Midnights in Paris

At the height of 2013's summer, two of the Coffeestrokers were whisked away on a two-week long adventure across 6 European countries with their high school marching band. This is the first post in a series we will call "European Travels" where we will share with you a few glimpses of the beauty of Europe. We hope you enjoy living through our camera lenses, just as much as we enjoy reminiscing all the amazing memories this trip brings back to us.

La Defense

Our introduction to Europe begins nowhere else than in the magnificent city of Paris, France. Just one step out of the airport, and you know you are the city of fashion, architecture, and most importantly, baguettes. The heart of Paris is riddled with numerous pastry shops, or "patisseries" that draw in customers, dazing at the rows upon rows of perfect macaroons in every pretty pastel shade possible.

Morning Pastries and Goodies

Snacks in Versailles

Patisserie

Everybody knows that France houses not only some of the best pastries in the entire globe but also the iconic Eiffel Tower. This "modern" landmark in the midst of ancient Paris was not always welcome with open arms, but now it's an accepted fact- there is no France without the Eiffel. What we didn't know, however, was the hourly burst of colors and flashing lights from the tower, entertaining us from all the way from 8pm to the early hours of 3am.

Perspective is key.

Along with Paris itself, we explored many other French commodities such as the Louvre and the Arche de Triomphe. It was so fascinating to experience a city rich and seething with history at every corner; there was a visible, stark, difference from the United States that can't even be described, but whatever it was, it would be forever engrained in our hearts. 

Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace

Arche de Triomphe

"A Toutes Les Gloires De La France"

Luxembourg Garden

France, this isn't the last time you'll see us.