My Trip to Paris in a Nutshell (But not literally)

I was warned about the local Parisians before I took the trip to Paris.  People told me things like, "they can speak English but hate talking to people in their non-native language," and "tourists are looked down upon in general."  I didn't really understand why people would treat visitors to their country in a cold way until I experienced the teeming, massive, overpowering throng of sightseers firsthand. (It was most intense in the Louvre and other museums- outside wasn't so bad.) Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for a lot of people, so it's easy to not grasp exactly how many people get to be in Paris at one point in time.  Not only the locals, but visitors from Europe and all over the world.    We talked a lot about what it meant to be a tourist in our classes.  How can we experience this trip "authentically," and what does "authentic" even mean when so much of what we do and see is catered to a kind of packaged tourism?  Paris is a beautiful, magical place, but it's definitely not the idealized place travelogues want us to believe it is. 

But before I talk about that- I need to state what an amazing time I had in Paris! The first day there, we left our bags at the hotel and headed out to the Louvre.  It looks really impressive from the outside.  Some people may be surprised to find just HOW GIANT THE LOUVRE IS.  IT IS ENDLESS.  I could probably have explored the area for several days and still find places I hadn't seen before.  Honestly, I was in a bad mood when I entered but the place just really didn't live up to my expectations as what's probably the most famous museum in the world.  Firstly, everything is in French.  If you want to find out what the heck the artifacts or art even are, you have to get an audioguide that's a 3DS (cool) that costs like 10 ish euro (not cool). I opted out of that, and sort of just wandered around with a group while we went to hunt down some art pieces for class.  I got genuinely excited when I saw the Nike of Samothrace.  But that was the pinnacle for me.  Mona Lisa room is regulated by idiots.  It's packed body-to-body and there is no system that allows a good flow of people in and out of the room.  You have to shove your way in all the way to the front, catch a glimpse of the painting, and then exit.  Terrible crowd control.  Disneyland would never do that to its guests (you have to admit that at least, Dr. Soper).  The painting has become more than what it actually is- it's an icon, a giant people magnet.  Perhaps the museum is trying to resist giving into the tourism side a little bit, and thus is making it difficult on purpose to see the painting? Regardless, you can't deny that the Mona Lisa, among other super famous artworks, apart from being masterpieces, are also tourist attractions at this point. 
I loved the river cruise, which we did later that day.  The Seinne is sooooo pretty, especially during the sunset.  All the buildings and bridges surrounding it are super romantic.  I couldn't help but being captured by how amazing it all looked...

Highlights also include: Sainte Chapelle, which is amazing in the feeling of peace and beauty and light, (So many stained-glass windows!!!!), the gardens of Versailles where I got to ride bikes and see a cool fake village, and the grounds of the temple in Paris, and the Eiffel Tower.  

The Tower is a good example of what my experience of being a tourist in Paris.  The structure is such a symbol, a staple of what it is to be in Paris and it's almost like making a pilgrimage to the holy site of tourism.  Despite knowing how the Tower is the stereotypical thing to ooh and ahh over and take pictures with, I fell in love with it at first sight.  It really deserves all of the attention it gets.  It's amazing to be in the presence of such a magnificent and elegant landmark.  The rosy sunset only heightened the romantic atmosphere for me.  Sure, there were hawkers everywhere with beer and wine, and it was a bit crowded, but this really didn't ruin the experience for me at all.  Paris is a city, with all of the crazy drivers and dirt and panhandlers and all of the problems that come with being a popular vacation spot- but it's a vacation spot for a reason.  It's got so much beauty, and because I was focused on enjoying myself, I think I got a lot out of it.  I didn't go "for the gram" and I didn't avoid doing "touristy" things; I just was. And it was nice.  I'd love to be able to go again.  The Tower and the Seinne forever have my heart.