May 2010

Destinations: Paris
by Patricia Bannister

On our bus tour, we traveled through some of the most beautiful countryside, and our guide was just full of stories about French authors and the small French towns that they came from, but what we were all waiting for was Paris - and, we weren't disappointed.

Paris is a beautiful city full of trees, history, and fabulous architecture. Our first stop was in a beautiful square where we all got a lesson in what "public restrooms" means in Paris. It was a shocking lesson to our husbands, while we agents knew what to expect. We all had a good laugh. There were great red double-decker buses everywhere, and we could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Our second stop was at the Eiffel Tower itself. I had seen photos of the tower, but nothing prepared me for the magnificence of this architectural masterpiece. Standing beneath this massive structure was absolutely an awesome experience.

When we got back on our bus, we were taken to the Seine River, where we boarded a river boat for a luncheon cruise. As we glided down the river and ate a wonderful lunch, we marveled at the sights that we saw. We passed some beautiful bridges and architecture, we saw nude sunbathers on the banks of the river, and we saw the first Statue of Liberty (which is quite small compared to the one the French gave to the United States as a gesture of friendship between our nations).

After our cruise was over, we boarded our bus for a tour of the city. On this tour, we saw the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe, the Bastille, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre (which now has a very modern, very large glass pyramid in the middle of the courtyard, as well as the most beautiful fountain and statues you have ever seen).

The streets of Paris are filled with trees, shops, and outdoor cafes that made you want to stay in the city forever. Paris has become one of my favorite cities in the world, and one day (when I can stay for a week or more) I will return.

(Check this handy reference for more information about traveling in Paris.)

Patricia Bannister is a Memphis-based travel agent who serves as OSSN's South Eastern Regional Manager and as the director of the OSSN Memphis Chapter. She may be reached via her listing (under "TN") in the OSSN chapter directors roster.

(Credits: Patricia Bannister)

Destinations: Paris by Patricia Bannister

Destinations: Paris
by Patricia Bannister