Paris will always feel like a dream.
Ever since my first flight to Paris, I've been waiting for the next time I'll get to see this beautiful city again. Little did I know, that the universe would make it possible for Paris to come around again, and that I will be doing the flight with one of my best friends.
It's funny because it's really not the easiest feat to fly with a friend, despite working in the same airline. The chances are so limited, and options to change flights always comes with a price. So when both Liting and I shared our rosters and realised that we both have Paris on the same month, different dates, we thought, "hey, let's try our luck" and God bless that girl who agreed to swap flights with Liting, and gave both of us something amazing to look forward to.
It's Liting's first time in Paris so going to the Eiffel Tower was at the top of our list of things to do. Honestly, at this point, I didn't even care what our itinerary is like, I'm just so thankful that I get to be there with someone who feels so much like home. It's really so different flying with Liting, it almost doesn't feel like work at all.
So right after touching down in Paris, without any sleep, we wasted no time and started our day of sightseeing! This bunch are such troopers though, full of energy and were up for anything. I'm so thankful we were blessed with such a great set of crew, made this trip way more fun than I've ever expected it to be. Liting and I are so lucky to have each other, but Paris wouldn't be as fun without these great bunch.
Started our day at Arc De Triomphe.
It's crazy how many people were there with the same intention as well. Probably first timers to Paris, trying to make the most out of the iconic places and create memories to remember.
These photos were taken in the middle of the road, with cars driving past us, threatening our lives but little do we care, because it's probably the best place to get a great shot right in front of the Arc De Triomphe. A little dangerous but just a teeny bit of adrenaline wouldn't hurt now, would it?
Our next stop was to see the Eiffel Tower, which was probably one of the highlight of the day. I wore a light denim jacket over nothing but a camisole beneath it- for a 12-degree weather. Probably not the brightest idea. The weather in Paris at that time was rather erratic, it rained for a while in the afternoon, ruining our chances of a good photo with a clear blue sky.
It's crazy, but somehow not even the rain could dampen our mood. We were still going at it despite the light drizzle but once it started pouring, everybody started to vacate the open area for some shelter. We took that as a chance to get ourselves warm in a nice little cafe, with some hot chocolate to keep us warm.
Matchy-matchy with my girl because why not, right?
So my dear Liting had this idea of us dancing along to 'Paris' by The Chainsmokers in front of the Eiffel Tower so this was how this cute video came about. Of course one take isn't enough, but I like them both anyway. Thought we looked pretty cute.
When the rain subsided, we made our way to Musee Du Louvre. In there lies the painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. Personally, I've always wanted to visit the museum not only to take beautiful pictures with its brilliant exterior architecture but also because I wanted to see the painting with my own eyes. Sadly, the queue is always way too long and the limited time I have in Paris didn't provide much allowance for us to complete our list of things to see in Paris. Perhaps one day when I'm there with Luke, I'll be sure to spend an entire day to go to all the renowned museums that I've always wanted to see.
That concludes what we did on the first day right after touching down in Paris. Thinking about the things we did that day just makes me wonder how the hell do we do all that without having enough sleep. And the best part is that we commuted by train the whole time, no cabs, no ubers, just lots of self-navigating using Google Map and the use of public transport.
The next day, we decided to let it be a day of shopping. Amazing how I kept my self-control in check at La Fayette and didn't get anything crazy or impulsive despite the temptation being in every corner I turn. Liting and I decided to get cute souvenirs for dearest Celene, who wasn't able to be there with us. It's always been the three of us, so it feels different if either of us were missing from the equation.
Paris reminds me of Gossip Girl because of Blair Waldorf. She has a deep appreciation for old Hollywood, loves Audrey Hepburn and everything about Paris. Her favourite dessert are macarons, from LadurΓ©e especially. And Paris is the best place to get macarons, so naturally, I couldn't resist myself.
After spending a couple hours in the shopping area, we decided to give Pigalle a visit. It was raining lightly when we arrived, but all was worth it when we arrived at our destination. One of the guys in my set has an interest in photography and he was the one who got to know about this basketball court in Pigalle that's famous for the vibrant colours the court was painted in- almost making it look more like a life-size art piece instead of an actual basketball court. I was so impressed.
Liting and I got back pretty early that day because we wanted to rest a little more in the hotel before checking out the next day. Two whole days of heading out consecutively without having proper rest was taking a toll on our bodies. It was nice though, Liting bunked in with me throughout the layover so we literally stuck together throughout the whole flight. At first sharing a room with someone else felt a little unfamiliar because I'm so used to having the hotel room all to myself, never having to share.
However, it really didn't take long for me to get used to having Liting around. She sleeps so well it's incredible. I woke up at 3am both nights because my body's just not getting used to the time, but damn, this girl can sleep. It's almost amusing to me how I'd make so much noise in the middle of the night whenever I use the washroom but that still wouldn't wake her up.
We watched a couple episodes of a K-drama together while she's having cup noodles and I'd be painting my nails for flight the next day- it felt so much like a sleepover at your best friend's.
After that flight, it felt kinda weird not having Liting around but I'm so thankful we had a chance to do this flight together. Our first time flying together, in the city of lights that is Paris. What more can we ask for?
Anyway, I know this post came in a tad too late. It was fun reminiscing the times we had while writing this though, brought back such lovely memories. It's already December now, how time flies.
I'll be back again real soon with another post, since I'm having quite a bit of time off from work now after coming back from a 10-day flight. Can't wait to write again!
Till then.
Love,
Ashhy
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