Today is the 1st day of vacation in Paris. This our second time in the city; coming back to a place we loved so much, 13 years back, we were so looking forward to reliving that magical week again.

Unfortunately, this time around, the city looks very different, especially around Ile de la cite. We didn’t realise the extent of damage the 2019 fire has caused to Notre Dame and the streets around it. It was such an unfortunate accident. May be it is the post pandemic effect too.

The Sainte Chapelle approach roads were filled with police vans and cops carrying automatic guns. I don’t remember the being so heavily guarded back 2008. Certainly not a pleasant site for the average tourist like me.

This is not a rant or criticism. We truly love Paris but doesn’t seem like that picture perfect city we once visited. Am I being biased or has the city changed?

Maybe it’s our perception that has changed in these last 13 years traveling around.

Now I realise there is some construction work happening in Eiffel Tower too! I feel little sad on day 1, that I didn’t plan our travel to the city well.