that Americans love so much.
Nina and I hug one more time. I hope I see her again soon. German trains really do run on time. At 13:09, the train promptly begins moving. I am sad to leave Paris so soon, but excited for the next part of my journey. Frankfurt, look out, you’ve got tough competition in vying to be my most favorite city.
Farewell, Paris, I hope to come back soon!
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