Paris-lovers beware!

Warning: Anti-Paris, pro-Santorini "rant". Paris-lovers be warned. I shall take no responsibility for your reactions. :P

You know what? I am tired of hearing people say that Paris is romantic. Or that "no wonder everyone says it's the most romantic city bla bla bla". (which, besides a number of bloggers, some people I know also do)

I just don't think so. What is so romantic about it? What is so romantic about a bustling city, packed metros, cars zooming past?

Don't mind me. I'm just being cranky. I'm this way lately, for some reason or another. (for several, actually, when one subsides another comes to take its place)

And I'm taking it out on Paris. Just thought of it because Ben's telling me he's coming this August. Not that it's your fault, Ben. I just don't know why people like Paris so much. Sorry. Not my cup of tea. I prefer someplace like, Santorini. Really, that's the most breathtaking place I've ever been to, the only place I can honestly say I really loved. The other places were more like great experiences.

And the Greek people I met in the restaurant agree. When I told them that I had been to Santorini, the mother was like "oh yes, really beautiful!" And even when she was telling Hung Jen about all the interesting places in Greece to visit, she mentioned several other islands, amongst which Mykonos (where we almost went instead of Santorini) and she said "Mykonos, not so good. Santorini, better."

Back to Paris. Okay, maybe there's the Seine, which is kinda "romantic" (I don't really think so) But then it's like everywhere you turn, there are tourists. There are souvenir shops. How on earth do the locals live? It's like invasion, all year round. Then at the Eiffel tower. No, it's not pretty. I only went to see it because it's famous. And you have those people shoving souvenirs under your nose. Oh, bargains! Duh, stay home, that's money-saving for you.

I'm not saying Paris isn't worth visiting. But once would be enough. Just for the experience of seeing it. Unless if you like museums or architecture. But hey, most people wouldn't agree with me on this one.

Lyon is so much better. I tell you, it has everything Paris has (even the Eiffel tower...lol) You want metros? There are metros in Lyon, much roomier and cleaner than the Paris ones. You want a river? Lyon has the Rhône, which even has a strip of greenery next to it for your strolling pleasure. There are even trams, roomier than the Paris metros (though less than the Lyon ones), allowing you to look at the scenery you are passing by as you get to your destination.

Goodness, this has turned into a Lyon-advertising post.

So what does Lyon lack compared to Paris? Throngs of tourists. Narrow sidewalks. (Lyon sidewalks are larger, I believe...or is it just because there are less people using them? :P )
Souvenir shops.

There are even secret passageways to discover in the old town. I still haven't found them all, and I've gotten tired of trying. I found the longest one, which was easy, and also one or two others that I've now forgotten. The only one I take visitors to is the longest one.

Then there are the painted walls. I've made myself a vow that I will go looking for them all one weekend before leaving for Malaysia. I hope it will work out, seeing as I always end up too lazy. And they're all over Lyon...not just in its centre. Maybe I'll cover a small area each day.

I've babbled on long enough, haven't I? See you if you come to Lyon.

PS: For the Eiffel tower in Lyon, check out Fourvière ;)