Light of the world

by Amrita Chatterjee (India)

I didn't expect to find France

Light of the world - Paris Trip This fascinating city compels me to name the title of this write up as ‘Light of the world’ as being there will make one see the world at one glance when standing at the top of the Eiffel tower! It was a great feeling to arrive in Paris and see the city of light – a modern city with a very deep sense of history. I will never forget when I first drove through, passing the canals and seeing the monuments. It was like a huge open-air museum. It was love at first sight for me in 2015. I got this opportunity from my fashion institute - as a college trip to the fashion capital. DAY 1: Arrive in mid morning and after checking in at the hotel went to see the Army Museum. It was a beautiful museum and properly laid out, but of course my favorite was the Tomb of Napaleon. It is indeed very beautiful and interesting to see. Went back to the hotel and put on heavier jacket it was cold and decided to see Arch de triomphe. We used the elevator to go to the top. The view from the top was breathtaking. There was little platform were a lot of people poses for a picture since it has the view of the Eiffel tower in the background. Day 2: We headed to the Notre Dame that morning, walk around the grounds for a bit take pictures and just enjoy the grounds filled with lovely and lively crowds. The lines were long but it does move very fast. And again more picture taking inside the lovely cathedral. Day 3 : This is Eiffel tower day. Since i was aware that there was a lift problem we try to get there early before the ticket office opens up. And " Oh my" looks like all the tourist in Paris was thinking the same way i did. The lines were very long and it was really slow as in really slow. It was already 2 in the afternoon when i get the ticket and waited about another half an hour to get to the elevator. It is better to take pictures on the second floor because it was not so crowded. The summit with all the people going up there gets very cramp. But it was worth once we we're up there. Next stop Louvre they have late closing on Friday so we headed there. We already made up our mind to see just the Monalisa and stayed for another hour more after seeing the painting. The room was crowded and why not the famous lady is there. Tiny painting though compared to the other massive paintings in the room. Since it was starting to get dark we headed to see the tower lit at night. Day 4 (Last Day): Arrive midday at the castle, All visitors with the museum pass and with other tickets have one line and have to go through the security. After passing security get a audio guide which was free and head inside the castle. Versailles was breathtaking! Just go there and see for yourselves if it is in your plan to visit the castle. It is not hard to look for even if it is outside Paris. Paris is always packed with tourists, but this time its streets were almost empty. I just loved its picturesque streets filled with small cute stores, cafes and restaurants. This trip surely made an impact on heart like no other, the mesmerizing moments that I’ll ever look back!