[travel] The colorful village of Cassis

After the hike of our life (well…) in Calanque de Port Miou, we ventured back into the village to catch our bus back to Marseille. Little did I know that Cassis’ beauty would again strike me with awe, as we happily spent 3+ hours wandering in the tiny village, marveled at colorful houses and basked in the glorious sunset

[travel] Hiking Calanque de Port Miou in Cassis, France

As my long-time readers probably know, I truly enjoy hiking. The last time I did it was in Jeju with the bf and boy do I miss it. Convinced that no trip is complete without some good hiking, on our second day in Marseille, we hopped on the bus to Cassis–a picturesque community east of Marseille. It is famous for its incredible cliffs and sheltered inlets called calanques. The village is also a gem in itself, with colorful houses and cobbled streets.

[travel] Magical Paris, day 5: Palais-Garnier

Last day in Paris, already? Initially I wanted to visit Versailles, but the weather was bad and the leaves were gone. Versailles should look magnificent in any weather and regardless of leaves on trees I know, but I should save my visit to this palace in Spring, when everything is nice and green and blooming, no?

After some research, we decided to check out Palais Garnier, Opera National de Paris, as it received some very promising reviews on tripadvisor. So off we went into a luxurious shelter.

[travel] Magical Paris, day 4: Devoted to the Louvre

Our 2 last days in Paris were, as forecasted, rainy. Convinced that we have seen the outdoor highlights of Paris in 3 days, we dedicated the fourth day to the humongous Louvre museum, and the last day to Palais-Garnier (and to watching the Hobbit…)

[TRAVEL] MAGICAL PARIS, DAY 3

Yet another sunny day! I was ecstatic the moment a ray of sunlight peeked through the curtains! Such a fine day should be dedicated to not merely more walking, but to some extra physical activity aka. climbing to the top of the Notre Dame for a bird’s eye view of Paris.

[eat] And the World’s Best Hot Chocolate is…

Angelina‘s!

Before going to Paris, like any first timers, I was anxious about where to chill away an afternoon the Parisian way when I came across some reviews about Angelina. Our stop at this chic, oh-so-Paris Salon du Thé was one of my culinary highlights during the whole trip. Really, just try enjoying a cup of sinfully delicious hot chocolate in such a lavishly decorated tea room on a rainy day, you’ll see why life is worth living for

[travel] Magical Paris, day 1

I initially wanted to follow different routes to explore Paris in each and single day I stayed there; but during the bf & I’s 5-day visit to Paris, we practically strolled around the city in a circle, which allowed me to see many sights several times, just in different weathers and times of the day. We saw Paris in rain and shine, from up above and down below; we took a cruise along the Seine, and climbed the Notre Dame; we walked the off beaten track, ate baguettes, munched on macaroons, cherished every moment, and left Paris happy and satisfied.

A magical city is always a magical city.

I enjoyed every minute of Paris, and in fact, the whole trip was a major highlight during my time in Europe so far. I can ramble on and on, but for the sake of our readers, I’d just write about some glittering pieces and bits of Paris.