MENTAL ADVISORY: the notes you are about to read about Paris are based on personal moments in time. These are factual events. If you do not like or disagree with any of the statements below feel free to lodge your input with my hr department @ Tripperdaily.com
I was able to spend some time in Paris, France while I was traveling throughout Europe.
So much to do, so much to see and through that which is PARIS!
There really is no way to describe the feeling of Paris. You think of all the glamour and beauty, history and art.
I found that Paris can be one of the hardest places to go with my PTSD, multi spectrum anxiety, empathics, etc...what I call Social Ambiguities.
As I went to many places to find out what the best, or the worst of it can be ...here are my thoughts of what can occur in many places in Paris.
Paris is a huge city and you will want to learn how to get around. Many people have written about this, yet I felt, and feel, the only way to learn it is to jump right in. Most of the ‘tourist’ destinations are within a quick metro reach so you wont have that much stress on it. And of course there is others transport all around...truly though I loved the metro once I got used to it.
In no Particular order here we gooooo:)
1. Eiffel Tower night and day.
So I stayed in Meudon, France just outside of Paris and had the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Every night i was able to see the glimmer of the night lights all over the Eiffel Tower. This is a must see.
Meudon, France an amazing place to stay for your trip to Paris!
One of the most inviting parts for me was to see this spectacle that is the Eiffel Tower at night (from afar).
Now, going there during the day or night to actually get to see, and or climb it, is now an interesting task. There is a plexiglass barrier surrounding the tower. You have to go through a security check to get in.
As a person with ‘#socialambiguities I really did not feel the need to get ‘stuck’ within the plexiglass walls overall. So, I kept my vision from afar as my true feeling of seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Note that the ‘street vendors’ there are there to take your money. You will find ‘three card monty’ that everyone seems to be winning at. You will see that a few of those people in the crowd are placed there to make sure you lose. Be very cautious . All around the outside of the Eiffel Tower is streaming with street hustlers trying to sell you selfie sticks or random trinkets....be very careful !! (Yes there are legit items there just be aware).
Yes it is beautiful , but note that you are going to be in tourist central all around this area. Pack a lunch and bring water with you as all is more expensive in this part of Paris.
**there is a ‘park’ a few blocks away from the tower that you can kind of find a seat at and regroup as you need. you can always walk away from the crowds just note that it can take a minute to get through them.***
2. 59 Rivoli
Formerly an illegal squat. It is now home to some of the most amazing art. One of the most unique art establishments I have ever been too!!
Okay this place is awesome! Really beautiful artwork of all kinds from various different artists. Much of the time the artist are on site doing their magic. So, you not only get to see many many unique pieces if art, but also meet the people who create it. The building itself is amazing! Every inch of space is covered with so much amazing art. Just a wondrous adventure into the minds of many many artists.
***Do note that as one with social ambiguities it does get a bit cramped in there but once again...art and amazing people that are friendly across the board.
Once again easy to get anywhere within downtown Paris using the metro.
**59 Rivoli is not included in Paris passes. based on donation to get in...and well worth whatever donation you can give!!**
3. The Louvre
There is a security check point where you need to put your items through an X-ray machine and also walk through a metal detector as well, plan for that. Even with the ‘skip the line’ pass (museum pass for me) you still have to wait in a bit of a smaller line
It is a bit of an odd walk to get into the Louvre, but once in it is vast...very open spaces so not a concern overall.
Lots of people of course. For me, my rescue, was headphones and music....just bounce and dance around as you look at everything. Enjoy it, don’t fear it...the music is the sound healer and quiets the mind!
Of course you have to visit the Louvre while in Paris. This place is beyond huge. Plan on walking quite a bit and probably getting lost within the many halls.
The artwork is beyond amazing. So many artists. It took me about half the day to make it through a good portion of it. I gave myself time to really get to see a lot of artwork, but also to take a break here and there.
I don't know if there are ‘ins and outs’ as I really didn’t try. But there are quite a few benches and places to sit to regroup.
I did notice with myself that after a few hours of seeing paintings and sculptures my eyes started twitching a bit.
As a person with social ambiguities I really recommend spending more time in Paris than most would. It is worth the option of getting out and leaving any place you feel the need to.
So yes the Louvre is a must see but also prepare for the getting in and out and also the fact that you are one of many tourists.
Also as so much to see and do it can get overwhelming for peeps like us so make sure you have whatever you may need with you to keep yourself going through the day
4. Moulin Rouge
Pointless!
A full on tourist trap. Unless this is a must do for you based on history, and of course the movies, I highly recommend skipping it.
the neighborhood is ‘dirty’ to say the least. Even during the day you will get offers to come into the ‘cabaret clubs’ (strip joints) by random people on the street. you can pretty much do or get anything you may want there in a very seedy kind of way. There are sex shops galore if that is your thing, but as it is now a major tourist trap, everything is more expensive. Do not go alone at night!!! Even with a group it is still a dangerous area.
If you are a into certain things it may be the place for you. Just realize that the stress of the place and dark energies will get to you. If not that night, then you will be fully derailed during the day.
Now, there is one positive near the moulin rouge
So here is the deal...if you must go to moulin rouge ...do it as a quick picture taking option and then start the quick walk (literally like two blocks, even if those two are seedy as hell) to the...
5. Montmartre district
This is a place of beauty. Total trip that you can turn down a block later and find an amazing and chill spot. The alleys are narrow and there are a lot of people. On the plus side it is beautiful and welcoming ...especially after walking through a proverbial hell.
6. Pere Lachaise cemetery:
Okay, so, everyone wants to see Jim Morrisons Grave...maybe even Marie Antoinette’s, or even ???
Well ya, of course there is massive energy fluxes through cemeteries. Most of us won’t go near em due to the ‘emotional bath’ all cemeteries bring to the table. Spirits or not, cemeteries are a hard for all social ambiguities.
Prepare yourself for that...
Also the place is HUGE!!! I got lost three times and almost went crazy. Full on fainting episodes for one being lost but also so much random energy throughout.
Don't get me wrong...it was beautiful. I mean centuries of tombs and tombstones is a most wonderous thing to see.
If you do go I would recommend getting some sort of map...not sure there is one...but if there is find it. I don’t recommend doing a tour cuz it is an expense and you will want to get in and get out...trust me.
Even the perimeter has odd energy so just best to go until you cant and then run!
7. Arc De Triomphe
Beauty beyond words, yes.
There is a small tunnel you have to go through to get in. Once you are in the tunnel you cannot leave until you are done with the tour.
The tunnel is short so no major worries...and there are a few outer areas you can go to once through.
Then comes the fun part...holy carp my dog there are stairs beyond stairs to get to the top.
The stairways are definitely claustrophobic and its one hell of a journey up...there are little ‘cubby holes’ you can step into to breathe for a minute.
Totally worth it when you get to the top.
Once again though there are a LOT of people! The walk around is gorgeous but you have to step up to the upper area to get a good view and that is where everyone wants to be. Be patient is the best thing I can say...but most people are rude and will step in your way.
You are also ‘stuck’ at the top. Yes, you do have to walk back down the stairs to get out. Ya its a doozy...to me was worth it...but ya know you can always look at my pictures and feel that you went up too lmao>>>picture link here .
8. Musée de l’Orangerie
One of my favorites overall due to Monet Water Lilies
It also seemed more comfortable to me overall
It can be very overwhelming seeing that much art ....but well worth the site to me.
Relatively easy in and out...and this one you can step outside of take the breather you need as the line (for me at the time) was not too bad. With the skip the line part of the pairs pass (museum pass) getting in and out was easy .
There is a ‘lunch area’ where you can sit and chill if needed as well...but once again, when places are busy....
Oh and its a really nice park outside right by the water so wonderful place to relax :)
9. Musee d’Orsey
This museum is pretty amazing with open spaces and a awesome setup for all to see. I did find that the noises do echo throughout so, once again, music to drown that part out. Definitely enough space to not feel overwhelmed and there are many spots that you can relax and reset at. The art and sculptures are truly amazing...this place I highly recommend.
10. Notre dame cathedral:
****This was written before the very unfortunate fire***
So this is where I experienced my full ‘come to Jesus’ (pun intended) Moment of social crisis and empathic breakdown inside of a spiritual center.
The energies in this place a beyond dark. I felt faint, dizzy, nauseous...the whole nine yards with cold sweats..bad body vibrations...this was beyond a panic attack and or ptsd attack...this was pure hell.
There is no way in and out and there is a very long line regardless of any time of day or night you go. There is a park outside, but the energy surrounding the place is just wrong.
Yes, this was before the fire, and yes I do feel bad for stating all this.
Seriously though...
If you have any empathic nature, social anxiety, ptsd, or any social ambiguity...really...stay outside and say you went there...or run in and take a quick picture...just make sure to plan your exit. Even the surrounding grounds were overwhelming for me.
I am sure many of you have made it through this place with no problems.
This whole writing is based on my experiences as a #socialambiguity traveler...not to say you will have the adverse reactions but to give you the knowledge to prepare for what could happen.
Personally I know now that I cant go into older cathedrals and churches. It took me this place to find that out. I now trust my gut/intuition to tell me if a place is really bad for me (and possibly for others)
I have been to certain cathedrals that I could manage. Hell, even one that made me bawl in tears and feel completely alive and at ease within...Notre Dame is def not one of those.
Now tripping in and around Paris has its ups and downs of course. Just a few more tidbits of info for you:
Above all protect yourself! There are many dangers within any big city. In Paris I found that Pickpockets abound and you really need to keep yourself and all your belongings safe wherever you go. Not trying to frighten you to not go to Paris, just always check your peripherals so to speak.
There are literally stairs everywhere you go. Not necessarily for the faint of heart. It also can get crowded everywhere so once again...breathe..and keep your rhythm flowing.
Learning the metro can be done...maybe study up a bit first then hop on and see where you go. All places are pretty close, just some of the stations are larger than others and can get confusing. Breathe deep and just go with it!
Always take water with you wherever you go...hydration is key. Some places don't allow the plastic bottles through security. I never had a problem with the Baiji bottle I had with me throughout my journeys. And its a good idea to bring snacks with you for the long days:)
For me, the city of love was not was I was hoping for. It really did stress every aspect of my social ambiguities. This is why I am sharing all this with you.
Do note also many Parisians themselves have a ‘attitude’ towards tourists. You will find quite a bit of rudeness and overall a non-caring attitude towards you and yours. This you have to expect and adapt into. Don’t trip...its not just you...it is everyone!!!! And the best way to get through it is to expect it and walk away when you can.
**** my main encounters with this were in restaurants based on slower than slow service (tends to be a thing there). Also you will notice there really is no passing on a sidewalk...if a Parisian is there in front just walk their pace as if you try to get by they will make it hard for you.
Safe havens can be found, some with a bit of difficulties. Feel free to message me for more info on specifics :)
So much more to write and show on Paris. Yes more to come...I wanted to get this much out for the next traveler to know what it can be like traveling through Paris.
And as always feel free to see what it is to be a Tripperdaily.
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