I decided to come to Paris just for one night by train to see a show that a friend of mine did choreography for. However, as friends of mine told me all about the great times they have had here, I decided to change my travel plans to allow me to be here for two days (or technically a day and a half) to explore the city more.
When I first arrived at Hotel d’Albion, I was completely in love with the place. It’s a small hotel (I’ve only seen two women working here the entire time…front desk, maid, breakfast waitress, etc). It’s a lovely place, and I would highly recommend it (and their fabulous breakfast). Upon checking in and unpacking, I took a stroll down to see the Arc de Triomphe, which is a famous landmark…but all I could think about was that flashback scene in Casablanca. After that, it was time to see my friend’s show.
The Crazy Horse has been operating in Paris since 1952, and although I have seen routines from it on video before, seeing it in person was extraordinary. My seat was right in the front row, and it was a great night. The music was great, the dance routines ranged from comedic to ballet to mass musical…and it had great music and great lighting effects. One of their routines was actually recreated in the Christina Aguilera film “Burlesque,” so you can get an idea of what it’s like by watching this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDPR5EoYqOs
It’s a show that is constantly evolving (adding routines, etc), so if I am ever back in Paris I will definitely go again. Jazz music, funny routines and creative dance routines? Count me in!
Thanks to a couple of friends with know-how, I was able to cover a lot of ground the 2nd (and final) day. Of course, I headed straight for the Eiffel Tower. When I got there, it was pouring rain. I was warned to not bother going up to the top of the tower (it’s a lot of money and a huge wait), so I just walked around the park…during a downpour. So…that was the Eiffel Tower. Eh. I then went to the Louvre museum, but I am saving that for its own post (it deserves it).
My final stop was the Cathedral of Notre Dame. I’m so glad I did that. I didn’t go inside (the line was WAY too long and it was getting to be the end of the day), but the outside and park was very beautiful. The river a few blocks away was so peaceful and just seemed to epitomize Paris. I ate a fresh focaccia bread with mozzarella and tomato, while watching the river and listening to the sights and sounds. It was the most relaxing time I’ve had this whole trip.
I don’t really connect with Paris. They have amazing food (I’m not really a foodie), are known for fashion (my outfit today was an outfit I wear to the gym), and it is very pretty (but the same style of beauty as so many other European cities). I really enjoyed my time here, but I guess I just don’t understand people’s passion for it. But…who knows what would happen if anyone I knew came to Ukraine? They’d probably say the same thing.
Speaking of…I leave in the morning for Kiev, Ukraine. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been gone just one week, and it was a week that was just a whim and not really the bulk of my plans. Now it’s time to get onto what I actually flew to Europe to do. I have been hiking about 10 miles a day for the last 7 days, so I am looking forward to my in-room spa tub in Kiev! Until then…
Jeff: August 18th, 2017
jeffinukraine2016 
Sounds like you had a great time there in Paris. Looking at your photos and reading your posts sure makes me wish I was traveling. I loved the vanilla ice cream in Paris. Sounds like things have changed since 1975. There was no line for Notre Dame when Tom and I were there. In a city outside of Paris a ways, Ruouen (sure I’m spelling it wrong) Tom and I were able to see the statue of our 32nd (I think that may be the correct number) great grandfather, Rollo, who was a viking and who became the first Duke of Normandy. sorry it rained for you, but glad you had a good time. The Crazy Horse experience sounds interesting. Glad you were able to see it. Keep on having a blast.
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