Travel Journal #9: A taste of Paris can be the perfect treat to fend off the holiday blues

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Ferrero
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Being far from friends and family this time of year can get you down. I decided to take a trip to Paris during Thanksgiving break, and I'm so glad I did. 

After researching online, I found the Information, Tickets and Travel trip to be cost effective. I paid less than 300 pounds for four days' transportation, a tour guide, and a hotel with a breakfast buffet. That included a 90 pound single supplement for the hotel room. 

The best part of the trip was having the ability to choose between group excursions at additional costs or doing my own thing. The excursions included such activities as a night at the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, and the palace at Versailles. I decided to try Thanksgiving dinner that night, the River Seine cruise the next day, and explore during the rest of my time. 

When we pulled up to our hotel after nine hours on the road, my group was so ready to get off the bus and unwind, that people were lugging their suitcases up the stairs to their rooms to avoid the line for the elevator. We had two hours in our rooms to unpack, nap, or watch "The Simpsons" in French until dinner. 

Around 5 p.m., we piled on the bus and rode to the restaurant. Dinner felt as much like a family holiday as a Thanksgiving with strangers could. The four-course meal was okay, but the ambiance was great. Those who ordered shrimp cocktail received a picnic-salad concoction of fish pieces in a mayonnaise-based substance with peas and carrots. My burgundy beef was delicious, though; and the fromage (cheese) plate was tasty. Drinks were unlimited, to include wine and beer. 

The two-person band really made the night. They walked around with a guitar and accordion and sang everything from French ballads to "La Bamba." By the time we were slipping our arms into our coats around 9 p.m., everyone was singing, including the kids. 

The next day, I paid the 20 Euros for a city tour with photo stops and a cruise down the River Seine. Our tour bus guide related entertaining historical facts. He said painter Claude Monet was asked once by a reporter why he always dined beneath the Eiffel Tower, and Monet replied that it was the only place in the city where he didn't have to look at the "monstrosity." 

After the city tour and river cruise, our bus dropped us off near the Louvre Museum. The Louvre houses arguably the finest art collection in the world. Time spent in this museum, like time spent in Paris, nourishes your soul. You could easily spend a week wandering through the palatial halls. Because of this, it's easy to get sensory overload. Thankfully, there are many places to sit down and rest. 

After three hours in the Louvre, I was ready to get out and see something else. It took a while to find the exit. 

Finally, I was out in the cold, fresh air. I walked along the River Seine to my favorite cathedral in Europe: the ever-creepy, ever-intriguing, Gothic masterpiece Notre Dame. It was around 5 p.m., and the gray daylight started disappearing. Raging expressions on some of the church's gargoyles faded into darkened silhouettes. 

As night settled, I crossed a bridge to the yellow lights of cafes lining the street. Warmth seeped from the door as I stepped into one cafe, hoping it was as friendly as it seemed. The man at the bar told me I could seat myself. By the way, if you try to speak a little French (there are language materials at the base library) the people in France are very pleasant. Everyone I've talked to says the same. 

At this particular café, I ate the best omelette of my life. Edam cheese, ham, potato and tomato melted into bliss. It was an 8 Euro taste bud spa. As for the anti-South Beach Diet, must-try delicacies in France, there's the crème brulee (custard with carmelized sugar on top); the crepe (thin pancake with a filling of your choice); fresh crusty French bread (tastes different in France, I swear); the beignet (like a doughnut); and chocolate mousse (like pudding but better). 

With my belly full and desire to explore renewed, I strolled across a bridge toward the Champs-Elysees. My nose was running, and I looked like an escaped criminal in my black gortex liner jacket and "watchcap." But I so didn't care. Ernest Hemingway called Paris "a moveable feast," and I had left omelette heaven to discover views so enchanting I decided that this is the most beautiful city in the world. 

At night, Paris glows. The Eiffel Tower, now indigo, emblazoned its rotating spotlight like a lighthouse in a sea of romance and festivity. On nearly every corner, mythological sculptures shone with pale realism and detail. Smells like perfume and bakeries occasionally wafted past. Orange globes dotted along the river, evoking languid accordion sounds in the back of my mind. Passersby speaking in melodic French syllables added to the tranquility of the evening. 

After about 20 minutes, I reached the Champs-Elysees - the Rodeo Drive of Paris - which was all dressed up for Christmas. Trees marched in orderly columns on either side of the strip sparkling with lights, a horticultural parade for the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the street. Shops like Luis Vuitton towered in gold and glass next to cafes and movie theaters. Further down, wooden stands sold Christmas decorations, candy, scarves and jewelry. People strolled along the Champs, their cheeks chapping pink and breath fogging. 

Who would have guessed Paris could feel so Christmassy? 

I noticed that the movie "Two Lovers" was showing at 9:45 p.m. A ticket cost 10 Euros. Although the movie had opened here, it isn't expected in the states until February. I've wanted to see it, because it's Joaquin Phoenix's last movie and has gotten decent reviews. But I thought I was going to miss it because I'll be deployed. 

It was the perfect treat for the end of my day. And there was still a whole weekend to enjoy. 

If you're interested in the four-day Christmas trip to Paris, contact the RAF Mildenhall ITT office at DSN 238-2630, or visit the trip Web site here.  As of Thursday, there were about 40 seats available. 

Just remember: If you're alone for the holidays, you still have so many options. Watch movies with people from the dorms, eat dinner at your supervisor's, call a friend, or go explore a place you've never been before.

Editor's note: Comments made herein reflect the views of the writer and are not representative of the official views of the U.S. Air Force.