In case you missed my first post, I spent 8 days between London and Paris and I’m recapping everything I got up to, including what I ate, drank, and saw in two of my bucket list cities. Keep reading for my Day 2 recap below.
On the second day, I wake around 5 am, get dressed and throw any lingering items into my suitcases and backpack before heading to the lobby to meet my group by 6 am. We call our Ubers and ride in groups of two to the St Pancras International train station to make our 7 am train ride to Paris. We arrive at the Gare du Nord train station three hours later. I booked a room at a different hotel from the group, so I call an Uber and get to my hotel.
My driver was so friendly and we chatted a bit about where I’m from and what I was looking forward to doing in Paris. He was surprised that I didn’t speak French and this would become a recurring theme of all of my Uber rides.
I arrived much earlier than the check-in time, so after changing in the restroom, I leave my bags at the front desk and call an Uber to meet the group for lunch at Pink Mama. This restaurant was so beautiful (although very tight) with its indoor/outdoor feel (there was so much greenery on the top floor of the restaurant) and gallery walls. I ordered a margarita pizza with a side of prosciutto and a cocktail so good, that I ordered a second. The server was very French and his IDGAF attitude had me cracking up the whole time.
After lunch, we headed to Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement to view the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and walk around. This area was really lively but still quaint. We passed lots of shops selling desserts and artists showcasing their works. There was even a bearded man in a striped shirt and beret, playing an accordion while a black cat sat on top – I can not make this up. This was the Paris I’ve seen on TV and I loved every second of it. I definitely want to spend more time there the next time I visit. Before heading back, I was thirsty, so we stopped at an outdoor restaurant and ended up ordering a round of refreshing cocktails I also ordered water and ginger beer (my official drink of the trip – I literally ordered one every place we went).
Afterward, since the rest of the group was staying at a hotel near the Eiffel Tower, I decided to ride back with them, to check the attraction off of my list. We walked over to the Tower and I quickly realized that it looks better from further away. However, I was happy to get a quick look at the Champe de Mars Park as I didn’t make it to the other many parks on my list.
After a few minutes by the Eiffel Tower, it was time to head back to my hotel and get ready for dinner. We decided to do a suits-themed night, where the group wore suits to dinner, so I checked in, did my hair and makeup, put on my suit, and headed over to Coco for dinner.
The vibe of the restaurant was really fun and upbeat, with groups chatting and swaying to the live entertainment. I ordered lamb chops, which came with a side of noodles and I also added a side of truffle mashed potatoes. The potatoes were good but everything else was just OK – word of advice, if you don’t know what to order in France, the safest thing to order is steak.
Once we finished eating dinner, we took some photos and headed our separate ways to get some rest before a very busy day ahead.
Stay tuned for Day 3 of my London & Paris adventures.
Until then, au revoir.
xx,
