4 Days in Paris

by theyarina in Travel

My short but intense trip to Paris started in Phoenix last year when I attended Summit 2018, a Conference for destination marketing professionals hosted by Sipleview. The 4-day event was both the end of my Whole30 journey and the start to a long flight to the City of Love.

This was my first time in Scottsdale, Arizona and I stayed at the Scottsdale Princess, a large beautiful hotel with more amenities that I had time to explore. The reason why I went to Paris for 4 days only wasn’t some excentric last-minute idea, but rather, the lack of vacation days. That was also one of (the many) reasons why I don’t work there anymore. Although it was less time that I would’ve liked to spend in a new country, it was an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Each day was full of museums, food, and happiness. Nick joined me on my third day there, so I had some time to explore on my own. The weather was awesome and my rusty French carried me through most activities. Except for getting a salmon Quiche Lorraine at Boulangerie St. Michael, I did everything else right.

Lots of bread and not enough champagne made Paris a worthy end to the Whole30 experiment that I’m not sure worked so well for me. I already used to eat pretty healthily, so by adding so many constraints, I feel that I found myself making more unhealthy options than I otherwise would’ve made. Like eating too many of those Lara Bars and WAY too many raisins.

Below are some of the highlights.

The only photo that makes it clear I was in Arizona. Jeans from Everlane, belt and boots from asos.
The only photo that makes it clear I was in Arizona. Jeans from Everlane, belt and boots from asos.
  • packing
  • Arriving on Phoenix, AZ. They say that mountain looks like a camel... but maybe it's not that one bc I don't see it boo
    Arriving on Phoenix, AZ. They say that mountain looks like a camel… but maybe it’s not that one bc I don’t see it boo
  • A walk-in closet in my hotel room. Yeah
    A walk-in closet in my hotel room. Yeah
  • Scottsdale Princess bathroom, AZ
  • Scottsdale Princess closet, AZ
  • Scottsdale Princess bedroom, AZ
  • Roaming the streets of Scottsdale. I wondered why there were no people walking outside... I guess 100 degree weather is not necessarily walking material
    Roaming the streets of Scottsdale. I wondered why there were no people walking outside… I guess 100 degree weather is not necessarily walking material
  • This was my official break from Whole30: Farm & Craft huevos rancheros or something AND waffles. No, there wasn't anyone else with me, they are all for me.
    This was my official break from Whole30: Farm & Craft huevos rancheros or something AND waffles. No, there wasn’t anyone else with me, they are all for me.
  • Cute conference desserts. I ate all of them.
    Expensive conference desserts. I ate all of them.
  • Indulging in some unnecessary burger room service
    Cheers for room service
  • Room service is never great food. This burget was not the exception, but after Whole30, everything is delicious
  • This is the first time I saw a falcon used to keep birds away, loved it! I saw it again on Mexico last Thanksgiving
  • Scottsdale Princess dining hall

Then, Paris time !

My unintended BMW ride to St. Germain was well worth not having to struggle through the public transport for an hour, which gave me enough free time to have dinner twice.
My first tartare at restaurant Xin Gainian, a Korean/French fusion dish
My first real chocolate lava cake, paired with a sweet white wine @ Chez Fernand. I loved this place so much I came twice. Pun not intended.
My first real chocolate lava cake, paired with a sweet white wine @ Chez Fernand. I loved this place so much I came twice. Pun not intended.
I didn’t care too much about the type of hotel, since I was going to be out most of the time, but it HAD to have a small balcony with a large window to look outside to feel Parisian enough.
The other component of my Parisian hotel choice was that wallpaper.
My order at Boulangerie St. Michael: Pan au chocolat et Quiche Lorraine.
Walking along the Seine.
Musee D’Orsay, my first cultural activity (if you don’t consider ordering food in French a cultural activity).
Steak Frites at Frou Frou

I met Nick at the corner coffee shop and it was only more adventures from there. And by adventures, I mean bread.

Waiting for Nick at Cafe Le Buci
PAUL is a French coffee shop chain. I don’t know how well it does with the locals in therms of authenticity but we LOVE it!
A mid-morning drink at Le Deux Magots
There she is, as enigmatic as ever
Me, reading a menu way too close to my face @ Chez Fernand Christine. I came here twice on this trip and it’s still my favorite French restaurant
And of course, I met Stephanie from The New Wardrobe.
Another menu reading
Scallops in their shell, so cute@ Alcazar