I wonder when I'll finally get around to scaling the tower. It would be nice to see it from a different, off-the-ground angle, like this one. Pretty. But pretty high, I assume. And open-air. Which I'm not sure will help or heighten my fear of heights! Guess there's only one way to find out.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - cliff.chung - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of cliff.chung

I'm inspired to take a break today from the scenic Seine shots and views to La Tour Eiffel in favor of a little flavor, or six. As prettily pictured above. If you're not familiar with French macarons, you really need to get with the program. They're little bites of crackly, chewy heaven and the best are from the house of Ladurée, founded in 1862 in Paris, which created this part cookie, part cake, ganache-filled all-crack treat at the turn of the 20th century. If you've had one or when you finally do, you'll understand the reference to hardcore street drugs. And while there are other reputable dealers in French macarons, both inside the confines of Paris and around the world, I've never had anything nearly so delicious or addictive as at the source of genius, Ladurée. No trip to Paris should be without a hit, I mean a handful, of macarons from this historic Parisian pâtisserie.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - neonriot - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of neonriot

Like the Eiffel Tower as pictured in this wonderful photograph, my trip to Paris is just coming into view. Planning is half the fun of travel, and I enjoy it nearly as much as the actual trips themselves. Is that strange? I don't know about you, but I'm never nearly so happy as when I'm mapping out my next escape.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - -hadlo- - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of -hadlo-

My god. Where has the time gone? I have really been neglecting this blog. As well as my workouts. But the latter is none of your concern. Lucky you! Here's to getting back on track. The focus for now being Paris, as that will be the site of my next international escapade. And nothing is more inspiring when planning a trip of one's own than thumbing through the memories of fellow travelers. Take this dreamy interpretation of the Parisian cityscape. Old and new at the same time. I love it!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Americo Duarte Santos - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of Americo Duarte Santos