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Why Paris is my city of Play: a semi-Photographic Essay

January 19, 2014 by Jean Holy Smithereens 8 Comments

Ask anyone to describe the streets of Paris in one word, and chances are you will get either of these 2 answers:

Romantic

or

Dirty

We spent quite a lot of time walking the streets of Paris. And I can say that I’ve gotten to know the streets of this city past first base.

Paris: is it Dirty or Romantic? Or dirty and romantic? Location: Montmarte
Paris: is it Dirty or Romantic? Or dirty and romantic? Location: Montmarte

From afar, Paris looks congested and grey. But Paris to me is a city that is more beautiful when experienced at a more in-depth level, and not just seen.

First base would be to experience it in a romantic splendour. And it did happen to me. That moment I first glimpsed the Eiffel Tower up close- the inevitable cliche of my breath being taken away truly happened.

But more than the pretty landmarks, I enjoyed playing in the streets of Paris. Yes, it is a romantic city. And yes, parts of it are dirty. Many times the streets reeked of piss and alcohol. But that’s how I got past first base. When I learned and accepted that Paris is both a city of beauty and reality.

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The reality of Paris allows you to dance

I love how you can get lost and revel in the streets’ beauty one moment, and be guarded and streetsmart the next.

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Marching in front of the Louvre

When we first set foot in the city at Champs-Elysees, I was greeted by 2 young girls asking me to sign for the society of hearing impaired children in France (or something like that). I read the folder presented to me, and Zombie watched the 2 girls like a hawk. I kept my hands to my bag too. And the girls just left. I didn’t lose anything, but I soon learned that it’s a popular modus operandi targeting tourists.

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on the way to Sacre Coeur

Same in Montmarte where, as we made our way to the Sacre Coeur, a group of men cheerfully greeted us, all carrying colourful strings and asking us to loop our hands inside the string. “It’s a magic trick!”, they say with a mischievous grin.

This one is pretty obvious. It doesn’t take rocket science for anyone to assume that the only magic trick happening in there would be your money disappearing. Who would readily volunteer to have their wrists semi-handcuffed and held by a stranger?

Jaywalking in style. Paris.
Jaywalking in style. Paris.

Having said all those close encounters above though, I found Paris to be such a huge playground. Yes, PLAY is my word for Paris. It’s not Romantic. It’s not Dirty.

It’s Playful.

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Paris Playground
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Dog-friendly city, Paris is!
streets of paris
crossing the streets in Paris

Play. Paris plays hot and cold where one block  you could be vigilantly crossing the street just like any other citizen. (oh please do watch out for the cars!) And the next moment, you are basking in the playful atmosphere.

And there’s just something about the streets that despite some days being cold and rainy, it still manages to beckon and make you come out to play.

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rain, rain don’t go away. I’ll catch up with you and play. Vendome Place at Park Hyatt Vendome

We encountered a street rally in Malesherbes one day. It was civilised , and I never found out what they were fighting for, but they were surely passionate about it.

a rally in Maleseherbes
a rally in Maleseherbes
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Paris Metro: Keep your wits about you

I found that the key to enjoying Paris is striking that balance between play and reality. The Paris Metro for example, while it offers the most convenient way to get around the city, is also a place to keep your wits about you.

And whoever said that the Eiffel tower is for lovers probably has lost that wonderful sense of being a child.

Because the Eiffel Tower (and its surrounds), certainly made a kid out of me.

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The Eiffel tower (and a disapproving man) most probably tsk-tsked at this antic

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and in the grounds surrounding the Eiffel Tower lies this most ordinary looking carousel.

But its a carousel next to the Eiffel Tower! The bright lights called out to me, and when I lined up to purchase a token, the man in the booth scanned his eyes around (and below) me to see where the child is.

And that’s just the thing about Paris. It’s romantic, dirty, and magical. And knowing that Paris is a city that is a mixture of those, then she will start to play with you.

Let’s take as a last example, this grand majestic door somewhere in Marais. It’s such an ornate and romantic (there’s that word again) backdrop.

It is very tempting to descrribe just as what you see of it in first glance: a grand, ornate romantic door…

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a grand and ornate door in Marais

But is it, really?

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 Now on to you: WHAT IS YOUR WORD FOR PARIS?

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Filed Under: Europe, Paris, Travels

About Jean Holy Smithereens

Jean is a lover of luxury travel and adventure, always looking for that "Holy Smithereens"-inducing moment on her travels. Follow the blog and other social media pages of Holy Smithereens to get the ultimate travel ideas for the luxurious adventurer!

Comments

  1. DJ Yabis | Dream Euro Trip says

    January 30, 2014 at 4:20 am

    HAHA. My first impression was dirty and didn’t really like it on my first trip there. But it grew on me after my next trips 😀

    I WANT MY OWN BABAE SA BINTANA PHOTO.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      January 30, 2014 at 1:52 pm

      Hi DJ! it was my first 2 times — I’m probably lucky or because I didnt really set any expectations. I wish to go again and again to test and see if it still
      holds the same impression on me. Some metro stations though, ayayay.. 🙂
      Haha sige do the babae sa bintana and I will harana you 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tessy says

    May 16, 2014 at 10:51 am

    WOOOW that looks good! You should have stayed at the shangri la in Paris sooo beautiful and the Eiffel tower is right at yo balcony!.. Oh my gosh you made me want to go there now! Av always imagined Paris looking good at night!..

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      May 18, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      Yes Paris is really magical at night 🙂 And the Shangri-la is in my list to stay at in the future , excellent location!

      Reply
  3. Escape Hunter says

    October 12, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    If you’re doing those jump-shots alone… I hope no-one runs away with tour camera.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      October 15, 2014 at 8:41 am

      Haha don’t worry I won’t do that alone 🙂

      Reply
  4. Dulce says

    March 11, 2016 at 2:35 am

    I was there for 5 days and stayed in a flat of my friends in laws. From my memory it was a beautiful city but really really expensive. We went to see Versailles Palace which was really grand, took the Seine river cruise and got the chance to see the top of the Eiffel Tower. Would like to visit again soon

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      March 12, 2016 at 1:55 am

      Sounds like a wonderful visit! I wasn’t able to really see outside of Paris like Versailles. I need to return for a longer visit!
      Yes the Seine river cruise is a must 🙂

      Reply

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