paris

In February 2020, I took a fortuitous research trip to the United Kingdom, not knowing that it would be the last opportunity to do such research as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the month wore on, and coverage of the virus began to focus on the plight of Spain and Italy, I decided to take a trip to Paris for a few days in between the end of my research in Durham and the final days in London. I booked a room in Paris and took the Eurostar to Paris.

Unsurprisingly to anyone who has gone to Paris, I fell in love with the city. I visited the Louvre for only a day. But its vastness felt like a challenge to visit it again and again in the years to come. The rainy weather and increasing uncertainty of COVID-19 meant that I couldn’t take advantage of my Parisian sojourn to explore more of the city. But what I saw whetted my desire to go to Paris once more. I hope that the proliferation of vaccinations will allow for a return to normalcy of tourism in Paris. I miss Paris despite being there for a few days.

Below are a few images I took during this visit. A belated post, no doubt. But I don’t think there’s a statute of limitations to posting these images. So enjoy! Maybe I’ll be back soon, who knows?

Like everyone, I’ve seen pictures of the Eiffel Tower ad nauseum. If not the most photographed structure on Earth, it’s certainly in the top 5. But seeing it in person, seeing this iron laddice rise up over Paris was just breathtaking. In my mind I was just thinking: “Oh shit, that’s the Eiffel Tower!” I was giddy looking at it.

The Eiffel Tower from the Place du Trocadéro.

Selfie of myself in front of the Eiffel Tower. Touristy? Yes. A bit kitsch? Sure. Worth it? Definitely!

I. M. Pei’s famous glass pyramid at the Louvre. In the tourist guides it’s recommended not to take this entrance due to the long lines. But as my visit was in late February, COVID-19 had begun to became the subject of popular discussion throughout the world. Two days after my visit, the staff of the Louvre would force a closure out of fear of the virus. I don’t blame them. But the upshot was that the Louvre was not all that busy when I visited. Many exhibits were relatively quiet.

Looking up at the pyramid…

Case in point regarding the low crowds: the Mona Lisa’s line was only a 5 minute wait! Again, toursity and kitschy to go look at this surprisingly tiny portrait. But again, I’m fine with that!

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Notre Dame under repair. The images of the cathedral buring in 2019 were shocking. I’m glad the building wans’t completely destroyed. I hope it’s rebuild to its former glory.

Not gonna lie, I’m partial to this photograph. Taken at the Place de la Concord.

The Arc de Triomphe, in all its majestic glory.