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 ;) 

Venice "the maze"

No matter where you are, the Italians definitely know about fashion. Walking the streets of Venice is such a show. No matter the age, sex, or social status, they have a special style of which I am envious. If I thought that hipsters knew how to dress in KC, this is way above our heads. 

Venice has been so good to me. Except my arrival. I made a quick stop in Pisa to do the touristy stuff and see the Leaning Tower. The rain didn't ruin it for me, but it sure made it more difficult since I was carrying a 30lb bag and wearing TOMs. Not smart of me. 

I literally made it to my train to Venice half a minute before departure. Once I got to Venice, I got off the train at the wrong station, so of course the directions to my hostel were making no sense. Bursting out my GPS, I realized that I was 6 kms away. Haha! That hike was not going to happen. After rude customer service since I spoke to the guy in English (I refuse to admit that I speak English so that I can try harder to learn the language), I jumped into a train that would take me to the right place. 

Venice streets are magical, but also a freaking maze! The cheap wine and small plates make up for the hassle. I would stop at an Osteria to grab some prosecco, spritz or vino rosso everytime I would get lost. It was a perfect way to find myself on the map, but by noon I would already feel the Venice happiness in my veins, so I would either get more lost, or not even care anymore. 

Also, I learned a few tricks while walking the streets of this beautiful city. It costs 1.50€ to use the public restroom... so instead, I find an osteria that is tucked in between the streets (those are the best), pay 0.85€ for a glass of their red house wine, and use their toilette. If it's too early, grab a coffee for 1€ and do the same. Everytime, the bathroom was cleaner than the public ones anyways. Another trick for backpackers is to not have a seat down dinner. They charge fees over fees for that and you are stuck with one dish. Instead, hop around the local spots for tapas style dishes that run between 1-4€. That gives you a chance to try more things, and mingle with the bartender and other locals. A local recommended the Campo Santa Margharita area. Also, I found great local spots (where my new American friend and I were the only tourists) in the Santa Croce area. Walk the streets without being afraid to get lost. Seems like every turn is a new adventure. 

Yesterday was a tough day. I got lost pretty bad, tourist were annoying me, the rain had my shoes soaking wet, and my phone went for a swim in the toilet. What else could go wrong? I had to stop, take a step back and look at the big picture. I was in freaking Venice!!! Who cares??? So, I went on a shopping spree for Italian shoes and make up, and it solved the issue. Of course I lost the shopping bag later and went around the city tracking it down, but I found it! Don't judge. It was between shopping or eating gelatto, and my waistline could not take the hit anymore, so my wallet had to. 

Speaking of waistlines. What do Italians do to keep the levels of obessity so low? Seriously! With so much food and drinking, you would think that Italians would be rolling all over the place, but that is not the case at all. We are definitely doing something wrong in the US. 

Last and not least... I quickly have learned that making eye contact with a man in Italy is dangerous. It is not to be done, unless you are flirting. Will not disclose the stories that this has created. Lesson learned. Moving on. 

Dani G.