[ TRAVEL ] Nine Days in Paris - Part I

Why is it that people say Paris is one of the most romantic and beautiful city in the world? Once you spend some time in Paris, you find exploring Paris can be quite frustrating. Inefficient service, tourist unfriendly transportation system, ethnocentric culture that makes you feel so powerless when you don't speak their mother language, and the incomprehensible never-ending-power-struggle between those who serve and those who are served (even to just order a cup of coffee!). Please don't take this personally. I may sound a bit harsh but please be mindful this is simply based upon my personal experiences as far back from my very first backpack trip throughout the Europe in 2003 and to the extent of organizing my own wedding in France.
But the funny thing is, against all odds, Paris still remains one of my favorite places on earth. Yes, people tend to give you a hard time when you don't speak French and no, there aren't many non-French cuisine to settle your stomach from consuming heavy meat oriented meals. Nevertheless, there are far many more reasons to fall in love with this part of the world than not to like it. I know it sounds cliche but the city is filled with artistic spirits, beautiful architecture, amazing bread and cheese, well dressed people watching, tasteful storefronts, and mostly importantly the culture that allows you to enjoy your life to the fullest. Seriously, how great is it to have 2 hour lunch break and a glass of wine before noon? Oh, I'm being sarcastic here.