Paris

[MAY 2, 2015]

Just like a lot of people, Paris has been one of my dream destination. We always had a simple celebration for our monthsaries. We just take a dinner outside, then go home to watch a movie and cuddle in bed.

But this time, he wanted to do something different.

A surprise trip to Paris!

It surprised me a lot, but it also made me happy. Up until this day, it still makes me laugh how he asked me about a place I really wanted to go. He asked me suddenly and even used "getting to know me" as an excuse when we've known each other since childhood.

A week before our monthsary was the time he asked me. I was finishing some papers that were needed for the next day when he asked me out of the blue.

"Astrid, what's the place you want to go to the most?"

"Huh? Why are you asking that?" I suddenly stopped and turned to him.

"Just curious, I just think that there are still some things that I don't know about you."

"What? We've known each other since childhood, and I'm sure I already told you that before." He must be joking and it was working to make me laugh.

"You know that I always forget things. Can you please just tell me?" And then he flashes his puppy eyes. It made me laugh at how cute he looked.

It didn't take me long enough to think and the word 'Paris' just came out of my mouth.

"What was that? Paris?"

"Yes, Paris. I've always wanted to go there."

He hummed and then turned away from my direction. I thought that it was very unusual of him, but I just shrugged the thought off.

3 days later, as we were reading, a piece of paper fell on my lap as I turned the page. I took a better look at it and saw that it was a plane ticket, to Paris. I was really shocked to see it and then I saw him smirking.

"What the hell?!" I hit his shoulder.

"Why? You didn't like it?"

"No, I love it. But why?"

"I wanted to do something special. And besides, it's also my birthday that date. I wanted to spend my birthday somewhere new."

I felt so happy and excited that moment that I couldn't stop hugging him all throigh out the day. I couldn't get the smile off my face and spent the next days smiling like an idiot, feeling my heart beating faster. I knew that it was going to be the best day of my life, and I couldn't wait to spend it with Peter.

Being able to be in the city I wanted the most was truly a dream come true. That trip was extra special because I was with Peter. I couldn't help but my smile the whole day.

On our special day, from morning to night, we were enjoying the beauty of Paris. We've went to different places and took a lot photos.

We started our day with a prayer. We went to a mass at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to thank the blessings we've received. After the mass, we went to admire the beauty of Musée du Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. I really enjoyed our time at Musée du Louvre. I was fond of Greek and Roman sculptures and this museum was the perfect place for me. For the first time, I saw the famous paintings of the well-known artists in the west. I also felt happy to finally see up-close the works Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

A local noticed that we were new to the city and suggested that we go to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and offered to take us there. It was such a beautiful sight and our heart felt calm and happy. She suggested that we take a lunch at Le Pavillion du Lac and take the four-hour sightseeing journey on a boat cruise along Seine River that departs near the Eiffel Tower. Since it was our first time in Paris, we appreciated her suggestions and decided to follow it.

We had one of the best lunch that we ever took at Pavillion du Lac. It was a cozy restaurant with a terrace overlooking at a lake. It was such a beautiful sight and a peaceful time. We took our time to look around and appreciate more the beauty of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Since our next stop was at the Eiffel Tower, we already took the boat cruise at Seine River. Since we were new, they suggested that we try the Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise where they will offer a dinner at the end of the journey. We decided to try it since we were thinking to have dinner after. The cathedral, louvre museum, and the eiffel tower looked magical from our point of view in the boat.

Over dinner, we ate and drank wine. Lots and lots of it. We bought a small cake to celebrate our special day. After dinner, we continued walking to the very famous Eiffel Tower.

The moment we arrived at the Eiffel Tower, Peter dabbed and did a lot of crazy things beacuse of the alcohol hitting his system. It was one of his craziest photos, but I guess it's also his most memorable one.

We ran and chased each other like some wild teenagers who just got drunk for the first time in the city of love. That was one hell of a night but probably the best I ever had. It was one of the most memorable and happiest monthsary we've celebrated, and it was one of the happiest days of my life.