heaving cities [part 2]

Do you ever get that moment, where you just realize you're in love

I'm in deep l o v e with Paris

It just tickles me how much I long to be back there.

Maybe I'm just sick of the rain, but something about Paris just really got under my skin.

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Day 5

Day 5 was commanded by my brother, so off we were to the Eiffel Tower. Big mistake. I now warn all of you, very solemnly, do not go to the Eiffel tour. Because you will be forced to wait in a queue for 2 and a half hours, to get into another queue. 

Unfair yes, but totally worth it.

The views were breathtaking, but I do recommend that if you are thinking of going, book in advance, or walk up to the first stage, the queue is minuscule in comparison to the elevators. When we got up there we were met with views stretching up and onwards. You could see all around Paris, all of the landmarks tiny pinpricks in the distance. We even spotted our apartment! It was just so amazing to see the clouds' shadows pass across the skyline, and the tiny little people milling around like ants. 

Descending from our lofty heights we then hopped on the underground home, but decided to then hop off, right at the top of the Champs Elysees. The Arc de Triomphe was pretty damn impressive, but so were the yards of queue outside Louis Vuitton, hehe

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Day 6

We were staying in in th middle of Montmartre, in an arms reach to the Moulin Rouge, and with the sun beating down, we decided to go exploring in our surroundings. Okay so I've watch the Baz Luhrmann masterpiece quite a few times, and never does it describe the barrage of steamy shops that line the high street. It was really quite scary. 

Dashing away from the crowds of creepy bearded men, we headed up the steep white steps, towards the Sacre Coeur. My dad being the architect that he is, was quick to drown us in gothic and new roman (I think that's it) facts, but I was just a little overwhelmed by the shear size of the roof. Paris really does have some amazing sights. 

Afternoon tea was a'calling, so we settled our selves down and dived into some lovely puddings. Now, little fact here, the whole Archer/Rayner household is completely mad for cake, I can't quite understand how we're all not the size of houses,  though my thighs are very much on the way there. We eat a lot of cake. And nothing else really. So when I say I found the most perfect creme brulee, I mean it.

Gosh I such a fatty, haha

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Day 7

Tilly's choice lead us to the Science Park, which was empty. All of the other sights were heaving, sweaty messes of queues and crying children. But the park was almost empty apart from the odd speedo clad jogger (that was scarring). And that was quite refreshing. We lazily wandered up the grid, pausing to look at the red metal buildings and the fairground attraction. They even had a submarine, how cool? 

We left the sun kissed grass in search of some shadow, and refound the entrance, complete with roaring fountain and a little cafe. As much as I love plastic cheese, it does not go well in a club sandwich!

Traveling back to Abbesses, we continued to explore the area we were staying in. This was when I happened upon the dress. The Dress. The most amazing dress upon this planet. Oh gosh it was gorgeous. And nearly all of my savings. 

I think this might be the first time  my mum has ever encouraged me into buying any clothing. And now my lovely little wonder dress is sitting happily in my closet, te he.

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Day 8 

Our final, dreaded day had arrived, so we decided to head out to the Marché aux Puces, the flea market, in Saint-Ouen. The sun had decided to rear it ugly head and you could feel the waves of heat rising off the tarmac. Shade was nonexistent, and the Camden-esque market that had formed a crust around the Marché aux Puces was heaving. 

I do not do heat well, but thankfully a quick change of direction lead us straight into the market of fleas. Well actually not a flea was insight, rather I was met with the gorgeous vision of row upon row of antique shops. I thought I was hallucinating. If any of you have been to the Kingston Antique market, image that times 33. And then you have the Marché aux Puces. 

Stalls upon more stalls filled to the brim with all things antique. There was a stall filled with little odd bits, including babies. Another selling the most exquisite wedding and 50's dresses. Another with completely dedicated to Chanel, complete with a tiny tweed jacketed dog. 

We spent our final night with the world best creme brulee, and the next morning I returned home with a heavy heart and a considerably lighter case.

I wonder why?

te he 

xox Eve-Rei

p.s I've got another post lined up, with pictures of all my Parisian purchases, I thought I might kill you all if I added any more photos.