" Paris in my heart "

another sight of Paris perhaps?
and this one's along Jardin des Tuileries,
where the iconic Eiffel's
sandwiched in between two famous landmarks.

It took me awhile to be back.
Workload has just been non-stop and
how I wish I could get a decent break from it all. ^0^

See you all next year and wishing everyone Merry Christmas.
I promise to post more as soon as I get back on my feet.

* where was this *
Jardin des Tuileries
1st arrondissement
Paris

" Le secret de Ladurée "

If you're a sweet buff like me, then this name isn't new to you.
It is undoubtedly one of the celebrated,
most favorite macaron stores in Paris, next to the fame Angelina's.



La Durée

was founded in 1862 and is still the best known makers of macarons in the world.
(imagine that) ^-^





We were one of the many eager tourists who
patiently waited in line amidst the long queue,
and were able to try a few mini-macs,








we bought the all the time favorite pistachio and the aromatic rose flavored,
the choices are abounding but the price though is a bit expensive,
well, you're in Paris where everything doesn't come cheap. ^0^




If you want to take a sip whilst enjoying the Rococo interiors,
then relax inside their Salon de Thé ( tea rooms ) for some tad of pastries
and a house of tea selections.



the window display is just as tempting.





a selection of confitures (marmalades/jam) as well.


a box of Buche Marron gateau (cake).




* where was this *
1st arrondissement
Rue Saint-Honoré,
Paris

" Vous Êtes Perdu? "

~ are you lost?

Paris is filled with street signs and 'you-are-here' maps,
yet at times, you'll bound to get lost and be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Best advice is to ask someone for directions,
look for the nearest Kiosk (newspaper stands),
any reputable establishments ( restos, grocery )
or hotels/hostels.
In my experience, don't ask from a ticket vendor,
they'd give you this long, boring stare and a snubby look, with a phrase like
"Non, Je ne sais pas"- (no, i don't know).
They're basically too tired to tell you where.

2nd, I'm partial when it comes to randomly asking strangers on the street,
you'll just have to go with your instinct.
During our 2nd night in Paris,
we got lost near La Madeleine, we were heading for Champs ELysees,
which is literally at the heart of the city.
I think it's sheer exhaustion from all the sightseeing.
My sister and I, when we're already arguing,
we're like two parrots in high pitch, just yapping.
we couldn't decide which direction to go,
because we're literally walking in circles.

Luckily, a nice french lady approached us and asked if we needed any help.
we instantly said "No! " thinking, she might be a thief pretending to be nice
while someone tries to steal your belongings. ^0^
haha! really paranoid.
Sensing that we're a bit unsure, she sincerely said, " It's just I want to help you both. "
well, we finally gave in and asked her how to get to there.
She was kind enough to point us towards the right path and
even what bus number we should take.
sometimes, the kindness of strangers isn't expected.

* where was this *
Pont Neuf
1st arrondissement
Paris

" Louvre Museum "

whoever said the Louvre is only about I.M Pei's glass pyramid is wrong.
there is a vast space of architectural beauty inside out,
as it was used to be the foundations of a medieval castle that
housed french kings for centuries.

this photo was taken at the rear side of the museum,
the Richelieu wing,
and it lights up gorgeously at night.

* where was this *
1st arrondissement
Musée du Louvre - Paris

" The Louvre "

My first day in Paris,
I was eager to see the Louvre,
despite being tired from the flight,
and almost getting lost inside the airport on the way to the hotel.
(long story) ^0^

Of course, thanks to fellow blogger Peter,
who has a blog called Peter's Paris.
He quickly showed us the highlights of the city,
gave us a bit of a heads up about local Parisians,
familiarizing us with each arrondissement,
believe me, digesting all this in just a few hours can be a bit confusing. ^0^




That night, we headed straight to I.M Pei's glass pyramid,
and whoever said that it's a monstrosity,
clearly hasn't been to Louvre at all.
It looks spectacular at night as it is during day time,
clearly a sight that is impressive.

* where was this *
Musée du Louvre
1st arrondissement - Paris