Search Results

Today is such an exciting day! I was so excited because our group was going to the....Louvre Museum! And yes, before you ask, my "Americaness" was showing a lot, especially when seeing the Mona Lisa. Day 4 of Rick Steves **Today you will be using earphones compatible with your phone, make sure to bring them! Check it out! Today, I finally saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and honestly, the experience was kind of chaotic. The painting itself was way smaller than I expected, but the crowd around it was massive. People were shoving, cutting in front, and holding up their phones just to get a blurry picture. It was almost impossible to actually stop and look at it without getting pushed. I get that it’s one of the most famous paintings ever, but it was crazy how rude people were just to see a tiny portrait behind glass. Still, I have to admit, her smile is kind of eerie, and the way her eyes follow you is pretty cool. I also learned that the painting was stolen in 1911 and missing for two years, which probably made it even more famous. Also, she has no eyebrows, which is weird but kind of fitting for how mysterious she looks. Even with the madness, I’m glad I got to see it in person, but it can be considered over-rated, especially with all of the other wonderful pieces in the museum. I got a Mona Lisa pin for my collection! The Louvre is way more than just the Mona Lisa; the place is absolutely massive and split into different sections. There’s the Sully Wing, which has the museum’s oldest artifacts, including Egyptian mummies, the Great Sphinx, and the famous Venus de Milo, a stunning ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite. The Denon Wing is where most of the famous paintings are, like Liberty Leading the People and The Wedding at Cana, plus the Winged Victory of Samothrace, this epic statue of a winged goddess that looks like she’s about to take flight. There is probably a lot more that we didn't see, which means I just have to go back! Got to love Rolinka's photobomb! We were lucky enough to see Napoleon's apartments, as it was just under renovation, and now is open! Very over the top decor, but the theme with other architecture in Paris, such as the Opera House, is over the top, stunning ceiling murals. Napoleon's Apartments Notes : When going to the Louvre, please be respectful. We unfortunately saw people with no etiquette, taking photo shoots with no awareness around them whatsoever. Another tip, here is another place where you will be using the Rick Steves app, so download the tour audio ahead of time so you don't get charged for international fees with cell service. This is probably the biggest place regarding physical demands. Be aware of what you can and cannot do before even stepping foot in the museum. Next Page

Day 6 of Rick Steves Today we went to the Museum d'Orsay and the Museum de l'Orangerie. Both have amazing art, however d'Orsay focuses on impressionism, whereas l'Orangerie focuses heavily on Monet's water lilies. Museum d'Orsay The d'Orsay is inside this beautiful old train station from the 19th century. The giant arched windows, the massive clock, and the iron framework make the whole place feel open and airy. It’s crazy to think that trains used to run through here, and now it’s home to some of the most famous paintings in the world. The art itself was incredible. The museum is mostly known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, so I got to see paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas up close. On the right, I was able to see my favorite Renoir painting, so this was definitely a personal highlight for me Museum l'orangerie The paintings are in two oval-shaped rooms, designed so that they surround you. Natural light comes in from the ceiling, making the colors look soft and natural. Up close, the brushstrokes seem random, but when you step back, the whole scene comes together, like a peaceful reflection on a pond. It’s easy to just stand there and get lost in it. Besides Monet, the museum also has paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse. It’s not overwhelming like other museums, which made it nice to just walk around and enjoy the art. I will say, however, that the room full of sand was a bit much, and I wouldn't call art. I was lucky to get some souvenirs for family members, and more pins for my collection!! Farewell Dinner After our tours of the museums, we got some éclairs, which were so delicious, and then got dinner with our group for the last time. Our dessert was so good that I had to share!! We got matching scarves, and ended going to the Eiffel Tower one last time to celebrate our Parisian adventure. Tonight was my last time at the Eiffel Tower, and it felt surreal. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, standing underneath it never gets old. When the tower started sparkling, it felt like the perfect goodbye. Leaving was hard, but I know I’ll be back someday, hopefully I will be able to take my mom. Departure

Arrival Our Paris flight was surprisingly smooth! A quick tip: skip the jeans for comfy clothes instead (though preferences vary, like Mikaela who prefers jeans). The plane food exceeded expectations, and we enjoyed great company onboard. Landing at Charles de Gaulle felt like a movie scene, with the plane stairs laid out. Despite CDG's reputation for chaos, luggage claim was quick and easy. Our only hiccup? A two-hour traffic jam when our Uber went to the wrong hotel across the Seine - apparently a record gridlock even for Paris standards! Hotel de Londres Eiffel We arrived (finally) to our hotel, Hotel de Londres Eiffel . Since we came before the tour, which we recommend, we got a room not included in the tour which was on the 2nd floor. Our rooms were connecting, so Mikaela and I shared one room, and Brandi was in the room across from us. The rooms were not only elegant, but the family-owned hotel truly embraced the homey feeling. We were welcomed by Richard, who was super kind to provide details about the city and local gems. Though we were feeling the effects of jet lag and tried resist it, we ended up taking a two-hour nap! I also prepared my camera for its debut in Paris, and here’s my first official photo with my digital camera : 6/27/24 Brandi was surprised with some chocolate from her significant other upon our arrival. Thank you Tom! First Meal in Paris After we dropped our bags at the hotel, our stomachs started a full-on mutiny. So, off we went to grab a bite. I went for a Pokè bowl—yes, I know, not very French of me, but hey, it was a 10/10 meal, so I’m calling it a win! I even got some berry gelato to make up for it. Musée du Parfum After our extensive nap, we got dressed and went to the Musée du Parfum, repping our florals. We went through the history of perfume, and eventually made our own. We got to customize the scent and how much of each fragrance we wanted to add. If you like floral scents in perfumes, I would definitely recommend this activity. I loved having this pocket-sized perfume in my bag whenever I needed it, and it was so convenient. Book Now! What an amazing day! I had my very first metro ride, and wow, what an adventure! No one warned me about how quickly those metro doors slam shut – Mikaela nearly got caught in between them! But we turned it into a fun experience, sticking together and making sure we didn't face that surprise again for the rest of our trip! Beware of pickpockets on the metro! Make sure your bag isn't visible and is covered by a coat. Next Page

Here is why you need a small picture! It is for your week-long metro pass. The Beginning After our quick lunch, we headed back to the Hotel, which is where we met Rolinka to sort out our group meals, metro card, and to receive our Vox Box. Meeting the Group Later, we met the group; everyone was from different states which was nice! Before going to dinner, we learned how to use our Vox Box and how to listen to Rolinka through the earphone. We went to our first group dinner and were assigned buddies. This is for buddy checks that happen every day before we leave different places on our itinerary to ensure the whole group is together. My buddy was Arnold, Mikaela's was George, and Brandi's was Gene-who we ate dinner with. Dinner was nice and different. I got escargot, which I loved. Now, I have had it before, but now I can say I had it in France. Mikaela got this salad that ended up having edible flowers on it, so all in all, the meal was...très savoureux!! Next Page

Day 3 of Rick Steves Today we walked the streets of Montmartre and checked out Sacred Heart. The artist market was beautiful, and I even was able to buy an ornament here! Sacred Heart Sacred Heart was beautiful. No pictures are allowed, but that made it all the better to fully take everything in. The architecture is just so cool to see in person, and the exterior isn't something I can put into words. With lockets on the fences, it really feels like the city of love. Montmartre Loved walking around, seeing artists selling their pieces, and just the scenery overall. One of my favorite outings! (I didn't get many pictures of the artist market, but a photo wouldn't even begin to describe how cool it was. Brandi actually bought a painting here, the same guy she bought from when she came here last!) Notre-Dame VR Experience &Holocaust Memorial After our tour of Montmartre and Sacred Heart, we separated from the group to visit the Notre-Dame experience. This virtual reality journey explores the history of Notre-Dame, detailing its destruction by fire and the plans for its reconstruction. Afterwards, we visited the Holocaust Memorial , which I found fascinating, as I enjoy learning about this aspect of history. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in wartime history. Group Dinner Tonight was another group dinner, and it did not disappoint! I got deviled eggs for my appetizer, cod for my entree, and meringue for dessert! Seine River Cruise After dinner, we all ventured to a Seine cruise, and the views were insane. I mean, it was breathtaking, truly indescribable. I think these photos speak for themselves. Next Page

How to prepare for your Paris Trip Preparing a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming with so many details to consider. But don't worry - below I break down exactly what you need to prepare, from packing lists to important tips and tricks to making the most out of your trip. Essential Packing Guide for Paris Clothing Versatile pants that coordinate with multiple shirts to maximize outfit combinations while minimizing luggage space Mix of casual and dressy shirts for layering and repeated wear Sundresses that transition from daytime sightseeing to evening dining Comfortable walking sneakers - essential for exploring Paris's cobblestone streets One pair of dressier sandals for evenings out Adequate socks and undergarments Accessories Secure, cross-body bag or anti-theft backpack for city exploration (Paris is known for pickpockets. I used my Lululemon belt bag and hooked it to me, so I was the only one to open it) Sunglasses for protection while outdoor sightseeing Travel-sized straightener for hair maintenance Neck pillow for comfortable flights Earbuds for audio tours (Bluetooth is good for walking tours. However, your guide will hand you a Vox Box , which allows you to listen to your guide through earphones due to noisy surroundings. The audio box comes with earbuds, but some don't prefer the ones they give you. On the contrary, I had no issue with it. It's all about preference.) Not much an accessory, but equally as important; a printed photo of yourself. This will be needed for your metro card given to you by your guide. This needs to be pretty small, maybe 1.5cmx1cm. Personal Care Complete toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, skincare essentials Travel-sized moisturizer and hand sanitizer Minimal makeup kit for day-to-night looks Sunscreen for sun protection while exploring Hair accessories and styling products Optional Items Body Wash (provided in hotel, so not essential) Phone Hook (Hooks on to your phone case and bag; pickpocket proof) School ID for students (can receive discounts in certain places) Travel-sized conditioner (coordinate with travel companions to avoid duplicates) Journal + Pen (Highly recommend! I journaled every single day, and I am glad I did. ) Digital Camera (Loved the quality of my photos, but a phone with a good camera will suffice. ) Tip: Paris is a fashion-conscious city, but comfort should be your priority. Pack clothes that make you feel confident while still being practical for extensive walking and variable weather conditions. Packing Cubes Packing cubes save space for souvenirs while keeping your suitcase and hotel room perfectly organized. Such a game changer! Below I provided the ones I used and loved. Check it out! Check it out! Next Page

This Paris tour involves extensive walking. Our tour (June 26-July 6) averaged 16,000 steps daily. In Paris, streets are uneven and stairs are very narrow. Consider this and what you can physically do before booking to ensure an enjoyable experience. The demands during your trip include: Carrying your luggage up several flights of stairs to reach your hotel room (Depends what type of floor you're on. We were on the second floor to start, and then switched to the first floor. Stairs were bearable, just a bit narrow as pictured). Being on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions (Depends on the season. We went in June-July and it was perfect cool weather). Sleep with street noise and weak air conditioning (Depends on hotel, ours was perfectly fine.) Able to navigate around the city on your own. (We loved walking everywhere, and it was one of my favorite benefits of the trip.) Physical Demands

Day 5 of Rick Steves Today we are headed to the Palace of Versailles...and wow, I am a bit overwhelmed. There was so much here, and out of the days we had been there in Paris, it was probably the hottest. When going on the tour, make sure to look at the temperature in advance to plan attire accordingly. Everywhere I looked, there was gold, marble, or some insanely detailed decoration. It’s wild to think this was once just a hunting lodge before Louis XIV turned it into the ultimate royal palace. I visited the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived. Marie Antoinette’s bedroom was especially extravagant, with a ridiculously fancy bed, floral wallpaper, and golden details everywhere. Check it out! Palace of Versailles The Gardens After, we headed out to the gardens which were beautiful! We wanted to check out Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, but it was closed. It was built for Marie Antoinette so she could escape the rigid royal life and pretend to be a simple farm girl. Before heading out, we got a quick bite from this cute little cafe in the gardens (there are lots of shops within the actual gardens). Following our stroll in the gardens, we rented a boat on the water. It was cool, but I was way too confident when rowing. You definitely need someone strong to row, or take turns like we did. Definitely a funny and memorable moment for us. Next Page

Paris in Pieces is about my Rick Steves experience in the city of lights. Welcome to Paris in Pieces Experience the City of Light Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Tour Begins Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Departure Bonjour! Welcome to my scrapbook of our unforgettable tour of France! I’m so grateful to my best friend Mikaela and her mom Brandi for making this adventure possible. Celebrating Mikaela's Sweet 16 together in the enchanting city of Paris was a dream come true. Join me as I share the highlights of our amazing 10-day journey, showcasing the beauty of Paris through our eyes! How It All Started Since I met Mikaela in third grade, our lives have been intertwined in the most beautiful way. From the very beginning, we clicked effortlessly, sharing a mutual love for theater, art, and countless other passions. As the years passed, our bond grew stronger, evolving into a sisterly connection that I know will last a lifetime. Mikaela isn't just my best friend; she's my chosen sister. Her family has embraced me as one of their own, just as mine has done for her. We've celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and created memories that will forever warm my heart. Our friendship is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of shared passions. I am endlessly grateful for Mikaela and the unbreakable bond we share, a treasure I will cherish forever. This extends to her mom, Brandi, as well. Having people who always support you is a gift you don't take for granted. When running for student body, Mikaela was the one who went out of her way to campaign for me. When discovering the beauty of theater and art, Brandi was the one who took me with Mikaela to my first Broadway musical. The point is, she’s my constant, my confidante, and my forever friend; the kind of person who turns life’s uncertainties into shared adventures and unshakable support. " European history is like a big puzzle. At first it's all a jumble to keep track of, but the more you bring the pieces together it actually gets easier." - Rolinka Bloeming Why Rick Steves? If you want a vacation that goes beyond tourist traps and into the heart of a destination, Rick Steves is the way to go. His approach is all about traveling like a temporary local, finding hidden gems, embracing different cultures, and coming home with a new perspective. Whether you're joining one of his expertly crafted tours or using his guidebooks to explore on your own, you’ll get an experience that’s rich, immersive, and stress-free. With a focus on meaningful connections and independent adventure, Rick Steves makes travel feel personal, exciting, and unforgettable. One of the best parts of his tours? The incredible guides. Rick Steves handpicks experts who bring history and culture to life with passion and insight. We absolutely loved our guide, Rolinka; she made every moment engaging and unforgettable.

Day 2 of Rick Steves We got up early and got some breakfast in the breakfast nook; my go-to was always cheese, yogurt, and a hard-boil egg. After, we set off to meet everyone outside the hotel and to do our buddy check before exploring the the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches; Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. Church #1: Notre-Dame Heading to our next spot I really loved checking out Notre-Dame, even though we couldn't actually go inside. I had been looking forward to this spot, and I can't wait to see it all finished when I come back one day. Notre-Dame is famous for its rose windows, which are such a cool part of gothic architecture. There are three of these awesome circular stained glass windows, and they're all still sporting their original stained glass from the 13th century! On our way to the next church, we took a visit to the renowned Shakespeare and Company. This iconic bookstore in Paris has been a beloved meeting spot for writers and readers since the 1920s. Church #2: Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle is simply breathtaking! It's a beautiful piece of history from the royal palace in the city. Built in the 13th century by Louis IX, who later became Saint Louis, it was made to hold important relics: the Crown of Thorns and a bit of the True Cross. After checking out Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, and grabbing a quick bite, we headed over to the Arc de Triomphe on our own. Once we got the top, we were blown away by the amazing views of the city! This iconic monument honors everyone who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all the victories and generals carved into the walls. And right underneath it is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Dinner Tonight, Brandi took us to get soufflé at Récamier Sté le for the first time. The texture threw me off, but not too bad. We also got cheese ravioli in a white butter sauce with vegetables, which was a taste of pure heaven. Next Page

A Day in Giverny June 29th On this day, we went on a tour with BlueFox Travel. Our tour included venturing to Monet's Gardens in Giverny. We experienced the famous water lilies, Monet's house and gardens, an intro course on Monet's life, paintings and impressionism, and Monet's gravesite. Click the link to book now! We started the tour in Giverny by walking through Monet's gardens. We were able to see the various inspiration for his work, such as the water lilies. These photos don't do this garden justice. After exploring Monet's garden, we took a tour of his house. Honestly, it was an incredible experience that’s hard to put into words. My favorite part was definitely his kitchen, where art wasn’t just confined to canvases, but was also an integral part of the home’s decor. 1/5 1/3 During the tour, we visited Monet's grave site, which is situated behind the church just a 10 minute walk from his home. The large family tomb is adorned with flowers, reflecting his passion for gardening. Monet is laid to rest alongside his second wife, as well as his two sons, Jean and Michel, and their wives. I found these prints for just 5 euros! The gift shop offered a wide variety of souvenir options. Although I couldn't find a pin, Mikaela discovered some great gifts for her family. It's truly a shopping paradise for tourists! We ended our night by seeing the Eiffel Tower light up. Quick tip: If you want to see the Eiffel tower light up, during the Summer season, it glistens from from dusk until 2 a.m. (1 a.m. during winter). It will shine for 5 minutes, so get those pictures while you can! Next Page

June 28th We began our day with a delightful breakfast. The freshly squeezed juice was amazing, and everything tasted fresh. I experienced this freshness throughout the trip, especially compared to the food in the States. The breakfast area was cozy, providing a wonderful atmosphere for dining; we definitely took advantage of the breakfast every morning. 2 Tours in 1 Day Book Now! The Palais Garnier After a delicious breakfast, we couldn’t wait for our audio tour of the Opera House! The breathtaking ceilings and cherubs left me in awe. The intricate artistry and grandeur of the space created such a magical atmosphere - it's a must-see for anyone who loves beauty, culture, and art. We even got to see the Phantom of the Opera Booth and original costumes worn in the theater. Totally recommend checking this out during your spare time, it's a must. Personally, this was Mikaela's and my favorite. (I started my collection of pins! My first one was of the Opera House.) After coming from the Opera House, we grabbed some gelato and wandered around before heading to our tour at the Eiffel Tower. Made a perfect detour to the Lafayette Galleria; I couldn't resist a photo op at Tiffany & Co., which definitely gave me flashbacks from my Sweet 16. Going up the Eiffel Tower was so surreal. We saw beautiful views between each tier. When going to the first level, we experienced the floor being see-through, which was unexpected, and even saw a restaurant (yes, a full on restaurant) as well! As we continued going up, we ended at the summit (the highest point of the tower), which is limited capacity. At the top, we saw awesome sites of the city, including some of the Olympic sites, such as the beach volleyball court set in front of the tower. Next Page