The train stops and I gather my luggage from the overhead compartment. A few strangers bump me and I try my best not to snap at them. I suppose I'm a little cranky from the long train ride. By far, the worst part of traveling is, well, the traveling. Grumpily pulling my suitcase behind me, I step slowly down the isles, now crowded with the people getting off at the same stop as me.

     The minute I feel the rush of clean air rejuvenate my lungs, I become less angry and mad, but more tired getting ready for the next adventure. I had a lot of fun in Palermo, and I was only there for three days. What would happen if I stayed here in Paris for a week or two?

     The possibilities fill my heart and mind with glee. I practically run out of the station and stare in awe at the French architecture. Much like Palermo, small shops lined the streets but were towered over by huge skyscrapers reaching the top of the lightly clouded, bright blue sky.

      I discretely counted out $1,000 to exchange to euros once again. I pushed the money into the machine and watched as it dropped 890.15 euros into the bill holder and coin bucket. I quickly pick it up, not wanting people to see how much money I was carrying. After all, this is Paris, the City of Love...and Theft. I carefully tucked it into my lacy, white bra and placed the rest of my U.S. money back into the sock in my blue suitcase.

     Sitting on an uncomfortable, but delicate bench, I scrolled through hotels trying to find one near me with a decent price. I wanted to stay a lot longer here, so I planned on at least five nights, and if I wanted to stay another few nights, I could always pay more. Eventually, I settled on Hôtel Beaumarchais. It was the cheapest one I could find near me, only 704 euros for all five nights. Sadly, it was a big chunk of my money, but it was close and the price was way lower compared to some other hotels. I strolled down the stone streets to Hôtel Beaumarchais, taking in the sights. If there was one thing I noticed, it was the roses. There were roses everywhere. Lining sidewalks, growing in planters alongside houses, in shop windows, being sold everywhere. It was a little less than a mile to get there, and I took my time, breathing in the sights and sounds of Paris.

     I had been taking French since the eighth grade, so when I got to the hotel, I could speak without much thought. I wasn't completely fluent, but I'm sure using it for this week will increase my knowledge. While I walked up the steps, I let my eyes wander around the front of the hotel.

     The front of the hotel was beautiful, tall marble statues decorated the front entrance and littered the garden. Multiple bird baths sat peacefully while colorful, chirping birds flew in and out, from full feeder to full feeder. Small, grey squirrels skittered about, climbing up high in trees and gobbling down acorns with their small mouthes. A cute couple was smiling and laughing on a stone bench in the shade of a large and magnificent magnolia tree. Averting my eyes, I tried not to think of Zach. I slipped inside as the annoying couple sneaked a kiss under the fading afternoon sun.

     The young man working the hotel desk handed over my key after I paid. Thankfully, I made through the interaction without slipping over my French to badly. I waited for the elevator and pressed the button for the third floor and waited while listening to the soft, yet annoying elevator music. Finally, the golden doors open. I stepped out into the carpeted hallway. Passing doors and vending machines, I made my way to room 347. Fitting the key I was given into the lock, I smiled and gasped. My room was absolutely stunning!

     The bed was beautifully made with fluffy, white blankets and pillows. It was a four poster bed, with a rollout feature underneath to hide your suitcase. I pulled the big white slab and it slid easily out from under the bed. Placing my overstuffed, blue suitcase on the board I rolled it under the bed. It was so cool! I immediately took most of my money and put it the lockbox in the ample closet, just for safe keeping. Heading to the bathroom with my shower kit, I looked at the modern, claw-foot tub and stand-alone shower. Everything was white and pristine. The large round mirror in front of the double sink was clear and clean. I placed my kit down and skipped out to the main area of my room again.

     I slipped off my shoes and sat in the comfortable armchair looking out the window. A garden was directly underneath with large, pink rose bushes and a sitting area with white, wicker furniture. I pulled back the gorgeous white lace curtains, and, in the very distance, I could just make out the detailed structure of the Eiffel Tower in front of the setting sun. I pulled out my phone, zoomed in, and took a picture for Autumn. Sending the picture to my new friend, I plopped my phone face-down on the bed.

     After relaxing on my small balcony for  for a bit, I took a much-needed shower and nap. After being on the train for over a day, I wanted to stretch my legs a bit, so I decided to take a walk and look around for some things to do and see in the future.

     I picked up some travel brochures at the entrance to the hotel for ideas, there are some great tourist sights here, but I wanted to get the real feel of Paris.

     I rented an adorable pink cruiser bike for two hours for only 2 euros, about $3 in America. I rode over stylized bridges, through silent parks, near rose-lined shops, close to restaurants with laughing people, theaters full of music and life, and finally, in front of the Eiffel Tower. I wanted to save the tour for my last day, like a final hurrah to Paris. The structure was massive. It rose high in the air, far above the clouds. It was very surreal to me, being so free to do whatever I wanted to. I smiled and a happy tear slid out of my left eye. I took a few pictures for my own traveling memories, bought a coffee and some pasta to go, and ate my dinner right there, under the setting sun, in front of the Eiffel Tower, just because I could.