Off to Paris

We got up at 8, packed up our stuff, and headed to breakfast. They had lots of stuff, even Nutella! We checked out and headed to the airport.

Flying as a non rev with British Airways is quite a new experience. We checked in on the machine and it gave us tickets with seats to be assigned at the gate. We assumed we would just go through security and to the gate like in the US, however, we instead went to an employee check-in line and we don't get to go through security until we get a seat assignment. The flight we were listed on was pretty full and we wouldn't know if we were making it until 45 minutes prior to departure. This foiled our plan of visiting the priority pass lounge. Hunter later went up and discuss some details with the agent and we found out we could take a flight a couple hours later with plenty of space meaning we could be assigned seats right away. We agreed and headed through security to the lounge.

The lounge was very busy, as many of the reviews mentioned. We luckily found a nice spot that was tucked away. We also had access to some food which included pasta, quiche, brie, scones, and different drinks.

While we snacked, we researched more things to do in Paris and if their tourist passes were worthwhile. We found out it was cheaper to just pay for the activities we wanted individually. The transit card is interesting because you have to get a photo printed on it, but it's ≈€30 less than their tourist transit pass. We also found a hotel and booked it. We are staying at a fancy looking Best Western. Surprisingly it was the cheapest option to stay at a brand-name hotel. It was funny because initially, I found it on Hunter's discount website ID90 (FYI if you want access to discounts on hotels contact me and I can give you the referral code to join) and it was going to be about $435 but we found it through the hotel website for $365! Sometimes discount websites don't always give the best prices, so I make sure to check all my options before making a choice.

When our gate was assigned, we headed to the flight and boarded shortly. At Heathrow, gates are assigned 45 minutes to departure unlike at home where gates are assigned essentially for the whole day and if it changes your are notified. The system here seems to be efficient because there's not really any issue of a plane not having a gate, it just goes to the first available one (interesting things to think about). We went to go board the plane and weren't going to have any issues, but my ticket wouldn't scan and I had to see an agent. Oh ya, when boarding, you essentially board the plane yourself by passing through a gate where you scan your boarding pass. Anyways, because I'm small and my bag looks huge on me (Hunter has the same one in black but he is tall and it doesn't look so massive on him) they stopped me and wanted me to check my bag due to the full flight. Hunter then also got called over to do the same. Thankfully the bag was only going to get checked if we couldn't fit and when we got on there was plenty of space and we didn't have to check it. It was just annoying because we had to take our electronics and medical stuff etc out of the bags in case they did need to be checked.

The flight was a quick hour and we arrived in Paris without issues! We got a sim card at a Relay store and headed to the train station to get Navigo cards. To get the best weekly travel pass, you have to pay €5 for document photos taken in a photo booth like you see at malls. Once that is complete, you go to the ticket office where they give you a pass for about €23, attach the photo, and put it in a little case.

Once we had everything set up, we took the RER to our hotel. We checked in easily to a cute room and went to find food as we were starving! We decided to try an In N Out clone called Burger and Fries. I ordered in French which was an adventure because I have apparently lost a lot of my verbal communication. Reading French is a breeze, but I'm immensely self-conscious about speaking it, especially since Canadian French is very different from Parisian French. I was, however, able to successfully order two double double meals. Our drinks were very cool, and each cup had a barcode that you scanned at the fountain and then it allowed you to use the machine.

After eating our burgers and fries, we decided to check out the Tour Eiffel. We took the subway and when we turned a corner and saw it, it was pretty amazing. Honestly, I was quite worried I would be disappointed with it as some people say they are, but I wasn't. It's a massive structure and being a Civil Engineering student, it's fascinating to think about how it was built.

Entrance to the gardens under the Eiffel Tower is free. You have to pass through a security checkpoint metal detector, and then you are under the tower. The tower is actually completely surrounded by glass walls that are probably protecting from any threats. It also appeared to have an electric wire along the top to prevent anyone from going over it. While we didn't go up it this night, we got to walk around and watch the light show that happens every hour on the hour. The tower sparkles magnificently. Around the outside of the tower, there are tons of street sellers with keychains and light up mini towers. There are also people walking around trying to sell roses, wine, and cigarettes. We had to say no a lot, but no one was rude about it and left when you said no.

As it was late, we decided to head back to our hotel. It was a quick subway ride away. Once we got back, it wasn't very long until we were asleep.

Date: February 18, 2019