November in Paris

Last week, we decided to spend some days in Paris, trying to run away from the start of the winter season. I must say that, after almost three years of living in Germany, I appreciate the milder weather of Paris, when compared with other regions of Europe beyond the Rhin. In this occasion, although our days in Paris were not what I would call sunny, I was happy because it did not rain and it was not cold.

Prices in Paris are exaggerated, starting by the accommodation itself. In many other cities in the world, hotel prices are more reasonable, but you are not in Paris, that is true... Just as an example, the first day we decided to go to a café and we paid 36 € for just an austere refreshment (believe me, as Castilian, I know what is austerity). The second day, we walked around the Opera area and we visited Galeries Laffayette, where we could experience the obscenity of luxury. I start to think that Paris is becoming a huge amusement park of luxury, like Disneyworld, or something similar.

One important feature of Paris is the amount of museums that we find everywhere. Beyond the culture itself, they are also perfect for a short visit to the toilets, since public toilets are sometimes not an example of cleanness. In our case, we visited the pyramid of Louvre Museum although we had no intention at all of visiting some of its exhibitions.

There are also other examples of the dirty side of Paris, like the underground, which sometimes looks like in desperate need of some water. I must admit though that this time I was less negatively impressed by the underground than in previous visits.

All in all, although this entry may sound very critical with Paris, I must say that going for a walk in Champs Elysées, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe,... is delicious. There are many cities which cannot simply compete with Paris, Frankfurt and, it is hard to admit, Guadalajara, included. I am starting to appreciate more and more the southern shore of Seine, with special mention to the area around Invalides. It feels more real and not so crowded with tourists. Additionally, for real good shopping, one can walk along Bulevard de Saint Germain, where prices are sometimes more down to Earth.

Paris may be becoming a huge amusement park but it is still lovely...