Je taime, Paghee

I have just finished a meeting. Mister veepee is coming to Khartoum again tomorrow.. and so, there goes another weekend for me.

Oh well. Work is work lah kan.

Anyway, there's just so many things in my head right now.. so I think I need to blog. And blog about something wonderful.. :)

So now, I want to talk about one of my most favorite cities: Paris.

Yes, these are my three favorite cities: New York, London and Paris.

Though ironically, it wasn't quite 'love at first sight' for me and Paris. I mean, while I thoroughly enjoyed New York and London when I visited the cities for the first time, Paris was different.

Of course, prior to my first trip to Paris (in December 2011), I had read about Paris. It's coined 'the city of love' and many praised Paris for its architecture and art.

But after my two nights stay in Paris in 2011, I wasn't very impressed with the city. In fact, unlike New York and London which are cities that I want to visit over and over again if I have the chance, I wasn't expecting another visit to Paris. I just couldn't understand the fuss about Paris. I have friends who would make annual trips to Paris and I just couldn't understand what they saw in Paris.

Not that I didn't see much of Paris during the 2011 visit.. in fact, I went to La Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre (and loved the view from up there), saw Eiffel Tower and strolled past the Louvre. We met Murat, this energetic Turkish guy (energetic cuz he was close to 50 but he walked waaaaayyyy faster than me and my friends) who took us through the little lanes in Paris, giving us the chance to visit the small unassuming art galleries. But still, I wasn't so impressed.

I even went to the theater (near the Basillica station) and watched Cendrillon (which is actually 'Cinderella') and managed to sleep 95% of the time. Heh.

But then, as if Paris wasn't quite satisfied that she didn't make me happy, I was given another chance to visit the city in December last year.. and oh boy.. I began falling in love with the City.

The trip was very short - 2 days and 1 night - but I had so much fun with my friend. We went to the Eiffel Tower again.. and this time, I saw it in a different way. Yes, it's all steel and cold.. but there's something majestic about the Tower. I saw couples holding hands in the cold December afternoon, giggling (and maybe shivering) as they stood in front of the Tower to take pictures.

We sat at a cafe directly facing the Eiffel Tower, had some steaming hot tea and the most delicious chocolate crepe and chatted about life while watching gorgeous Parisians pass us by.

We had breakfast at the corner across our hotel and oh what a sight! We saw couples kissing at the traffic light in front of the cafe, while waiting for the lights to turn green.

This time, I walked down Champs-Elysees and watched more people going in and out of the boutiques. Oh and yes, I even went to see the famous Moulin Rouge show despite having to pay Euro 100 for it.

The thing is.. during my second visit to Paris, I saw all the beautiful things that Paris has got to offer. As we walked in downtown Paris trying to look for nasi beriyani (yang kononnya sangat sedap sampai ia menjad tempat wajib our former Company President if he comes to Paris), I saw the beautiful balconies and carvings on the wall.

I saw the gorgeous Parisians smiling at us and offering us seats in the train.

I saw couples so in love that you can actually see the love in the eyes.

I saw how beautiful Eiffel Tower was, standing majestically as people rushed to take pictures with it.

I saw friends giving group hugs as they waited for the bus in the cold.

I saw lots of love, laughter and smiles. And I was smitten.

I had the best chocolate crepe, macaroons and  croissant in Paris. The loveliest tea too, although I must add that I may be biased because tea is ALWAYS nice on a cold day.. :)

So yes, Paris is the most romantic city for me. Romantic because everyone seems so composed and cool in Paris. They are not afraid to show their affection - they cuddle and kiss in public.

Hmmm. Would I go to Paris again? Of course. In fact, it might just be my honeymoon city.. and I might even bring a padlock so that I can seal my love for my man in Paris.. hehe..

One day, I will have a padlock there too.. in shaa Allah.. :)

Oh lupa pulak nak citer pasal the recent visit..

It was good.. although this time, I saw the 'dangerous' side of Paris. But yes, it was still a good trip to Paris.. hehe.. So good, that I will just let the pictures speak for itself, this time.. :)

Mummy and daughter at the Eiffel

Aahhh cantiknyaaaa. How can I not fall in love with this.. this.. steel? :)

My favorite place in Paris - the Sacre Coeur. The view from the basilica is just oh so super duper amazing..

Ahhh... now this is what you will see if you stand in front of the Sacre Coeur..

Most hotels in Paris have nice balconies.. 

Yes.. I miss Paris already. Au revoir Paghee.. I will come back.. in shaa Allah..

And ohh.. if I die, please tell New York, London and Paris that I love them so muchhhh.. definitely my top three favorite cities in the world.. :)