by Anne Tran

Created on: November 26, 2008

For me, remembering Paris means hopping into a time machine and traveling back to a place inside my head with memories so vivid, they might as well have been created yesterday. Some will swear that Paris is the most beautiful and romantic city on this planet and others will claim that it is overrated and overly commercialized. I say, everything in life is what you make of it. My husband and I decided to make it a beautiful and romantic experience.

Traveling to a foreign place, miles from home and all things comfortable and familiar, isn't just visiting landmarks, touring museums, or tasting rare delicacies. It's the idea that, where you are standing, thoughts will swirl about in your head as your eyes and ears are trying to absorb everything all around you at once. The best parts of traveling are the feelings you have when you think of that particular place after you leave.

Every day of our trip began when we took a step out of the Hotel Elysee Union, where we were staying, to the sight of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. We thought to ourselves, "That's right, we are in Paris." I've learned that the French have different feelings toward their famous tower. Some love it, some hate it, and some don't care. After all, it wasn't meant to be a structure of beauty or iconic romance when it was first built. But to us, Americans, it is probably the greatest symbol of Paris.

Walking down the Champs Elysee, we couldn't help but feel the clash of history and modernity. Famous war victory marches have marched down this street under the Arch of Triumph, yet we were passing by a Louis Vuitton store. Being fascinated with history, it's definitely an odd feeling to think, "Napoleon once marched down this street."

Standing atop the Notre Dame, we could hardly breathe. For one, we were breathless from the hundreds of stairs we've just climbed. And second, the view was breathtaking. Paris is a sight to see from a gargoyle's eye view. This beautiful city is filled with historic landmarks, boats flowing along the Seine River, and not to mention all the lovers below seeming to whisper words of affection into each other's ears.

The Louvre contains so much history and art from centuries before we were even born. It is impossible for you to walk through the halls of this enormous museum and not be in awe of such priceless art pieces done by such talented artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and other greats from the renaissance era. How could you not feel the significance of the renaissance seeing the Mona Lisa smile back at you?

Montemartre is another world in itself. Once leaving the metro station, we instantly felt as if we were transported to another city all together. Walking the streets of Montemartre, we literally felt as if we could feel the spirits of the many artists, such as Picasso and Dali, who found residence there many years before. We could see how those devoted artists could find inspiration in this neighborhood high above the rest of the city.

A honeymoon in Paris sounds clich, but we didn't regret a moment of it. For us, falling in love with Paris truly did make us fall in love with each other all over again. Exploring the streets of this beautiful and historic city, hand in hand, created memories that we will cherish and remember until we return.

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