Hamburgers & Parisians

As I look out the window of the plane, I am already missing the beautiful city of Hamburg. Mere minutes away and I want to go back. With so much left to explore, a return trip is inevitable... perhaps during the warm summer months next time.

The flight, a 1 hr 15 minute hop to Paris, is rather pleasant. Despite the short nature of the flight, Lufthansa airlines still provided a sandwich and 2 beverages at no extra charge. Granted, the 2 beverage thing was probably due to the relatively empty flight, but who cares? It was still nice. I had a cheese sandwich, apple juice, and coffee. The coffee wasn't the best I've tasted, by far, but it was caffeinated. Maybe I'll try the tea next time. :)

Landing in Paris, I retrieve my bag and make way to the metro station. The decision has been made... for my next trip through Europe, I will not be bringing a suit case! Haha, they are completely unneccessary and difficult to maneuver through large crowds. Next time, the pack I'd been planning to use will actually be used. Here's a useful tip for you: get a pack like the Terra 45 pack I picked up at Gander Mountain before I left home. I really wish I would have brought it instead of the suitcase. But no worries, we live and we learn. Perhaps you can learn from my mistake. :)

My first stop after picking up my bag is the newspaper booth. I purchase a map and make way for the metro station. Here's another tip: in Paris, you don't need to buy a map. Many hotels and tourist areas have free ones that contain a map of the city that includes the land marks, metro system, and bus routes. Don't waste the euros you could be spending on a great cup of coffee or tea for a crummy map at the newspaper booth. The free map is also smaller and easier to use.

The hotel is easy to find and I arrive in time to pick up a late dinner at the restaurant next door. Although it's a bit less relaxed than Hamburg, I think I'll like Paris just as much. So far, it's not bad and the metro system is so easy to figure out! Yay!