36 hours in the French capital
What to with little time to spare but lots of intentions and wishes in storage? Let us go through the noteworthy aspects of Paris for a short visit.
Arriving in Paris Nord, I see that there are many people just like me, train hikers seemingly with no particular goal in mind, but to travel! I am standing in Paris Nord, with my back to the entrance doors, early in the Saturday morning. The trip from Hamburg took an entire evening and night, and except a few sporadic stops we have sped through northern Europe with a German night train. It is a sweet feeling, that to strawl around a central station in another country, yet to be explored. And for sure, there is something to the French language.
Paris Nord is an excellent starting point for a discovery tour around Paris. Right upon exiting the train station, you have the Peripherique boulevard by the front doors. By following this, the old student neighbourhoods appear soon and the change from metropolitan high stress life changes to a slower pace. It is noticeable by looking into cafes and simply observing the tacit approval on everyone’s faces.
Situated close to the neighbourhoods Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, you are close to some of the more pleasant places right from the start. Strawling through Montmartre, I remember the words of Charles Aznavour, “the new decor of Montmartre has left the neighbourhood ” (from the song La Boheme). And to tell the truth, I must agree with Charles, even though I never did see the original decor.

Walk Through It
When walking towards the Champs Elysses from the north, it is necessary to cross the more fashionable streets with exclusive stores.

As a backpacker, this is an amusing contrast to the everyday life of carrying backpacks, with a two-day beard and wearing dirty clothes. On the street you can observe both the tourists on an expensive shopping spree, and the Parisians who are happily able to do their daily shopping here.
I simply passed the stores, trying not to become too imposed by all the glitter, fancy clothes and “I’m better than life” expressions on many faces. I daresay that the Champs Eulysees is one of the most open aired and calming places to visit in Paris. With a view to the Eiffel tower (somewhat far away and hidden behind trees if you’re in the Eulysees) and wide promenades criss-crossing the area, you might very well spend several hours taking in the atmosphere without becoming stressed by crowds and traffic.

Got To Do’s
Though the Quartier Latin is quite far away, but then, you can’t have it all. After a long day in the hustle and bustle of downtown Paris, I treated myself to Thai food, a good meal landing at less than 20 € (which is cheap in Paris). A visit to Quartier Latin was the most “French” experience during my stay. With century-old buildings and narrow streets reminding of days long gone, you might imagine that Paris was not always this calamity of sound, colours and imposing architecture. I recommend a visit to one of the restaurants or cafes in this neighbourhood, most of them are renowned and have served people food and drink for several generations.
The French as hosts. This sentence in itself sparks up many associations, I’m sure. One which deals with language and the obvious language barrier. For sure, English is not as commonly spoken in France as in other European countries. But I have noticed (time and time again), that if you simply try to speak French, disregarding how awful it sounds, most Parisians will look at you appreciatingly (slightly amused also) due to the simple effort of trying to speak their language. For myself, I find that speaking French to become fully acquainted with people, is fun. You’ve got to give a little to get a little.

Last Day And About To Leave
This second and last day I was immediately struck by the need of a haircut. Face it, who doesn’t want to say they had they their haircut in Paris? With my mind made up, I found out from the B&B personnel where a decent hairdresser could be found. So it was that early in the forenoon I treated myself to a 30 euro haircut (hey, it included a five minute schampooing! C’est merveilleux!). And I tell you, walking the Parisian streets and entering stores with a finely cropped haircut makes you feel just a tidbit less like a backpacker.

While wandering the city I kept myself in the first 10 arrondisements, roughly a circle in the metropolitan area. It is a fun capital to walk around in, since the areas differ pretty much. You have the typical student areas with pubs, hostels and small piquet reastuarants. Then, if you take a short strawl, you will find yourself in the really fancy boulevards outlined by hotels and high class stores. Moreover, take a closer look in the small streets that lead from the boulevards, and you are sure to find interesting stores and piquant cafes.

This weekend also had another surprise in storage for me, with a parade held in the early Sunday forenoon. Festive costumes and music from the various regions in France intermingled with the applause salvos that surrounded me. Obviously a parade like this one is very much appreciated since I had the opportunity to see many more Parisians than foreigners, otherwise the other way around in this high profile tourism city. Also I’m impressed by the calmness with which people watched the slowly moving parade. As the train of people turned the corner from Champs Eulysees, the bystanders would welcome each group of musicians with a applause.
To this little stream of compliments, there is something in the negative though. The tourists. And me being one of them. To discover Paris is not to discover France or the French, I daresay. No, this city has a much too great reputation and history, too many people wallow to Paris all year round, for there to be a clear and consistent impression of French culture.
The city is great to discover and has a lot to offer. But if you’re looking for French culture, then my advice would be that you should travel around more in smaller cities and villages throughout the country. Go to Paris as an experience in itself! The city is a melting pot of cultures and has a strong touristic profile.
However you look upon this metropolis, you are bound to find something that awakens your interest and admiration. And during a 36 hour visit, you’ll be overwhelmed with things to do and places to see!

P-C Markovski

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