Anurag’s Thrilliphilia Review of a Journey Through France
Some journeys begin long before you board a plane. They start as a distant dream, a quiet longing, and a promise made between two people in the middle of a mundane day. For me, that dream was France, and that promise was to my wife.
"One day, we will walk along the Seine, hand in hand," I had told her years ago as we sipped coffee in our small apartment. She had smiled, half amused and half hopeful.
The day arrived on June 23, 2022, when we finally set foot in Europe for our very first international trip. The excitement, the nerves, the anticipation - it was all overwhelming. But standing there, thousands of miles away from home, watching my wife take in the beauty of a new land, I knew that this was going to be a journey of a lifetime.
Fairytale Beginning in Amsterdam
Our adventure began in Amsterdam, a city that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a painting. The moment we stepped out of the airport, we were welcomed by charming canals, colourful houseboats, and streets lined with bicycles. The fresh air carried a mix of the scent of tulips and warm stroopwafels, and for a second, we just stood there to soak it all in.
The next morning, our exploration took us to Zaanse Schans, a little Dutch village frozen in time. Windmills stood tall against the sky, and their blades turned gracefully as if narrating stories of the past.
In Volendam, we indulged in local delicacies and even dressed up in traditional Dutch attire for a fun photoshoot. A boat ride to Marken made the experience even more surreal, as we watched the water stretch endlessly in every direction.
Returning to Amsterdam, we took a walking tour through the heart of the city - its narrow canals, lively squares, and historic landmarks. Watching the sunset over the water, with reflections of twinkling lights from bridges, I turned to my wife and asked, "So, what do you think of Europe so far?"
She smiled, squeezing my hand. "It feels like magic."
A Taste of Belgium in Brussels & Bruges
The next day, we left for Brussels, where we stood in awe at the Grand Place, surrounded by stunning architecture. The Atomium, a futuristic marvel, provided the perfect photo opportunity. But what truly stole our hearts was Bruges, the Venice of the North.
Bruges was a dream in motion - its cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and fairytale-like buildings made it feel as though we had stepped into another era. We spent hours wandering through the charming town, stopping at quaint chocolate shops and indulging in the most divine Belgian waffles.
As we made our way to Paris that evening, my wife leaned her head against my shoulder. "I think I am in love with Europe," she whispered.
I laughed. "Just wait till you see Paris."
Love Affair with the City of Lights
No matter how many movies you watch or stories you hear, nothing truly prepares you for Paris. It was everything I had imagined and more.
Our first full day in Paris began with a guided city tour that took us through its most iconic landmarks. The Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral all stood as reminders of the rich history and grandeur of the city. But the real surprise came when we stood beneath the Eiffel Tower.
It was indeed a symbol of every romantic dream ever whispered in the hearts of lovers around the world. As we ascended to the second floor, the panoramic view of Paris unfolded before us. The city stretched endlessly, and the rooftops gleamed under the golden sun. My wife stood there, mesmerised, with her face reflecting the magic of the moment.
Later, we took a Seine River cruise, gliding past illuminated bridges and majestic buildings. The water shimmered under the city lights, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. I reached for my wife's hand, and without saying a word, we both knew this was one of those rare and memorable moments that would live in our hearts forever.
We also explored the charming streets of the Latin Quarter that evening, where laughter spilt out of cafés and the aroma of fresh crepes filled the air. As we dined under the stars, sipping French wine, my wife sighed happily.
"If this is a dream, I do not ever want to wake up," she said.
A Day of Pure Magic in Disneyland Paris
Some places awaken the child in you, and Disneyland Paris did just that. The moment we stepped inside, we were transported into a world where reality ceased to exist.
We went from ride to ride, screaming our lungs out on Thunder Mountain, getting lost in the magic of Fantasyland, and taking a journey through Pirates of the Caribbean. But the most special moment came when we stood in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at night and watched the fireworks explode into a million colours.
My wife turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "I never thought I would feel like this again," she whispered.
I pulled her closer. "That is the magic of Paris."
Goodbye to the Place of Dreams
On our last morning in Paris, the city felt different as we were leaving it behind. The streets we had walked so many times now carried a bittersweet charm, and even the soft rustling of leaves along the Seine seemed to whisper a quiet goodbye.
We spent our final hours in a small café tucked away in a quiet corner of Montmartre. The scent of fresh croissants mingled with the hum of French conversations, and as we sipped our coffee, we let the city soak into us one last time.
"I wish we had just one more day," my wife said, tracing circles on her cup.
I exhaled, staring out at the city that had given us so much. "Paris never gives you enough time," I said, "but maybe that is what makes it unforgettable."
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