The best of Paris, via Instagram
I went on my very first international trip to Paris with my mom when I was 11 years old: I was completely enamored with pain au chocolats every morning, the Disney store on the Champs-Élysées and the view from the Eiffel Tower. Last week, I went to Paris with my mom (my 11th trip to the city!0–and realized I’m still in love with pain au chocolats in the morning, shopping on the Champs-Élysées and being able to spot the Eiffel Tower in every photo I take. And it was an extra bonus to be able to catch up with my California-living, French-speaking mom (and get her excellent shopping advice!) in my second-favorite city. 
In many ways, Paris is the easy trip for me: I can speak the language and I know the streets, I’m familiar with the customs and I’m not too offended by the rude customer service. But no matter how many times I’ve been, I always find it surprising and magical and just the right amount of exotic. I love the twisting cobblestone streets and the beautiful Gothic cathedrals, that you can buy a freshly-baked baguette for 1,20 Euros at any bakery in the city and that it’s perfectly acceptable to have a glass of wine and an espresso with lunch. I’m constantly inspired by the fashion on the streets, the modern art in the museums, the certain je-ne-sais-quoi allure of Paris itself.
There will be plenty more Paris posts in the next few weeks, but until then, here are a few past favorites:
- The best of Paris, via Instagram [July 2012]
- Why I love Paris in January
- Food and wine envy: Paris edition
- I left my heart in Paris
- A lifelong love affair with France
p.s. special thanks to my mom for treating me to such a special trip! So glad we were able to make it happen!
