You know those wonderful moments when you go to the pool, and when you get out and start to dry off you realize you forgot your underwear and now you're stuck going home uncomfortable in jeans? Or when you finally go out with your friends on the weekend to a bar, only to find when you get to the front of the line to get in you left your ID on the kitchen counter by your keys? It's the absolute worst, yet it's so common that most people actually think "I'm sure I forgot something" to themselves every time they go somewhere.
Now that I have a limit of what I can physically bring with me, it's time to start thinking about what exactly I need to ensure I have. In order to avoid the awful feeling of, "I can't believe I forgot to pack that!". I started my search for some good opinions and thoughts on what's the most important must have items in order to have a comfortable trip. I stumbled upon a fantastic site called travel independent which really gave me a good idea of what i'll be filling my 40 litres of space with.
It's suggested that you only bring two shirts, one that can get dirty and be slept in and one made with a moisture resistant material. One long sleeved should be taken to protect the skin from sunburns and bug bites. Even when going somewhere hot it is a good idea to bring one fleece zip up sweater in order to be comfortable in air conditioned places such as airports.
When it comes to pants it's considered a good idea to bring two pairs, one should be a very light material such as cotton in order to dry easily and the other should be a more durable material. Jeans should not be taken to places with hot climates since they're so heavy and are uncomfortable in the heat anyways. It's a good idea for girls to bring a long skirt in order to look modest while still staying cool.
If going somewhere hot it's a good idea to bring some sort of swim wear, make sure that it is a very light material so that it will be able to dry quickly. Shorts are the most comfortable for the majority of people in the heat but in some countries they are not worn and will make you stick out as a tourist instantly. There's nothing wrong with wearing them, it's just a thought when it comes to the amount of attention you're comfortable with receiving.
With foot wear it really depends on what exactly you will be doing. It is best to take the lightest shoes such as thong sandals in order to save space and have less weight in the bag. But if you are planning on doing a lot of hiking, boots might be something to consider.
A quick drying towel is always handy to have, as well as a micro umbrella instead of a raincoat. A medical kit consisting of an array of medications should be considered as a necessity when packing up your bag. Also bring shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and a razor.
There are many things a person can become obsessed with the idea of "needing" it when going traveling. I am known for always taking way more than I need for almost every situation I find myself in, but for this experience it's important to be careful. Off of the travel independent website this saying caught my eye and will be in the back of my mind when packing up to leave, "Lay everything out that you really want to take, halve it and take twice as much money".
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
How to Prepare for Mexico 101
With the winter weather looking like it's here to stay many people will be up and going to escape to the lovely sunshine in Mexico. Before heading on this trip there are a couple things you should consider that aren't the normal travel insurance basics. This is directed mostly towards women but some men may also find these tips useful.
First off ladies I'm not a fan of fake tanning, I find the orange glow in the middle of winter a little odd and with all the studies of long term effects to tanning it's not really worth it, BUT I've decided to make an exception. My first trip to Mexico I was stubborn and refused to fake tan so I showed up as my ghostly full blown winter self only to fry myself into a first degree burn. My skin was sore and I looked like a tomato. The best part was I burnt on the very first day so by the third day my burn started blistering and I then had water blisters on my shoulders and nose. Anyways that was pretty unpleasant for the rest of the trip. I was one of those losers wearing a T-shirt in the pool! So from now on I've decided I am pro fake tanning in preparation for a sunny vacation. Going a couple weeks before your vacation to gain a base tan will help protect your skin from a suffering a serious burn.
Another thing you must consider in a place like Mexico especially when tanning is tan lines!!! It is never good having a really strong triangle line on your chest that sticks out of all your tops and shows just how white you naturally are. The best way to avoid this dilemma is so have a good rotation of triangle tops mixed with tube tops. This way each day you tan over the area that was covered the day previous. Making sure you can take full advantage of your golden glow wearing tube dresses and halters!
First off ladies I'm not a fan of fake tanning, I find the orange glow in the middle of winter a little odd and with all the studies of long term effects to tanning it's not really worth it, BUT I've decided to make an exception. My first trip to Mexico I was stubborn and refused to fake tan so I showed up as my ghostly full blown winter self only to fry myself into a first degree burn. My skin was sore and I looked like a tomato. The best part was I burnt on the very first day so by the third day my burn started blistering and I then had water blisters on my shoulders and nose. Anyways that was pretty unpleasant for the rest of the trip. I was one of those losers wearing a T-shirt in the pool! So from now on I've decided I am pro fake tanning in preparation for a sunny vacation. Going a couple weeks before your vacation to gain a base tan will help protect your skin from a suffering a serious burn.
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| Cheers to burnt faces! |
Another thing you must consider in a place like Mexico especially when tanning is tan lines!!! It is never good having a really strong triangle line on your chest that sticks out of all your tops and shows just how white you naturally are. The best way to avoid this dilemma is so have a good rotation of triangle tops mixed with tube tops. This way each day you tan over the area that was covered the day previous. Making sure you can take full advantage of your golden glow wearing tube dresses and halters!
40 Litres
-Shoes
-Shirts
-Pants
-Shorts
-Bathing suits
-Medicine
-Hats
-Sweaters
-Underwear
-Bras
-Toiletries
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| Photo from google images |
I can see it already; all of these things sprawled across one side of the room, and my backpack on the other side looking at me in the middle as if to say, "you got to be kidding if you think that's all fitting in here". I'll probably try different organizational attempts; shoes-shirts-pants-toothbrush, shirts-shoes-pants-toothbrush. I'll probably wrestle the backpack for an hour or two expecting it to just "click" out of no where and my problems would be solved.
Unfortunately after hours, potentially days of trying to fit my life into a backpack I will give up and have to start pulling out the unnecessary items. Online you can find backpacks of all shapes and sizes all the way up to 80 litres! Clearly with the amount of things I expect to bring I immediately assumed I'd be getting the largest backpack in order to have everything I want to be happy.
How materialistic is that thinking? Bad Cally, be responsible here. I decided to do a little more research about what people consider to be the best for backpacking for months at a time. Turns out that according to the majority of travelers I would have to be absolutely nuts to bring such a large backpack, that instead I should at the absolute most be carrying a 40 litre bag. As I scrolled through hundreds of comments I started to see what everyone was saying.
You have to lug this thing around every day, it has to fit easily on planes, on crowded busses, and lockers. The larger the bag the more of a hassle running around and exploring could potentially be. There were also comments on how the smaller the bag a traveler has the less attention they draw to themselves. Which is a good thought when you're going into a new country where things like theft (especially of tourists) is common.
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| Photo from lonely planet |
So a 40 litre bag is the absolute largest I will allow myself to buy, and I will stuff it until it's bursting at the seams I am sure. As awful as it will be trying to fit my life into this small space, I know I'll be happier having less to cary around once I get there and my back will be the happiest of all.
My Adventures -- Happy New Years
This was one of the best experiences... EVER!
Why?
Well because, celebrating New Years in the Philippines is completely different than how we celebrate here in Calgary. Yes, I guess everyone has a different way of celebrating such a holiday but the way that I got to celebrate it in the Philippines was never like how we usually celebrate it here. Not only is my entire extended family in the Philippines but neighbors will come by and it's a huge feast (potluck) with so much food everywhere. You were never able to say I'm not hungry because everything was soo delicious.
The thing is in the Philippines, we have a ritual/tradition; we would take a large plate and place 12 different kinds of fruits and an extra one for good luck. Beside the plate of fruits we would place two candles on either side, a bowl of uncooked rice -- for a good harvest--, A bowl of salt, a bowl of water and a bowl of money. These were all are little ways of hoping for the best for the future and for good luck.
Not only is that different, but a bunch of light makers and fireworks are bought for the evening and for when the click hits midnight. The men would set up the fireworks in the order they wanted to set everything off just about an hour before midnight hits. Yes, it may be kind of dangerous considering there were some fireworks from the ground... But it's all done in a safe manner and in good fun.
It was beautiful to do the countdown and yell Happy New Years as the fireworks shot up and brightened our night sky. It's amazing how in the Philippines you can put on you own light show and not have to worry about it hitting other houses or going in the wrong direction.
After watching the beautiful display of fireworks... can you guess it? Yup, the karaoke is brought out... we Filipinos love karaoke. As long as we have our karaoke... we will party hard.
The party never ends till 6am the next day. I really want to go back to the Philippines just so I can re-experience the New Year feeling. In General, I hope to visit the Philippines soon again because I miss it so much and still have so much to explore. Maybe in time... when I have saved up enough money I will go. In the meantime... got to stick to school and work! (:
Why?
Well because, celebrating New Years in the Philippines is completely different than how we celebrate here in Calgary. Yes, I guess everyone has a different way of celebrating such a holiday but the way that I got to celebrate it in the Philippines was never like how we usually celebrate it here. Not only is my entire extended family in the Philippines but neighbors will come by and it's a huge feast (potluck) with so much food everywhere. You were never able to say I'm not hungry because everything was soo delicious.
The thing is in the Philippines, we have a ritual/tradition; we would take a large plate and place 12 different kinds of fruits and an extra one for good luck. Beside the plate of fruits we would place two candles on either side, a bowl of uncooked rice -- for a good harvest--, A bowl of salt, a bowl of water and a bowl of money. These were all are little ways of hoping for the best for the future and for good luck.
Not only is that different, but a bunch of light makers and fireworks are bought for the evening and for when the click hits midnight. The men would set up the fireworks in the order they wanted to set everything off just about an hour before midnight hits. Yes, it may be kind of dangerous considering there were some fireworks from the ground... But it's all done in a safe manner and in good fun.
It was beautiful to do the countdown and yell Happy New Years as the fireworks shot up and brightened our night sky. It's amazing how in the Philippines you can put on you own light show and not have to worry about it hitting other houses or going in the wrong direction.
After watching the beautiful display of fireworks... can you guess it? Yup, the karaoke is brought out... we Filipinos love karaoke. As long as we have our karaoke... we will party hard.
The party never ends till 6am the next day. I really want to go back to the Philippines just so I can re-experience the New Year feeling. In General, I hope to visit the Philippines soon again because I miss it so much and still have so much to explore. Maybe in time... when I have saved up enough money I will go. In the meantime... got to stick to school and work! (:
My Adventure-- A Wonderful Wedding
It's amazing how different a Filipino Tradition type of wedding is compared
to one here in Canada. It' obviously a big investment... but there is so much
more people involved. I guess because families in the Philippines are a lot
larger than here (or at least my family that is).
Celebrating a Filipino wedding was a true experience. My aunt was beautiful when she was getting ready for her big day. Everyone from the crack of early dawn, people were rushing around everywhere getting ready. There were a lot of us too. Let's just say... 7 uncles and 2 aunts on my mom side... you can definitely calculate the math as to how big my family is.
Most of them were in the wedding... either as bridesmaids, flower girls, flower boys and groomsmen. It was absolutely crazy... but a fun and memorable night. The reception was at an amazing venue with a swimming pool in front of the newlyweds. A color themed blue and chair covered with special catering services.
To be celebrating such an eventful day/night with my family -- Immediate and extended was wonderful because we never get to see each other on a daily basis. Just having them and a bunch of friends from the neighborhood to celebrate a wedding was great.
To end off the night.. And to please the happy drinkers who were drunk, the karaoke machine was brought out and everyone would sing till the next crack of dawn in the morning. Amazing yet tiring but super fun and memorable that night was.
Celebrating a Filipino wedding was a true experience. My aunt was beautiful when she was getting ready for her big day. Everyone from the crack of early dawn, people were rushing around everywhere getting ready. There were a lot of us too. Let's just say... 7 uncles and 2 aunts on my mom side... you can definitely calculate the math as to how big my family is.
Most of them were in the wedding... either as bridesmaids, flower girls, flower boys and groomsmen. It was absolutely crazy... but a fun and memorable night. The reception was at an amazing venue with a swimming pool in front of the newlyweds. A color themed blue and chair covered with special catering services.
To be celebrating such an eventful day/night with my family -- Immediate and extended was wonderful because we never get to see each other on a daily basis. Just having them and a bunch of friends from the neighborhood to celebrate a wedding was great.
To end off the night.. And to please the happy drinkers who were drunk, the karaoke machine was brought out and everyone would sing till the next crack of dawn in the morning. Amazing yet tiring but super fun and memorable that night was.
Philippines: Places
There are many places in the Philippines that you can visit. In this little blurb I will be talking to you about some favorite tour spots that you can visit in the Philippines. Favorites and Popular places that tourists essentially like to explore.
Some of these places however... I have not visited but since I am young I plan to in the future... to go to the different parts of the Philippines and explore these places myself.
Mall Of Asia
Typically, Manila is the busiest place in the Philippines. It is the heart of where the entertainment world opens up. But what alot of people come here for is the different malls you will find along the streets. Philippines I would say has some of the biggest malls around, certainly a lot bigger than here in Canada and the States. But Philippines has one that is pretty popular to tourists and fellow citizens.
The SM Mall of Asia is one of the biggest in the Philippines -- it is the 2nd lasrgest mall in the Philippines after SM North EDSA, it is also the 3rd largest mall in all of Asia and a crazy 4th largest around the entire world. This mall had opened in 2006 and famous celebrities around the mall typically like to go shop there.
Cebu
Cebu is where lies the beautiful beaches of the Philippines, though it is on a different island than Manila... it is worth the trip to go and visit that part of the country. I have never personally been to Cebu but everytime I hear about it, people say it's an amazing place to stay when traveling to the Philippines.
Having it's very own airport and seemingly a slightly difference in part of the culutre, Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines. With special festivals that happen each year... visiting Cebu would be a different experince than in Manila.
Boracay
If you like warm, sunny and the ocean... then Boracay is somewhere you want to go. Similar to Cebu... Boracay has beaches.. but Boracay has some of the finest and nicest beaches in the Philippines. Instead of having to take a plane to a different island... this one is closer to Manila. Beautiful sand, water and grab a nice even tan under the sun.
Baguio
Baguio is definitely a tourist spot. It's one of those places that are differnt than any other part of the Philippines. It's placed on mountains.. or really really high hills. It's different in the sense that, it is much cooler than any other part of the Philippines. It kind of feels like our warm spring/fall weather, for use it feels like nothing... for them it's pretty chilly and they require to wear jackets and pants instead of a tank and shorts. It's a nice refreshing feeling to just relax and enjoy the air in Baguio.
These are just some of the popular places many tourists always check off their list. There are so many more places in the Philippines that everyone who is anyone should go to. But for now, these are some of the main highlights to go to in the Philippines.
Some of these places however... I have not visited but since I am young I plan to in the future... to go to the different parts of the Philippines and explore these places myself.
Mall Of Asia
Typically, Manila is the busiest place in the Philippines. It is the heart of where the entertainment world opens up. But what alot of people come here for is the different malls you will find along the streets. Philippines I would say has some of the biggest malls around, certainly a lot bigger than here in Canada and the States. But Philippines has one that is pretty popular to tourists and fellow citizens.
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| Mall Of Asia (Front) -- Source: Jun Acullador
|
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| Fireoworks Competition -- Source: SQUAREROOT |
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| Giant Globe Statue -- Source: bendjsf |
The SM Mall of Asia is one of the biggest in the Philippines -- it is the 2nd lasrgest mall in the Philippines after SM North EDSA, it is also the 3rd largest mall in all of Asia and a crazy 4th largest around the entire world. This mall had opened in 2006 and famous celebrities around the mall typically like to go shop there.
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| Inside of MOA -- Source: Ced |
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| Nightniew of exterior -- Source: Thom Watson |
Cebu
Cebu is where lies the beautiful beaches of the Philippines, though it is on a different island than Manila... it is worth the trip to go and visit that part of the country. I have never personally been to Cebu but everytime I hear about it, people say it's an amazing place to stay when traveling to the Philippines.
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| Kayaking in Southwest Cebu -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/toneesworld/2901916872/ |
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| Cebu Provincial Capitol -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/taralets/2925310199/ |
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| Cebu Cathedral -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/taralets/2926397770/ |
Having it's very own airport and seemingly a slightly difference in part of the culutre, Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines. With special festivals that happen each year... visiting Cebu would be a different experince than in Manila.
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| Cebu Beach -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/baktincorporation/382540082/ |
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| Coral Reef, Cebu -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patoy/432238335/ |
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| Sinulog Festival -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalcitizen01/6733385975/ |
Boracay
If you like warm, sunny and the ocean... then Boracay is somewhere you want to go. Similar to Cebu... Boracay has beaches.. but Boracay has some of the finest and nicest beaches in the Philippines. Instead of having to take a plane to a different island... this one is closer to Manila. Beautiful sand, water and grab a nice even tan under the sun.
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| Boracay White Beach -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmarbajora/45608619/ |
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| Beach House -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobysimkin/4973865708/ |
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| Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobysimkin/4981517677/ |
Baguio
Baguio is definitely a tourist spot. It's one of those places that are differnt than any other part of the Philippines. It's placed on mountains.. or really really high hills. It's different in the sense that, it is much cooler than any other part of the Philippines. It kind of feels like our warm spring/fall weather, for use it feels like nothing... for them it's pretty chilly and they require to wear jackets and pants instead of a tank and shorts. It's a nice refreshing feeling to just relax and enjoy the air in Baguio.
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| Baguio Mountains -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ossiak/1458110139/ |
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| Baguio City -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsigharas/2083192303/ |
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| Horse Riding up the Mountains -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25667114@N06/3209647040/ |
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| Famous Lion Head ontop of one of the Mountains -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eherrera/5139129946/ |
These are just some of the popular places many tourists always check off their list. There are so many more places in the Philippines that everyone who is anyone should go to. But for now, these are some of the main highlights to go to in the Philippines.
The Vibrant Spain: Barcelona Continued
Today was by far my favorite day in Spain! We did an incredible day trip to Montserrat that I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in travelling to Barcelona.
To get to Montserrat we took an R5 train that was about an hour long ride. After this another train took us up a mountain, which dropped us off in a very small town that is built into the side of the mountain.
This little town consisted of only a few buildings, two of which a museum and a beautiful basilica. The basilica was inside a small court yard, and made entirely out of brick. Once inside, it was busy yet peaceful. A choir was a the front singing hymns, and walls were covered in intricate designs and artwork. Once back outside, near the train station, there was also an area where people set up stands to sell hand-made goods. These stands consisted of cheeses, honey, and a variety of other unique treats.
There was also two hiking paths leading up the mountain: one path was a nice walk that had lots of crucifixes along the path. This was the second path we took, and realized how much easier it was compared to the first path we chose.
The first path we took was a steep uphill climb leading to a monastery at the top of the mountain. We weren't able to find the monastery but we climbed about 1.237 miles which took us about an hour and a half. We hiked through lush trees and interesting plants, all the way having a fantastic time. The view that we saw multiple time through out the hike was unbelievable!
Once back at our hostel we ate dinner and then we took the metro to watch the famous Magic Fountains. This was a really cool show! A crowd of us gathered on steps in front of a huge fountain that changed colors and shapes, all synchronized to music. This is also an experience I would highly recommend to anyone traveling to Barcelona.
To get to Montserrat we took an R5 train that was about an hour long ride. After this another train took us up a mountain, which dropped us off in a very small town that is built into the side of the mountain.
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| Train ride up the mountain |
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| At the top there was a small town |
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| Inside of the basilica |
There was also two hiking paths leading up the mountain: one path was a nice walk that had lots of crucifixes along the path. This was the second path we took, and realized how much easier it was compared to the first path we chose.
The first path we took was a steep uphill climb leading to a monastery at the top of the mountain. We weren't able to find the monastery but we climbed about 1.237 miles which took us about an hour and a half. We hiked through lush trees and interesting plants, all the way having a fantastic time. The view that we saw multiple time through out the hike was unbelievable!
Once back at our hostel we ate dinner and then we took the metro to watch the famous Magic Fountains. This was a really cool show! A crowd of us gathered on steps in front of a huge fountain that changed colors and shapes, all synchronized to music. This is also an experience I would highly recommend to anyone traveling to Barcelona.
The Vibrant Spain: Barcelona
We are now in Barcelona, and what a fun city this is; everything about Barcelona radiates life and excitement. Also, we are in a great hostel where we are meeting all kinds of people from all over the world which is really interesting!
Today we started by going to see the Museu Picasso Museum, I think this is my favorite museum so far. As you walk through its like a timeline of Picasso's life, we read all about what Picasso did and saw the pieces of art that corresponded with that point of his life. It was also really interesting because in other museums you look at the art and know exactly what it is, you say "wow that's cool" and continue on. But, in the Museu Picasso Museum you spend time taking in the painting and figuring it out.
After the museum we saw Santa Maria del Mar, this was a beautiful cathedral! After looking around inside, we walked over to Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a very famous street in Barcelona because of its street performers lined down the sides of the street. So, we got quite a few pictures with them which was fun! Las Ramblas is also where a lot of the shopping is, so we bought a few souvenirs here.
Next, we walked down Gracias Street to see two of Gaudi's houses, both very interesting designs. I've never seen any architecture like this before, they are very artistic and creative!
After seeing Gaudi's houses we took the metro to Sangrada Familia which is a famous landmark in Barcelona. The Sangrada Familia is a huge, gorgeous cathedral that was also designed by Gaudi so it is very creative, and is actually still being built today.
But this wasn't the end of our day, next we went to a huge park called Montjuic where was walked for hours uphill through many beautiful, interesting plants. This walk provided us with so many incredible views of Barcelona and the ocean. Once we got to the top there was a big castle which was fun to explore!
Now, all of our sight seeing for the day is done and we can relax. To end this wonderful day we enjoyed a meal on Las Ramblas; two tapas, paella, and sangria. A traditional Spanish meal that was delicious!
Today we started by going to see the Museu Picasso Museum, I think this is my favorite museum so far. As you walk through its like a timeline of Picasso's life, we read all about what Picasso did and saw the pieces of art that corresponded with that point of his life. It was also really interesting because in other museums you look at the art and know exactly what it is, you say "wow that's cool" and continue on. But, in the Museu Picasso Museum you spend time taking in the painting and figuring it out.
After the museum we saw Santa Maria del Mar, this was a beautiful cathedral! After looking around inside, we walked over to Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a very famous street in Barcelona because of its street performers lined down the sides of the street. So, we got quite a few pictures with them which was fun! Las Ramblas is also where a lot of the shopping is, so we bought a few souvenirs here.
Next, we walked down Gracias Street to see two of Gaudi's houses, both very interesting designs. I've never seen any architecture like this before, they are very artistic and creative!
After seeing Gaudi's houses we took the metro to Sangrada Familia which is a famous landmark in Barcelona. The Sangrada Familia is a huge, gorgeous cathedral that was also designed by Gaudi so it is very creative, and is actually still being built today.
But this wasn't the end of our day, next we went to a huge park called Montjuic where was walked for hours uphill through many beautiful, interesting plants. This walk provided us with so many incredible views of Barcelona and the ocean. Once we got to the top there was a big castle which was fun to explore!
Now, all of our sight seeing for the day is done and we can relax. To end this wonderful day we enjoyed a meal on Las Ramblas; two tapas, paella, and sangria. A traditional Spanish meal that was delicious!
The Romantic Paris Continued
Today was another very busy day! We woke up nice and early to fit in the Louvre, the Notre Dame, Montmartre, and Moulin Rouge. All fantastic experiences.
We got to the Louvre just after opening, which is a perfect time to get there. We barely had to wait in line and inside was not crowed at all. First, we went straight to the Mona Lisa, it was quite a bit smaller than I expected but very cool to see. After we walked through the Italian paintings, and then through the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts. Next, we walked through the French paintings, and downstairs to see the sphinx and Aphrodite. After seeing those, we headed over to see Napoleon's coronation painting which is amazing. Something I found really interesting was: he crowned himself, and at first it showed this in the painting, but Napoleon did not like it this way so he got it changed to make it look like someone else is crowning him. If you look very closely you can still see the outline of where his face was first painted. By now it was about 12:00 and getting very busy and crowded so we decided to leave to go see the Notre Dame.
The Notre Dame was also a fantastic building to be able to see in person. The entire building was very Gothic, and finely detailed. We decided not to go inside, although I'm sure the inside would be just as incredible.
As we walked back to the metro we crossed a bridge, this bridge is covered in locks locked onto the short, chain link walls of the bridge. These are locks that lovers write their initials on, and then lock it to the bridge, and throw the key into the water below.
After taking the metro to Place de Clichy we walked to Montmartre. Here, we weaved through a cramped market to a very large hill. At the top of this hill is Basilique du Sacre Coeur, a beautiful domed building built in 1873 from contributions pledged by Parisian Catholics as an act of remorse after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871. Right in front of the Basilique du Sacre Coeur were some incredible street performers doing dance routines, this was fun to watch!
After a nap and a shower at our hostel we went to see a show at the Moulin Rouge! It was definitely a different type of show than what I was expecting to see, but either way still amazing. The costumes, dancing, and singing were all incredible; but, I did not expect to see so much nudity! I guess it makes sense since it used to be a strip club, so we saw the type of show that would've been put on when it first opened, just not what Clerissa and I were expecting.
Although it wasn't what we expected, this was still a very good show and a great way to spend our last night in Paris!
We got to the Louvre just after opening, which is a perfect time to get there. We barely had to wait in line and inside was not crowed at all. First, we went straight to the Mona Lisa, it was quite a bit smaller than I expected but very cool to see. After we walked through the Italian paintings, and then through the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts. Next, we walked through the French paintings, and downstairs to see the sphinx and Aphrodite. After seeing those, we headed over to see Napoleon's coronation painting which is amazing. Something I found really interesting was: he crowned himself, and at first it showed this in the painting, but Napoleon did not like it this way so he got it changed to make it look like someone else is crowning him. If you look very closely you can still see the outline of where his face was first painted. By now it was about 12:00 and getting very busy and crowded so we decided to leave to go see the Notre Dame.
The Notre Dame was also a fantastic building to be able to see in person. The entire building was very Gothic, and finely detailed. We decided not to go inside, although I'm sure the inside would be just as incredible.
As we walked back to the metro we crossed a bridge, this bridge is covered in locks locked onto the short, chain link walls of the bridge. These are locks that lovers write their initials on, and then lock it to the bridge, and throw the key into the water below.
After taking the metro to Place de Clichy we walked to Montmartre. Here, we weaved through a cramped market to a very large hill. At the top of this hill is Basilique du Sacre Coeur, a beautiful domed building built in 1873 from contributions pledged by Parisian Catholics as an act of remorse after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871. Right in front of the Basilique du Sacre Coeur were some incredible street performers doing dance routines, this was fun to watch!
After a nap and a shower at our hostel we went to see a show at the Moulin Rouge! It was definitely a different type of show than what I was expecting to see, but either way still amazing. The costumes, dancing, and singing were all incredible; but, I did not expect to see so much nudity! I guess it makes sense since it used to be a strip club, so we saw the type of show that would've been put on when it first opened, just not what Clerissa and I were expecting.
Although it wasn't what we expected, this was still a very good show and a great way to spend our last night in Paris!
The Romantic Paris
Well, the day we spent trying to get to Paris was a day to forget, but our first day enjoying Paris was definitely a day to remember. We woke up bright and early to do a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, and then get back early enough to see some of Paris's most popular sights. It was incredible!
We took the metro to an RER train, this would take us almost directly to the palace. On this train a couple of men began performing; one on a saxophone, the other on an accordion. Not something we get to enjoy when taking the c-train in Calgary. The train ride was about an hour long and then we only had to walk a short ways to get to the Palace of Versailles.
The palace was amazing! It was huge, and so beautiful and detailed. Every where you looked there was art; even the ceilings were covered in the most intricate, beautiful art I'd ever seen. There was gold everywhere, and finely detailed sculptures in every direction you looked.
We then headed to the gardens, which were also massive and incredible. It felt like we were weaving through a never-ending maze where, at some points, you'd find yourself in little sanctuaries. These sanctuaries had beautiful sculptures, fountains, and benches. We also stayed for the "Musical Fountain Show", which was pretty much just turning on all the fountains and turning classical music on very loudly.
After seeing everything we could see at the Palace of Versailles, we headed back to the train and took it to the Tower Eiffel Station. From here we walked to the Arc de Triomphe, which is incredible to see up close, it has carvings all over it. Apparently, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, however it remained unfinished when he started losing, but was eventually finished.
Afterwards, we walked down store front streets and did a bit of shopping, and then stopped for dinner at a little side street cafe. This is where we indulged in the best crepe I've ever eaten, it was literally heaven in my mouth. Once we finished, we made our way over to the Eiffel Tower. 693 steps later we were on the second level in time for the sunset. It was a spectacular view of both the city and the sunset. By the time we got back down to the bottom it was a lit up, and at random points sparkling white lights would dance all over the tower.
It was a fantastic way to end an incredible day!
We took the metro to an RER train, this would take us almost directly to the palace. On this train a couple of men began performing; one on a saxophone, the other on an accordion. Not something we get to enjoy when taking the c-train in Calgary. The train ride was about an hour long and then we only had to walk a short ways to get to the Palace of Versailles.
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The palace was amazing! It was huge, and so beautiful and detailed. Every where you looked there was art; even the ceilings were covered in the most intricate, beautiful art I'd ever seen. There was gold everywhere, and finely detailed sculptures in every direction you looked.
 |
We then headed to the gardens, which were also massive and incredible. It felt like we were weaving through a never-ending maze where, at some points, you'd find yourself in little sanctuaries. These sanctuaries had beautiful sculptures, fountains, and benches. We also stayed for the "Musical Fountain Show", which was pretty much just turning on all the fountains and turning classical music on very loudly.
After seeing everything we could see at the Palace of Versailles, we headed back to the train and took it to the Tower Eiffel Station. From here we walked to the Arc de Triomphe, which is incredible to see up close, it has carvings all over it. Apparently, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, however it remained unfinished when he started losing, but was eventually finished.
Afterwards, we walked down store front streets and did a bit of shopping, and then stopped for dinner at a little side street cafe. This is where we indulged in the best crepe I've ever eaten, it was literally heaven in my mouth. Once we finished, we made our way over to the Eiffel Tower. 693 steps later we were on the second level in time for the sunset. It was a spectacular view of both the city and the sunset. By the time we got back down to the bottom it was a lit up, and at random points sparkling white lights would dance all over the tower.
It was a fantastic way to end an incredible day!
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