My time in Paris with Carissa now seems like a dream. Our unforgettable travels are a high energy adrenaline rush that leaves one breathless in the aftermath. Every since Carissa and I journeyed alone to Chicago in 2005 I knew that we were kindred spirits when it comes to travel. What one of us dreams up, the other perfects. We each acknowledge our love of traveling in solitude, but together, we are an unbeatable force of motion. From our memorable rafting trip down Oregon’s Rogue river to our lighthouse tours on the west coast to our recent adventures in Africa, Turkey and the Philippines, we have acquired a treasure trove of memories.

Paris was a new ballgame, but this European challenge was no match for our combined forces. We quickly abandoned the typical tourist pursuits that involve time wasting lines and innumerable tourists and instead explored the mysteries of Paris that lie off the beaten path. The heartbeat of Paris if you will, the Paris of our dreams. Carissa’s research produced a gastronomic adventure that took us from one culinary pursuit to another. With our nights ending in the wee others of the morning, we perfected the Parisian art of flanerie (people watching) at the likes of Cafe de Flore, Les Deux Magots and Earnest Hemingway’s favorite, Brasserie Lipp.

Our Vespa scooter unlocked the magic of Paris in a way no other form of transportation could have. With Carissa clinging to my back with her right arm and navigating the Iphone gps with her other we left no stone uncovered. From the culinary genius of French-Japanese fusion at Nanashi, latte’s at Cafe Pinson, to the rooftop magic of Le Perchoir, savoring our tart lemon sherbet and berries topped with a crispy earl grey meringue while taking in the nighttime view of the Sacré-Cœur.

Time left no room to process photo’s each night and I vowed to myself and Carissa to put off the usual photo/story blogs till my return home. Until then, here are a few images that will always hold a special place in my heart.

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” -Ernest Hemingway