There sadly isn’t much I can say about Paris. I have never been the biggest fan of Paris, and after visiting again, I still am not. So my advice? Don’t go. (Ha, I am only partially kidding) But really, once you get past the monuments and museums, it is a dirty city with cruel intentions. However, rather than continuing to why I do not like Paris, I will just leave you with a few tips to the city.

1. No matter how comfortable you feel, or how at home you may be – when you are out in the city NEVER leave your bag unattended. This means sitting on a chair next to you, on the ground near you or any other way where it is not physically on you in some manner. In many cases it will be gone in an instant (and sadly my mom found out the hard way).

2. The city is full of gypsies that not only take your purse, but have these cunning tricks (so please be aware – we ran into all of these): “Do you speak english?” a simple yes will have them harassing you to sign their piece of paper for supporting orphan children. While you are signing, they or their partner will pick pocket you- if you refuse to sign they get closer and closer to you, often touching your face in hopes to convince you to sign. Best to just shake a no and ignore their further questions. Another con includes a “gold ring”. A gypsy will generally toss a “gold ring” on the ground as approach you, pick it up and exclaim what amazing treasure they have found! They continue on to ask if it is yours, or if you would like to buy it from them. It is fake and they just want your money. And then there are the gypsies with fake babies – while the woman I encountered did not throw her fake baby at me in hopes I would try and catch it and rob me in the meantime, she kept tapping me on the shoulder to ask for money. Use caution in any situation!

3. Overall, just be a smart and self-conscious traveler when going to Paris. (or any other big city!) The advice can’t get more simple than that!

Our trip to Paris wasn’t entirely awful- the following pictures document some of our favorite highlights of the city.

Having lunch on a Seine River cruise – it was phenomenal! (One plus for Paris)

Locks upon locks

The beautiful Notre Dame

Luxembourg Palace fountains and gardens

Versialles! Absolutely stunning – a do not miss when in Paris (or perhaps the only place to go when visiting)

Amsterdam. What more is there to say? The name itself conjures up quite the image… ok so not quite the image of my last visit there! We did have a phenomenal time – I saw my absolute favorite museum, The Van Gogh Museum, we ventured through many local markets and even waited in line for the Anne Frank House (which despite my prior protesting, I enjoyed it much more than previously). I’ll leave you with pictures from the end of our London-Paris-Amsterdam trip.

Dad, at our lunch overlooking a canal.

Anne Frank House

I would like to take a moment and thank my loving and wonderful parents for allowing me to be a part of their first trip to Europe! I had an amazing time and the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you!