Have you ever been played? Have you ever had your heart broken? Think back to the first time that you found out Santa Clause wasn't real, or the first time your parents broke their promise to you. That's the feeling that Paris aka "The City of Love" gave me this weekend. Paris (in my best French accent) is the perfect online relationship. Everyone on the outside looking in longs to be in the girlfriend or boyfriend role, or aspire to one day find a significant other like those in the loving relationships; in other words #RelationshipGoals The problem is no one sees when the couple goes home and barely talks to each other, the fights, insults, or tears. All they see is the admiration or "love" that each posts on social media or tags in a picture.

For years, I imagined Paris to flow with the sound of accordions playing that classic French music heard in the movies. I envisioned myself walking the streets as I passed bistros on every corner with the best cheese and vino and chefs waiting to greet me; a crowded love lock bridge suffocating me with couples sealing their love with locks and kisses. My stomach would long for Ratatouille, crepes, macarons, and French bread. However, I was greeted with a much different view when I touched down in Paris. Cigarette smoke, extremely crowded streets/traffic, a tourists exploitation, and bad hygiene all met me at the door.

Unlike in the US, Paris has no regulations for smoking. People smoked in stores, cafes, restaurants, hotels, you name a place, and they lit it up. It didn’t even matter that plaster on every pack of their cigarettes was a huge message in bold letters saying "smoking kills." It was as if people didn’t care or knew how to read because with every step I took, I smelled burning tobacco that singed my nostrils. But that wasn't the only thing playing hopscotch with my allergies; hygiene is far down the Parisians list of things to do. Not only was the body odor atrocious, but also there wasn’t any soap in about 90% of the places we visited included our own hotel room. Which by the way, if you plan on visiting Europe period, be mindful that accommodations are small, all the way around. Your plates are tapas, so are your drinking glasses, and ice is a luxury. Your entire hotel room is probably the side of a kitchen in Texas. Think New York for rooming as well as transportation and traffic. What should have been a 5-10 minute drive in an Uber pool took us a legit 30-minute drive. In their defense, they were electing a president the weekend I decided to go, so there were an excessive amount of tourists in the city for the election.

While on the subject of tourists be careful of exploitation when visiting Paris. Just from my Bonjour alone, people could tell I was a tourist. So what usually cost 5 Euros had immediately jumped to 20 Euros. However, because this wasn't my first rodeo in Europe, I caught on quickly to the game and they could tell I was a seasoned tourist so they didn’t play with me too much, but they knew I was a tourist nonetheless.

I know you are in shock right now, probably wondering how I could speak so poorly of a city that people love so much. Well, it's easy. Paris isn't all that bad. Even though I wouldn't call it the city of love, I would call it the city of art or the city of charm. Nothing compares to seeing the Eiffel Tower in all her glory. A true beauty she sits like a beating heart in the center of the city. Lighting up with a smile at night as hundreds of tourist from all over the world come and admire her grandiose presence.

Just a couple of blocks away is the Liberty Flame Statue dedicated to the world beloved Princess Diana of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in the tunnel below and died in the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, France. Surrounding her dedication are locks of love. And although officials have removed the locks of love from the bridge all of the padlocks along side of the bridge (due to the compromise of the structure) can be seen by people and couples can still locked their love on the light post. I, too, locked my love right on the light post on the bridge.

Then if you are really into art history, there is the amazing Notre Dame, which is simply breathtaking. You also have the historic Arc De Triumphe, Palace de Versailles, and Palace de Louvre, where hundreds gathered on Sunday to celebrate the victory of the election of their new president. The fashion is also amazing in Paris and, of course, there are a plethora of "Musses" or museums showcasing the best art you have ever laid eyes on.

With everything said, I really appreciate Paris. It’s a charming city and I love art history. I wouldn't trade this past weekend for anything. If I have ruined your view of Paris I'm so sorry. I can only speak the truth. What's love got to do with Paris? Think about it. There is a reason why there are always great deals to Paris coupled with Spain. For I did all that I named in a weekend and you can too. For more information on great travel deals or what to expect in Europe, tweet me @TotallyRandie! Until next time, do something #TotallyRandie!