Paris, sweet Paris

I've been to Paris before a few times and have explored the streets and museums before. Yet, on this trip, I was blown away by the city and had a blast. Exceeding all expectations and full of crazy good times biking around the city, it's easy to see why this city ranks so high for people. Staying in an Airbnb worked out to be the best way to feel like a local and get out of the somewhat touristy center. By the bike rental system, Velib, everywhere is accessible and the price saves your wallet. Seriously for less than $2 you can travel anywhere in Paris, have stations to drop off your bike and to pick up new ones when you want. Great deal and the city is built for it. Bikes are a part of life and it's pretty darn safe, apart from no helmets out there. 

Right nearby the Airbnb was the Lachaise cemetery, a highlight for my visit due to the scale and grandness of it. There are huge tombs, great sculptures, people all all nationalities and a feel of a peaceful park set in the middle of the city. And then there are the famous graves from Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Pilaf, Camille Pissarro and more. It's a who's who of the artistic community and it is an amazing place to visit, walk and relax.  

There are so many top sights in Paris that keep your jaw dropping each day. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame to Montmartre, this city has it all. And then there are the bakeries and sidewalk cafes, which rank among the best in the world. Those croissants and pan au chocolat melt in your mouth and are a good price here. Fuel that fire!

My friends made sure we ate and drank well together, opting for places serving organic and biodynamic food and wine. Literally new flavors that twist the tongue and tickle the taste buds. Just epic!  From a sugary cream sauce made with hay, to buckwheat ice cream, the city continues to push food to the next level. People are focused on where their food comes from and how it tastes, with several meals being a learning experience on food for me. The perfect way to eat in Paris!

After exploring and eating all day, I got to see a bit of the Paris nightlife, with clubs and bars along the Seine. Busy, full of people and playing House music, these maintain an image of a city that never sleeps. 

I'll leave you with some music. Nothing finer than drinking wine and learning of classic music from France. We spent a night going through a friends record collection, playing some of the best music out on vinyl. I'm hooked. Look up Serge Gainsbourg and just soak up the vibes. Can't top that. Listening to his track "Elisa" right now. Just loving it.