If Christmas in Paris wasn’t enough, I was getting to spend New Years Eve there too. Luckily, my dad reserved a table at a hot, new restaurant right on the circle of the Arc de Triumph. He would refer to the restaurant as: “where all the cool people are going to be”, (eye roll). After taking way too long to get ready, we scrambled into an Uber in order to make our reservations. What we didn’t anticipate was the street to the restaurant being blocked off 3 miles before the entrance. So, in our shimmery gowns and too-high heels, we sprinted down the cobble stone roads of Paris to get to our table in time. Of course the menu was pre-set, but the selections were delicious. As time got closer to midnight, people begin filling out to the balcony in order to watch the fireworks. 5,4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!. Lights flashed, champagne was popped and the most beautiful firework display was happening 40 feet infront of me from the Arc de Triumph. At this moment, I noticed something beautiful. It didn’t matter than practically everyone in the restaurant was from different countries and spoke different languages, New Years Eve was universal and meant to be celebrated. The family sitting next to us was from China, yet my dad was dancing with her mom to “Uptown Funk”. This night was incredibly special for me (not because it was the only time I’ve ever seen my dad stay up past 10pm), but because it taught me how much love the people of this world possess. It was so magical being in the “City of Love” for such an amazing holiday. It truly is something I will never forget.
Paris is one of the most magical places that I have ever been to. Down every street is an exciting new experience waiting to happen. Whether you are having macaroons at a local bakery or trying escargot for the first time, Paris is definitely a place to have on your bucket list. Although it is really fun to visit during the Christmas season, Paris is also just as stunning during the day time. Especially in the summer, it is so fun to sit on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower, eating baguettes and toasting champagne. Without a doubt, it is defiantly a place that needs to be explored.