2 MUST VISIT Spots in Paris, Besides the Eiffel Tower

Bonjour my loves! Its been a while, hasn’t it? Have no fear, WanderlustWad is back and in action! Recent travels have included Barcelona, Milan, and of course París (pear-eee). Now, as my wanderers know, this wasn’t my first time in the city of love. My first time in Paris was fun, but a bit underwhelming. Now y’all DON’T START. I can already hear y’all, “Oh, so you just been everywhere, can’t even admire Paris for the beauty it truly is.” I never said Paris wasn’t beautiful or that it didn’t have its distinct charm. I’m just saying that after watching movies where men kneeled in front of a twinkling tower to profess their love, and seeing scenes of people holding hands walking down cobblestoned streets, I didn’t expect cramped apartments and smelly subways, ok?

I romanticized Paris, as most of us probably have, and with only 12 hours to explore on my first trip, I didn’t have a chance to truly explore. So on this trip, I made sure that I got a chance to see what the city had to offer, and boy did I find some gems. Besides going to the Eiffel Tower AT NIGHT (do not go during the daytime, it’s just an average triangle building then, but it transforms into this amazing twinkling wonder in the nighttime), here are the two places you have to visit on your Parisian adventure.

Le Comptoire Général

Photo Credit: Yelp

This barn turned bar, hidden behind a block of houses, will blow your mind. If you are into art, African culture, eclectic spaces, good drinks, and a good time, this is the place for you. Walk into a floor-to-ceiling red velvet hallway adorned with paintings of African royalty framed in gold. HOW’S THAT FOR SETTING THE DAMN SCENE? Your girl was floored. This shabby-chic bar has colonial style, stylish chandeliers, and a hipster vibe. No two seating areas are alike, and you’ll be lucky if you even get a seat. This place fills up fast, especially on the weekends. Get ready to dance to some afro-beats, throwback 90s jams, and a couple tunes you’re unsure of while sipping on an African-inspired drink. ♪♪♪Take me there, I wanna go there ♪♪♪
Check out Comptoire Général here.

La Bellevilloise

Photo Credit: La Bellevilloise website

So Google says this place is an “arts & cultural centre for exhibitions, film screenings, concerts & events, with a bright cafe.” I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations. I didn’t go for any sort of art exhibit or film screening, so I can’t speak on that. You know what I can speak on? The perfect jazz brunch hosted at the Halle Aux Oliviers in this beautiful art gallery. The brunch is a full service buffet with a colorful array of fresh food and deliciously fresh squeezed juices in yet another eclectic atmosphere all while you’re serenaded by a lovely jazz band. I imagine this is where one might find a Sugar Daddy. Imagine linen suits, fedoras, pocket squares, beards. The damn beards. Did I mention all the B E A R D S. This is where your suave and sexy gather to munch and brunch. Super trendy with lovely wooden seats, vintage couches, a skylight, and loads of greenery.
Check out La Bellevilloise here.

So while you’re in Paris, or when you finally decide to book that trip, make sure you check out these dope places! If you love an eccentric, eclectic, vintage, hipster place with loads of different people, beard papís, and stylish decorations, these are your MUST VISIT locations.

What cities have you dismissed, but surprised you when you actually explored them? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering…

You Can Be In Asia and Europe At The Same Time

Never thought it was possible? Think again. Istanbul is the place for you my friend.

As the largest city in Turkey, this Eurasian beauty is the historical heart of the country. With mosques and churches alike, this is the epicenter of where Europe and Asia, modern and classical, East and West, meet.

Arriving early on in the day, I made sure to take a nap. From the taxi ride leaving the airport, I knew the hills would kill me otherwise. Walking down the hill is fun with a great view. Walking up is not so fun (although great exercise), but there's still a great view.  

Heading towards the Galata Bridge, I got lost. As I was trying to figure out where I was, I came across a tower with a huge line. Intrigued, I waited with the others. The thought ran across my mind to ask where the line lead to, but I suppressed my curiosity. To most this would seem foolish, to me it was an adventure. Why did I have to know where I was going? I could figure it out in due time. 

Amazed at my surroundings, and wondering what the hell I was doing standing in a random line, I continued to wait patiently. My views as I waited:

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I love the picture above because it so perfectly describes Istanbul. When you think of the Middle East, the first couple thoughts might include a woman in a burka. True, as seen above. What might catch you off guard was the fact that she was on her iPhone tweeting. She was shocked that people would find it odd. The perfect mixture of culturally classical and technologically forward.

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All I can say is that it was delicious. There is no better fruit than fresh fruit from a random cart on your lost adventure. Pretty much anything in a cart is a good idea. It's always well worth the risk! He was also the kindest watermelon man (the only) I have ever met. 

As the line moved forward I was getting anxious. What exactly was I waiting for? Oh yeah, I have no idea. Typical WanderlustWad.

After seeing people pull out money, I decided I had to investigate. I couldn't continue going with this flow of mine when money was involved. After talking to the amused cashier, I found out I was at Galata Tower. I paid the $10 fee and headed upwards to see what the fuss was about.

The Galata Tower was the tallest structure in Istanbul when it was built. It has a 360 view of the city and is breathtaking to say the least. As it turns out that the stars had aligned for me. I had come at golden hour, and and was able to get the most beautiful pictures. 

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                     Right before the sunset on the sunny side of the 360 Panorama view

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                                         Just a few minutes later on the other side

Standing in a random line paid off. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew it would be an interesting experience regardless.

Galata Tower: $10
Random Adventure: Priceless

Random adventures always pay off, always. Sure they can seem daunting, but not knowing is part of the fun. The anticipation, the waiting, the fear, it's all in the package of adventure. 

Soon after leaving the Galata Tower, I saw where I strayed off and headed towards my original goal, the Galata Bridge. Thankfully the hills were going downwards this time. 

Wandering through the streets, I couldn't get over how lovely this place was. Each street a small community of its own. Shop owners, tourists, and residents alike flooded the cobblestone walkways. It feels so homey. 

Steps away from my destination I grabbed a $1.50 gyro. I love it here already. I ate my gyro as I watched the rest of the sunset. All alone and extremely content. 

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                                            The picture doesn't even do it justice

Walking around afterwards, fisherman waited patiently to get ahold of something, couples held hands, shops hustled and bustled right below the bridge. I wanted nothing more than to come back every single day and watch the sun ascend and descend. And so I will...until I leave that is.

All in all, it was an extremely successful first day. Stay tuned to find out where my adventures lead me tomorrow!

What random adventure did you run into? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering...