ITChic in Paris

So in Jan 2019, two Naija girls went to Paris for the weekend. One more item off “the travel bucket list”.

My Paris hot 20 recap list….

1. I loved the city of Paris and the old architecture but I’m sorry I did not like Parisians. I found many to be snooty and borderline rude even as i tried my best to communicate using google translator and tiny French. Uber drivers, and hotel staff were cool and kind.
2. Lamborghini and other exotic cars can be rented for 100 Euros for 20 minutes. I would have rented one but traffic + opposite road driving won’t let me be great.
3. Always have Euros on you, do not change at the airport. It’s a rip off so change before you come or hit the ATM when you land.
4. Do. Not. Rent. A. Car!! *** in my Naija accent *** French drivers are a special type of special ooohh chei. Traffic lanes barely exist and they zip in and out. Respect yourself and take Uber, taxis or public transportation. My first Uber driver was the real MVP and certifiable.
5. Paris fashion week is held at the Grand Palais(palace) a few times a year.
6. Going to see the Eiffel tower? Buy a skip the line pass trust me it’s worth every penny. You can also book lunch or dinner ahead directly on the Eiffel tower website as this guarantees a shorter line for you to get up. Whatever you do, DO NOT go cheap and try to take the stairs up. You will be sorry even if you are a yoga pants, muscle shirt wearing fit-fam type. Pay your 16 Euros, take the lift and spare us seeing you picked off the floor with your “knickers” showing under your fancy dress (true story). Oh yeah the warmed up wine drink was awesome on the 2nd floor.
7. Buy a hop on hop off city bus tour pass. It’s the best way to see the sights on a short trip. Ask the guides which stop gets the best photo ops with the tower as a backdrop. There is also a city pass.
8. Paris has the First American church outside of USA. The services are also in English so stop by and get your pray life together.
9. Paris has about 100 museums. Artsy folks will love it.

10. There are 20 districts in Paris. 16th district is super expensive where a one bedroom apartment rental costs about 2500 euros. Omg!

11.The Eiffel tower was built in 1889. Tallest in the world for 41 yrs until the Chrysler building in NYC.

12.Remember that dude Napoleon? Yeah he went to Military school here.
13. The Louvre is popular as Mona Lisa lives there. It is Huuuuuge and feels like a fortress. It can fit 50 Olympic sized pools. Security is nuts. You will need at least 3 days if you need to see everything in there. I skipped it this trip.

14. Talk about having mad playa game! So that dude Henry iv took showers only twice a year and was a womanizer?? Women loved him?? How??? Let me keep it moving..

15. The most visited landmark in Paris is the Cathedral built in 1163. I am told it took 192 years to build. Now that is dedication. Entrance to the Lady cathedral is free. It is also channeled in the Hunchback of Notre Dame story.

16. The landmark where Anne Hathaway (Devil wears Prada) threw her phone in water is here too.

17. The Latin district in Paris is near the cathedral. Southern university, where instructions used to be in Latin only is there too.

18. Hotels and flights are 30 to 60% cheaper in winter time but it is cold. So plan/dress accordingly. It was about. 34F when I was there and rainy.

19. Let’s talk about the food… Do not believe everything in TripAdvisor or you will be mad. Ask your Uber driver or concierge where to eat. I was not wowed by the food to be honest but the macaroons gave my taste buds life and my blood a solid sugar hi! Oh the croissants melted in my mouth. Yes I ate quite a few.

20. Paris was a good experience and I’d probably stop by during a full on European train tour.