I travelled to Paris alone by train. It was my first time to ride the Eurotrail. I was so excited because it has been my lifelong dream to go to Paris. I’ve seen it in movies - Sabrina, Amelie, Before Sunset, Ratatouille (hehe). I arrived at Gare du Nord, and was auspiciously welcomed by the Velvet Underground. But I wasn’t lucky for long. With my 23KG luggage and 18KG backpack, I tried to hurdle the Paris Metro “turnstile”. Gosh! Those were made for waif-like people. The passage was narrow, and, of course, my big ass didn’t exactly fit seamlessly. To my horror, my 18KG of a backpack was stuck in the “turnstile” and people were looking at me, not knowing what to do. I was so embarrassed. Good thing, a person alerted one of the staff who helped me walk through. But that was just the start of a long ordeal. Besides being built for waif-thin people, Paris is a city that loathes elevators and escalators. So, I had to drag my 23KG luggage together with my 18KG backpack with me all around the metro, up and down the stairs. When I finally got to my stop, I walked out the station and thought that I had it all figured out. Because, you see, I came prepared. I know I wouldn’t have mobile data so I printed maps, etc. But you know, maps are not too helpful when buildings do not have numbers!!! (which I also encountered in Luxembourg - and I thought the Philippines had it the worst!) So I walked aimlessly around the block looking for my Airbnb apartment. But you know when you travel, strangers come up to help you when you’re in dire need. I approached a couple and, thank God, they spoke English. They helped my find the building, which I passed by three times! Hahahaha! Torture starts now… I enter the building, I noticed there are no elevators, lifts or dumbwaiters. My Airbnb apartment was seven floors up! I had to carry my 23KG luggage and 18KG backpack up seven flights of stairs! After the third flight, I was already sweating cold sweat, my arms and legs were trembling. But it was just the first bag. I had to carry the other one seven flights again. My God! After that ordeal, I felt alone and sad. I cried. I missed my family, my mom, my son. I missed my friends. Paris was not as welcoming as I thought.
Hello @deejiwahine ,
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I’m sorry, that you had bad feeling about arriving Paris, but I’m sure after that you really liked the city. There are many beautiful buildings and monuments what you can see. All districts have cozy cafes and restaurants. Also, the pastries are unmissable. As you’ve mentioned the network connection, in all the places you can use the wi-fi, even there are points outside of the buildings.
By the way, this photo looks amazing, so I’m waiting for your next post about your second day in Paris.
I’m looking forward to your introduction.
Thanks, Petra! Sadly, I just had one day to explore Paris. I actually walked for 8 hours straight from my BnB located at the Latin Quarters to Notre Dame Cathedral then to Louvre then to Arc d’ Triumph then to Champs Elyssee then to Eiffel Tower and back again to my BnB. I had tired feet but was really happy soaking in the architecture and the whole Parisienne vibe. I fell in love with the metro afterwards with all its eccentricities. People turned out to be really helpful in the end, helping me carry my luggage. After all the misadventures, I must say, I really enjoyed my trip and had a great time. 
Thanks for the reply @deejiwahine !
I’m glad to hear, that it turned out a great day.