Trip Report- Fantastic 5 nights in Paris

Old Oct 6th, 2013, 05:20 AM
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Trip Report- Fantastic 5 nights in Paris

Hello everyone,
This past June, I and my sibling embarked on our first ever trip to Europe on our own much to our family's trepidation (I'm 24 and she's 16). We spent 17 days between Italy (Rome, Florence and Venice) and Paris. I'm a little obsessive-compulsive by nature so before going I did a ton of research about places in each city. All the travel tips I gathered from Fodor's and other travel forums really helped us have the best possible experience. By the end of the trip, I promised myself I would write exhaustive reports however long it'd take. It did take me quite a while indeed, but I'm well on my way to finish them all.

So, after 12 days in Italy (you can read my Italy trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-complete.cfm) we had 5 more days to explore Paris. 5 days in Paris mean absolutely nothing, but thanks to the weather (for the most part) and a lot of walking, we managed to get to know Paris in an intimate way and enjoyed it immensely. I used to live in New York and had this silly thought that it's the best city in the world, but after Paris I've started to have a second thought and would move there in a heartbeat Anyway, below are the links where I write in depth about where we went and what we did in each day (day 4 & 5 coming soon) along with photos

http://www.theconfuseddasher.com/201...s-trip-report/

http://www.theconfuseddasher.com/201...y-trip-report/

Hope it's marginally helpful for everyone who will be visiting Paris soon (you're really lucky). If you have any question, let me know. I'm happy to answer to the best of my ability. Enjoy!
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 05:38 AM
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The format of your TR and your stunning photos are a great addition to Fodors and will definitely lure more visitors to Paris. We have been there many times and have taken and viewed thousands upon thousands of photos. Yours are right up there with the best we've seen.
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 06:32 AM
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@TPAYT: thank you for your kind words. I was lucky to purchase my first DSLR a few months before the trip and thus had some time to practice. Now the goal in life is to be like you-- visit Paris over and over and over again
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 11:13 AM
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Love this!
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 12:11 PM
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TTT Great photos!
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 12:29 PM
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Wow, what great photos. What camera/lens were you using?
Thanks for posting!
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 12:32 PM
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I agree with the others; wonderful images.
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 01:44 PM
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Hi Confused20s,

Thanks so much for the great presentation. For a young person, you have really captured the allure of Paris, minus its commercial (read: shopping only) aspects. Your younger sister seems like a trooper. I am sure that you both with recall this trip with fondness in the years to come.

And your photos are spectacular. Wishing you many more trips abroad…
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 02:24 PM
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Wonderful report and outstanding photography. Thanks.
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 02:43 PM
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Loved your report and style! And the photos I am glad i Use a cane and got to take the elevator to the top of the Arc!!
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 04:45 PM
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Thanks everyone for your kind words. Some of the friends I met in Italy warned us of Parisians' unfriendliness but our actual experience told us otherwise. That along with the wonderful beauty of the city certainly made for unforgettable memories. Paris is one of the cities that every traveler has to visit at least once, in my opinion.

Anyway, I used Nikon D5100 with standard lens (18-55) and fixed lens (50mm f1.8). I have to admit that this time I was a little bit too focused on taking pictures everywhere that sometimes I forgot to being in the present and just observe and enjoy the city. Oh well...
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Old Oct 6th, 2013, 05:10 PM
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Great trip report and photos!
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 03:30 AM
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Thought I'd give the thread a final update. So, I'm finally done with my trip report after 4 months since returning from Paris. Writing and sharing what I experienced were very enjoyable, but I definitely underestimated how time-consuming it would be It felt good to finish, but weird at the same time because now there's nothing left to write. Meaning the trip is really behind us, and when the next trip is remains to be seen. Here are the last two reports to complete my original post.

A day in Versailles:
http://www.theconfuseddasher.com/201...de-versailles/

Last day in Paris:
http://www.theconfuseddasher.com/201...-day-in-paris/

Enjoy
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 04:43 AM
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What a wonderful report! The pictures are simply the next best thing to a trip to Paris.
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 05:52 AM
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Bravo! I loved your report and seeing Paris through your eyes and spirit! It brought back visions of my first trip which sadly took me many more years to accomplish than your mere 24!

Your pictures were also visually stimulating, memory provoking and the last shot of the Eiffel Tower is chilling, in all her colors!

Merci...
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 08:02 AM
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Very interesting report, but there is so much more to see -- away from the crowds. You'll have to return.
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 02:23 PM
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I can't believe that you only got the camera just before the trip...the photos are extraordinary and the writing as well. Thank you for sharing. Somehow I am missing the arrival in Paris..I am going now back to the Italy part..I love this report.
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 03:10 PM
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I don't know anything about cameras or photography but yiur photos are gorgeous!

And, let's see I also wasn't as impressed by the Pantheon in Paris as I exoected to be AND i hate the
Champs Elysee and the big LV megastore.

Sounds like you all had a great trip!,,
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 05:41 PM
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Gorgeous photos! I remember your Italy reports and they were great too. What lenses are you using???
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Old Nov 3rd, 2013, 05:43 PM
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Oh, hold the phone, I see you've already answered the lens question. Thanks!
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