Paris / France
Day 1
Bonjour. Paris, our first taste of France. And also our first Eurostar experience. After work we met at King’s Cross St Pancras station, got some food and snacks from M&S and waited to board our train. It was seamless, we arrived in Paris before we knew it. And the best part was that we didn’t have to spend an hour getting in from the airport, we were already there! We jumped onto another train (thank you citymapper) and headed to our Airbnb. We were met by our hosts’ friend who looks after the listing. She didn’t speak any English, but we figured out everything in the end!
Day 2
We didn’t realise until after we had booked, is that Paris becomes very quiet over August, and a lot of small businesses and shops are closed. And even cafes don’t open until 10am. With only the weekend I had pre-planned our days but we still didn’t get up in time to go to the first café I had scoped out and instead grabbed some pastries from a café that was close to where we would then do our bike tour. It was with the same company that we had done a tour with in Berlin. Although this one wasn’t as long, our Aussie guide was a well of knowledge. After the tour we headed back to the Airbnb and freshened up before heading back out to go up the Eiffel Tower. As cliché as it is, it’s definitely worth doing. The view is breathtaking and shows how dense Paris is, even though it is 15 times smaller than London. After the tower we headed north west to Montmartre to see the sunset from the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. Unfortunately, I hadn’t done enough homework as the Dome which you can climb had already closed, about an hour before the sun was due to set! We managed to find a spot to see the Eiffel Tower and made do. But the area of Montmarte had a beauty to it, sitting on the hill, the cobble stone streets and lively atmosphere. We stopped in for a dinner then headed to the Champs-Élysées as I wanted to get a photo of the Arc de Triomphe lit up at night. We then headed back to the Eiffel Tower to also get a photo of it at night, and I must say, it’s something else. It was nearly 1am and there were people everywhere. Even a band had been playing and people were dancing and having a good time. It was time to head back for some much needed sleep.
Day 3
We took our time getting up and headed for breakfast at Holybelly. One of my favourite breakfasts I’ve ever had. And probably the most expensive, it was €50 for both of us! Food doesn’t come cheap in Paris, considering there are over 100 Michelin Star restaurants there. We then walked the streets, somewhat lost, somewhat heading in the right direction. We went to the Lourve and took typical touristy photos. We didn’t go in and see any of the museums on such a short trip. Then we carried on walking and went and checked our Notre Dame, again just admired it from the outside before we had one of Paris’ best gelatos. With the temps hitting 30 degrees, it was well needed! With a bit of time left, we got together a picnic dinner and headed down to the Tower with some Champagne and chilled out. The next thing we knew we were back on our way to London.
Au Revoir.
I love creating images that speak to me.
I grew up in a small town that nobody really knows about, Levin. Spent a good ten years in Hamilton making some of the best friends anyone could have. And now I’m living, working and playing in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. Also a small country that people have trouble locating – I’m looking at you America!
Life is about stories, and that’s what I love to capture and document. My shooting style is unobtrusive. You may be a natural in front of the camera, or have no idea what to do but before we even start I’ll make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed.
Things I love: Travelling to wherever I can, my partner Monita, homemade burgers, wood fired pizzas, the smell of rain on a hot summers day, mountains, the snow, sunsets and sunrises, star gazing, natural light, the aesthetic of wood, crashing waves and day dreaming.