A Paris dream comes true

Bonjour Paris!! 

So beautiful and full of energy. A city where love is truly on the air. 

I know I travel solo, but during my planning, I remembered that in NYE I asked my mom what was her wish for 2015, and she told me that she wanted to go to Paris. For years, she had always told me that things would get better and we would both make a trip to Paris one day. Of course I would laugh then as it sounded very hard to do. Well, this was the time! On the spare of the moment, I booked her flight to meet me up in Europe for a week. Seeing her at the airport in Paris with her backpack and big smile was priceless!! Our dream had come true!! 

Of course it was a little challenging to adapt to travel with someone else, as going solo is different, but she was open to anything. I am glad she was because we went through a lot of things that were completely off schedule, but will forever be remembered! 

Our AirBnB apartment was in a perfect location where the Eiffel Tower could be seen from the window. We were walking distance from the tower and bars (coffee shops) that were incredibly good and not turisty at all. The con is that not many people spoke English or Spanish, but mimic was our specialty.

I lost count on how many crepes we ate, but I do remember us walking 15 miles one day, so I am okay wih that. On Easter Sunday, we attended mass at the Cathedrale Notre Dame. It was a beautiful experience. When we arrived, there was a very long line to get in the church for the tour, but noticed a sign that indicated the entrance for mass. It was the same door towards the same location, so we went through that entrance inmediately, looked around the church and then sat down for Easter Mass. Great trick to know if you are up for the challenge of going to mass on a foreign language. It was beautiful and it saved us from waiting in line. 

The next day we had reservations for lunch at the Eiffer Tower. I tried to book a trip up to the tower but they were sold out online. The cost was € 20, and noticed that there was a restaurant called 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor that would serve lunch for € 40 a person. That would grant you access to the tower as well. That is exactly what I did. As we arrived to the tower, noticed a long line to get up there, but we walked right to the front with our reservation and were granted inmediate access. We had a fantastic lunch overlooking Paris and then went up the tower. Definitely recommend that to anyone visiting Paris. 

Another tip for your trip to Paris is the 2 or 3 day Paris Pass (we got the 2 day for € 42. This is sold by the Visitor's Office and it grants you access to over 50 museums in Paris, including the top ones. Not only that, but you also do not have to stand in line and walk right up. No time to waste when in Paris! 

One thing mom really wanted to check out was the Moulin Rouge. Wow!! What a show!! Definitely book ahead of time. It was pricey as we got a package that included a guided Paris tour at night, entrance tickets and transportation. Well worth it. Prepare for some champagne and topless dancers. (P.S. This is the only place my mom did not "check-in" on Facebook). 

We witnessed the most beautiful sunsets in Paris and fell in love with the city. I am guilty for doubting that we would ever be together in Paris. To be honest, I cannot believe that we were there! I learned that I need to have more faith and trust the plan that He has for us. While watching the Eiffel light up at the top of the hour at night, I felt like God was telling me, "In your face!!! See what I can do??". Incredible. 

Sad news: Pizza should never be eaten with wine.

."Strangers are just friends that you haven't met". 

Great quote hung on the wall of my AirBnB room in Florence. After reviews, I decided to give AirBnB a try, and what a great experience it was. Traveling alone is a rolling coaster because sometimes you might really crave a connection with someone just to exchange thoughts and opinions and other you are just grateful to be alone getting to connect with yourself. After some research, I found Savino on AirBnB. He is a young Italian man who has been opening the doors of his home to adventorous souls from around the world who add Florence to their travel list. What a great host! He met me at the train station, and I must say that it was such a relieve, specially after my lovely wet and long experience in Venice. With a warm heart and welcoming smile, Savino welcomes travelers and makes them feel right at home. 

On the first night his friends came over and we all had delicious pizza before heading out to dance. They were all very friendly, welcoming and at times I would forget that we had just met an hour ago. Language was never a barrier, in fact a couple of them liked practicing their Spanish and English with me, while I absolutely enjoyed listening to them speak in Italian as I am trying to catch words. "So, you are Mexican and live in the US, so you definitely can twerk, right?". Exactly the words of Lorenzo. If there was a question about it before, it was clear now that we felt confortable with each other. 

Florenze was wonderful. The city was not what I expected at all. My expectations were too low compared to what this city has to offer. It's magical, fun, beautiful, and safe. 

I refuse to stand in long lines for museums, but meeting Michelangelo's David was a must. After an hour standing in line, David and I met. As soon as I snap a picture of him... my camera dies. If you remember, at this point I dont have a cell phone, so it was just me, David and my intentions to take in every breath of the experience to see him live as most likely I was not going to get a picture with him. Before walking away, a light bulb went off.  My iPad!!! With 8% of battery and a terrible camera, I got a shot with this masterpiece that represents triumph in the most humble and courageous way. 

A few hours and a hike from hell uphill later, I got to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets. I am a freak about sunsets, and this one has definitely topped off all of the others I have chased. 

At that point, nothing could ruin the day... except getting on a bus that was going the opposite direction, and getting to a point where the bus driver turned off the bus and got off along with everyone else in the middle of nowhere. Yep! That happened. I freaked out for two seconds. Then decided that the smart thing was to wait inside the bus for something to happen. 30 mins later the driver came back and we departed again. Ugh! Walking home from the train station, when I though the day was over, the unmistaken beat of salsa music was coming from one of the buildings. What do I do? Of course I go inside to investigate. Sure enough, there was some kind of latin party going on! We really are everywhere! I sat there for a few minutes to enjoy the music, but after a guy's request to have his baby, I left. Can't be more random. That was a great day. 

Savino marked my map with great places to eat at, so my second day in Florence was all about hitting the right spots for the famous salami from Florence and gelato, of course! 

Tracie, the American girl that I met in Venice, happened to be in Florence so of course we hung out, met a friend of a friend and "cogliere l'attimo". 

I must mention that on the third day, I nailed my way back home on the bus! 

Ciao! 

Dani G. 

P.S. Kuddos to Savino for even having a really cute friend ;)