Of Disasters and Discoveries

My Little Montmartre
Excited and exhausted we arrived in Paris after a delayed flight. We hopped into the first taxi we could find and handed him our hotel address. Two hours later muttering in French, he stopped at a hotel which looked completely different from the one we booked online. The driver completely exasperated with us unloaded our bags and with a final look of disgust at us took off before we could stop him.
So there we were no hotel, no phone. Lisa saw a café across the street so we stumbled across, baggage in tow eager get some food into us. A motherly looking lady who had seen our hassle came over to offer help. She told us that she lets out a few rooms behind the café –gîte d’étapes for 50€. Relieved and eyeing the delicious array of pastries at the counter we agreed. If nothing else at least we would be well fed.
The room Mrs. Baudoin showed us was delightful. It was the backroom of a little bricked storybook cottage hidden by plants. Inside the décor was minimal but warm. Helping us settle in Mrs. Baudin told us of Montmartre and its rich history. It started off as home to painters and artists who couldn’t afford the cost of living in the city. Matisse, Renoir, Van Gogh all lived there at some point. As the Moulin Rouge and other cabarets were established Montmartre began to be synonymous with drinking, dancing and debauchery. But it still remained a creative enclave and one could be sure of finding Paris’ artistic best here. She stressed that the best way to experience the little village was by simply walking around its cobblestone streets. Handing us the key she warned us not to get too enchanted with the city and to always be alert as it was also home to an increasing number of miscreants and two girls traveling alone were an open target.
Eager not to waste another minute we freshened up and set off. We walked up the hill in the direction of the majestic white dome of the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur. Along the way we passed picture perfect cafes, fromageries and of course the occasional sex shop. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular. We could see the entire Paris skyline. As we sat at the steps of the Basilica taking it all in some musicians and mimes gathered at the base and we were treated to a show, each competing for the crowd’s attention.
The remainder of our trip passed quickly, we did everything on our itinerary but evenings were always reserved for Montmartre for that’s where the true Parisian charm lies.