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I vividly remember when my trip to KubeCon Paris was confirmed a few months ago, I was on cloud 9 as I booked my tickets from Hyderabad to Paris. Having studied French in New Era High School, I had always dreamt of visiting the city “one day” to try my French. And while this was a dream sort of, I wasn’t sure it would ever happen.
I have mentioned in my planning your first international trip post as well, that planning an international trip for me was (is) overwhelming so I never thought this would ever happen, but as they say, life is full of surprises and here was the moment, my first trip to Paris and hence an extended Europe vacation.
This is the first blog post in my Europe series and I know a lot of you have messaged me on Instagram asking about the itinerary and everything else. You can read my Europe sneak peek blog post to, well…, get a sneak peek 😉
So over the next few weeks (months), I’ll be sharing my Europe blog posts talking about travel destinations, food, itineraries and practical survival tips in Europe.
In this blog post, I’ll share my initial thoughts on Paris, from landing to exploring the city during KubeCon and beyond.
Feeling Familiar in Paris – Bonjour!
Landing in Paris felt like stepping into a dream, yet there was an unexpected sense of familiarity that greeted me. As soon as I got off my Qatar Airways B777 and walked towards immigration at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I was met with signboards in French, a language I had grown fond of during my school days at New Era High School. It was comforting to recognize words and phrases, giving me a small but significant sense of belonging in this new city.
In the months leading up to my trip, I had rekindled my love for the French language by brushing up on it through Duolingo. The app became my daily companion, and each new phrase I learned fueled my excitement for the trip. My efforts paid off as I navigated the city, ordering coffee with confidence and understanding directions with ease. It was as if all those years of dreaming about Paris had finally aligned with reality.
Funnily enough, when I was walking towards my hotel, I was rehearsing the lines that I’d say to the receptionist. I reached their reception, had a really good “Bonjour Madam, J’ai une reservation…” followed by some okay French and the lady understood! That was a huge victory. But when she started replying, I realised why they say French is a difficult language. I had to stop her immediately and say “Madam, parle en Anglais s’il vous plait parce que je ne comprendre pa le Francaise” However, I managed well at boulangeries.
The Original Cafe Culture
Parisian café culture is something I had read about and longed to experience firsthand. The city’s streets are lined with charming cafés, each inviting you to sit down, relax, and watch the world go by. For a week, I immersed myself in this quintessentially Parisian lifestyle, indulging in croissants, pain au chocolat, and the ever-crispy baguette. Despite being a vegetarian, I was eager to explore the culinary delights of Paris.
Admittedly, finding vegetarian options wasn’t always easy. Paris, with its rich tradition of charcuterie and cheeses, isn’t exactly a vegetarian paradise. However, I embraced the challenge, discovering delightful salads, and vegetable tarts, and even having Indian food for a couple of days. Guilty as charged. There was a Mediterranean cafe near my hotel, so Falafel Bowl became a goto dish. Just like my experience with vegetarian food in New York.
Navigating Paris – a breeze
Navigating Paris was a breeze, thanks to its efficient and extensive public transportation system. Coming from Hyderabad, where public transport is still evolving, and having experienced the New York subway, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which I could get around in Paris. Upon arriving at the airport, I was greeted by the RER train that took me straight to the heart of the city. From there, the metro network spread out like a well-organized web, connecting me to every corner of Paris.
What truly stood out for me was the modern tram system. It was my first time riding on a tram, and it was an experience to remember. The last time I was on a tram was in Kolkata during my Bournvita Quiz Contest TV shoot. The tram glided smoothly through the streets, offering a scenic view of the city as it moved along.
From my accommodation to the KubeCon venue, I had a pleasant 2-kilometre walk before catching the tram, and then it was just four stations to my destination. The walk itself was enjoyable, as the weather was crisp and clear, a perfect companion for my daily commute.
A Walk Through Time In Paris
My fascination with architecture wasn’t new. I had been advised during a Chicago River cruise to visit Europe if I wanted to experience real architectural splendour, and Paris did not disappoint. The city’s buildings, whether iconic landmarks or simple residential blocks are a testament to centuries of artistic and cultural evolution.
As someone who had always been fascinated by the French Revolution and the numerous uprisings that shaped France, visiting Paris was like stepping into the pages of a history book. The architecture alone tells stories of the past, with every building, and every street, echoing tales from centuries ago.
The Palace of Versailles was a highlight, with its opulent rooms and expansive gardens reflecting the grandeur of France’s royal history. The Louvre, with its stunning collection of art and artefacts, was another treasure trove of history. Even the more ordinary buildings in Paris are steeped in architectural beauty, with their intricate facades and timeless elegance.
Priceless Experience in an Expensive City
Paris is often described as one of the most expensive cities in the world, and my experience confirmed this reputation. The cost of living, dining, and simply existing in Paris was significantly higher than what I was used to, especially with the stark INR/EUR exchange rate. With one euro nearly equivalent to Rs 100, everything from a cup of coffee to a metro ticket felt like a splurge.
Thankfully, a large part of my stay was sponsored, which made the experience more manageable. I spent five nights at a three-star hotel, and the bill was close to a lakh—a hefty price, but one that was covered for the most part. For the remainder of my trip, I opted for a hostel, which, to my surprise, was not only budget-friendly but also incredibly comfortable and well-equipped.
Transportation, food, and daily expenses quickly added up, and it was a constant reminder of Paris’s status as a luxury destination. Despite the high costs, the experience was priceless. Every euro spent was an investment in memories that would last a lifetime, making the expense well worth it in the end.
Paris Lived Up To The Expectations!
From the language and café culture to the ease of getting around and the breathtaking architecture, Paris has left an indelible mark on my heart. This was just the beginning of what turned out to be an unforgettable journey.
But this is only the start—there’s so much more to share! Coming up next, I’ll be diving deeper into my Parisian sojourn, exploring the city’s hidden gems, and recounting the adventures of my larger Europe vacation.
If you’re already following me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen some sneak peeks (hint: check out my Paris highlights!). Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and memories from this incredible trip. Paris was just the first chapter in a much bigger story, and I can’t wait to take you along for the rest of the journey.
Feel free to reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Atulmaharaj on Instagram, or Get In Touch.
