26th Birthday

I am in front of the Eiffel Tower in my birthday outfit I bought in Paris. It is a pink top from H&M and a skirt with hearts on it from Zara.


Walking to the restaurant.


Here it is. It was recommended by my hotel. Told the Manager it was my birthday and I wanted a nice place to eat. He was right this was good.


Here is the name Les Cocottes by Christian Constant. He wasn't there but Philippe Cadeau the head chef.


Here he is Philippe Cadeau.


Not the best pictures, but the starter I choose was a Crab Salad. It was good.


Steak with roasted vegetables and potatoes with some lettuce.


And for dessert Waffles with whip topping and chocolate and caramel sauce. They were very nice and gave me both. I also got candles. I embarrassed myself earlier trying to get people to sit next to me because I didn't speak french. I also said that loudly and that it was my birthday. Guess what?!? They understood me and all the people there heard me, too. Oops. I said I was nervous and sorry. I talked a little to the person next to me, but mostly watched people and ate.


I made sure I ate it all, which I did with all my dishes. Yum!


I am glad I went out for my birthday, but it was a hard day.

I didn't think I was a family person. I thought ehh I can celebrate my birthday in Paris without anyone. I spent the morning freaking out I would be late to a skype call with my parents, ended up calling an hour early. So they got up at 5am not 6am(Texas time) because of my mistake. I talk to them and opened my card. I was homesick. I put on my charm I received from them. I was heading home on the second train when I realized I didn't have my card. I called my mom crying about how I lost the card. She double checked that I had the charm. I said yes. She said we will get a replacement. I being homesick was like it is not the same. I then spent another couple of hours crying and lonely in my hotel room. I called my mom and dad again upset and homesick. They said I should go out and celebrate my birthday. My dad told me I want a picture of you in front of the Eiffel Tower. I did it and it turned out to be a better night. I was going to go on a night boat cruise, but I fell asleep full of food and wine.

The homesickness got better after my birthday and I really started to enjoy Paris. I am glad I planned an extra few days to see the special things about the city. I learned I like to celebrate things with my immediate family and friends. When that isn't there it is a hard day for me. I now know I need someone I know around for special celebrations.

Food

Rotisseurs du Roy was a lovely place that I bought 2 whole chickens(not at the same time). They were delicious and helped me make many meals. If you are in Paris go here. Friendly, right down the street from the Plug-inn hostel, don't speak english but pointing works with a smile.


walking up the street to the hostel.


A shot of the chickens I had bought and eaten.

My other favorite place made me gain 10 pounds at least. It was so good and the prices compared to other places in Paris were lower by a few cents.

Boulanger. YUM, ladies are nice and also right down from hostel. They sell fresh bread too.


My first treat walking up to my hostel to enjoy. I felt very French doing this. I had to document it. This is the packaging around...


My Fraisier 3 euros.


Mousse au Chocolat 2.80 euros.




Tartelette Fraise 2.80 euros


Don't know. Anyone know?




Tartlette Framboise 2.80 euros.








Eclair aux fruits 2.50 euros.








Tartes au Choix 2.50 euros


Opera 2.80 euros

Do you feel 10 pounds heavier?!? I ate this think what I felt, but I loved every last drop. I would savory these every bit was grrrreeeeaaaattttt. My favorite was Fraisier - the first one.

Eiffel Tower

A free view of the Eiffel Tower on top of a Galleria. A woman and her friend were nice enough to take my picture on this beautiful day. This was my final stop from La Defense to Arch de Triumph to here. All-in-all it was a LONG way to walk. I was tired.


A picture from the top of Sacre Couer.


First views of the Eiffel Tower.


I was really homesick that day seeing all these families and wanting my family. I called my mom on her cell phone right here. She said she was building Matthew's fence. It was very hot and exhausting. I said I was sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower. She said I had a hard life, sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower. This is what I was looking at mom while I talked to you that day. I was still feeling down/homesick. It got worse on my birthday(two blogs from now).


After the free walking tour a group of us decided to go the Eiffel Tower. This is what we saw.


I never went up to the top. I didn't want to, no regrets on that. If I am here again maybe I would. I also would like to see a museum that I ran out of time to see. I forgot which one, but one of them across the river from the Eiffel Tower.


Structurally this is a cool building.


Ohh I was hungry. So I bought a sandwich and FRENCH fries(I understand they are not french) and ate them under the Eiffel Tower in France. I smiled about that. I can't believe I am eating french fries here of all places. They were good. Look how happy I am about this, what a dork. Good times.


Jumping picture.


Sitting here at night. Watching the Eiffel Tower change.






I believe it is 9 or 10 o'clock they do a sparkle show which last 5 minutes. It was sure pretty. Grab some food and wine and relax by the Eiffel Tower.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame. I glance at it before heading off on the free walking tour. Then I made another trip to it and inside it on a bit sunnier day.


much brighter.






Some images on the inside.




A model of the church.


This is the center of the city. If you Google Paris this is were the point originates from. I touch it with my foot. It brings luck.


Outside again. lots more people. I was bothered by people with clip boards not speaking to you but shoving them and tapping on them for you to sign. DON'T sign THEM it is a scam. I was unhappy and wanted to stay in the 2 block radius of the Montmarte area.


Backside.


As I was walking away I came across another bridge with the locks.




On to more of an adventure somewhere else. I liked walking places. It allowed me to see things in nooks and small streets. Hear people talking, though I didn't understand. It gave a feel of a place.


At night. I was with one of the girls from the hostel. it was a nice walk to see things at night.