Bonjour everyone! I had planned to post my adventures everyday but I was so busy and preoccupied with my trip that I never got around to it. I am now back in the states, trying to avoid my jet lag, so I decided to share the remainder of my trip.

Again, I took advantage of a company called Education First Ultimate Break. This company is incredible! They have so many affordable trips around the world with everything done for you. They took care of my flight information, hotel payments, train tickets, and all of the unique activities we had the chance to be apart of.

Day 3:

This was our full free day in London and I definitely took full advantage of that. Our tour guide (who was incredible by the way) took us to a small market called Camden Town. This place was so cool and I highly recommend it. It was a mix between a farmer’s market and a craft fair but highlighting the different cultures that make up the UK. They had everything from food to jewelry. I had this AMAZING food called an arepa made by Venezuelan natives, so it was perfect!

Once we left Camden Town we went to the UK’s National Museum and saw some pretty sick dinosaur bones! I had never seen a full size dinosaur skeleton before so it was pretty cool. We then were classic American tourists and took on the London Eye, which I loved! It was such a beautiful view. To end the day, myself and 4 other people on the tour, went to Her Majesty’s Theatre to see the Phantom of the Opera. Wow. That is all I have to say. It was incredible.

Day 4:

This day was all about travel. We left London and went back to King’s Cross to take the Eurostar Train to Paris. By the time we got to Paris and to our hotel, we had just enough time to take a quick nap before we headed to the Eiffel Tower. AKA MY DREAM COME TRUE!!

Our guide took us to see the Eiffel Tower at night so we could see it sparkle. I totally lost my sh** when it started to sparkle. The only way I can describe the experience was unbelievable. The view of the tower was so incredible that it didn’t seem real. It’s one of those things that is even better in real life. Photos do not do it justice. I mean, yes it is gorgeous in photographs but the real thing….there is nothing like it.

After the Eiffel Tower, we got a real French crepe (YUM) and took a river cruise to see all of the main buildings in Paris. It was breathtaking, but a little chilly. At this point, we were all STARVING so we went to the Latin Quarter and went to a classic, family owned, French restaurant where we each got a 3 course meal full of authentic French food. Honestly, nothing tastes better than authentic French cuisine.

Day 5:

We started the morning with a tour around the city. We stopped at all of the famous buildings and structures that make Paris, Paris. The tour ended at the Arc de Triomphe. Let me just say that the structure is also incredible. It is a sign of hope and fighting for what you believe in. They honor their fallen soldiers EVERY DAY by relighting a fire on the grave of an unnamed soldier rain or shine. Once the tour was over we got on a train and headed out to see Versailles. We got to hear the history behind the castle and got to see all of the famous rooms inside.

This day was jam packed because by the time we got back to the hotel we only had an hour before we left for a classic Paris cabaret show. It was a fun and crazy experience. We had another 3 course meal, lots of wine, and an amazing show. It was so exciting but by the time we got back it was midnight and I crashed before our last full day in the city of love.

Day 6:

This was our full free day in Paris. Our guide took us to see the Basilica and then on a little shopping tour. I picked up all of my souvenirs for my friends and family and then splurged on some homemade macarons. Delicious! I then spent the afternoon at the Louvre. As soon as I got there, of course I had to go right to the Mona Lisa. It was crazy. She had a full sized room all to herself and the room was crowded! It was worth the crowd though, because you can’t go to Paris and not visit the Mona Lisa. It was like looking right into history.

To end our trip, we had a farewell dinner (another 3 course meal, I love the French) and said goodbye. I made so many friends and memories with them on this trip, it was sad to see it all end.

Day 7:

This morning we got up and took a bus to the airport. My flight left at 10:10 Paris time and got back at 12:20 Minnesota time. It was a 9 hour flight so even if it was noon, my body was programmed to 7:00 Paris time. I’m trying my hardest to stay awake but it’s killing me right now (totally worth it!)

This trip was everything I ever wanted. I had dreamed of going to Paris for as long as I can remember. I’ve collected pictures of the Eiffel Tower since I was 10 and now I have pictures of my own. I am SO sad it’s over but I am SO booking another trip to Europe because I think I found the place that I belong.

If you, or anyone you know, wants to go on a trip out of the country but don’t think you can afford it, that’s not true. You can. Go onto EF‘s website and look into all of the trip options they have! Believe me, it’s more than worth it. They also have payment plans, so if you book a trip for next summer, you’d only have to pay 100 bucks a month until the trip came. You also could save some serious cash on this trip if you refer to me. If you do find a trip comment below, or on any of my other posts, and I can tell you how you’d get to save $100-250! Trust me, this company can change your life!

 

For more day to day posts and live action (and photos from my trip) go follow my instagram page @lifeoftherookieteacher. I’m also going to say this again, go look into Education First Ultimate Break‘s website. It is worth your time!!!