First take the train from London to Dover. Walk a mile to the Dover Port, then take the Ferry to Calais, France. Walk another mile, ask a couple strangers if you're going the right way, then catch the bus to Paris. Admittedly this may seem like a lot of traveling just to arrive at the beauty that is Paris, but I wouldn't have changed our itinerary for anything.

Taking the train to Dover allowed me to see the outskirts of London, and walking to the docks in Dover let me get a real feel for the town. Although the ferry to Calais made me rather nauseous, it was beautiful to see the cliffs and open water.

Long story short - the convenient way is not always the best way.

Even upon reaching Paris, I walked everywhere. Wandering the city created attention to detail, and a greater understanding of the culture.

As a fluent communicator in French I was able to communicate with the locals, ask questions and pick up interesting facts.

Fun Fact: Paris is one of few cities where the government has worked to preserve and maintain ancient architecture.

" The city is full of tourists, but trust me - it's a beautiful thing to see. Everyone is giddy, with butterflies floating inside their stomachs, for we have all dreamed of this moment. "