Are Tourist Attractions in Paris Overrated?

Most Americans have dreamed of visiting Paris since childhood. Visions of historic marvels and romantic walks fill the imagination. Paris is more than a city in a foreign country. Paris is the ideal. A marvelous balance of both strength and delicacy, Paris represents the best of everything. Whether your passion is food, architecture, landscape, art, culture or romance, Paris indeed embodies all of these .

Is it any wonder then that when many Americns arrive, they are somewhat underwhelmed by it all? The museums are never quite as breathtaking as they were in the fantasies and dreams. The towers not nearly so high as they were imagined to be while lying in a tub and dreaming of the perfect get away. Perhaps the wonders of Paris are indeed quite marvelous. Unfortunately, the imagination may often prove itself more talented than their architects were.

The Seine is indeed beautiful and few visitors would be able to find substantial flaw when viewing it. Unfortunately, many visitors are subconsciously comparing it to their /[''"expectations. When those expectations are overblown or unreasonable, even the Seine can disappoint. The Notra Dame stands next to the Seine and is witho'{////ut question an awe inspiring tribute to Gothic architecture. The intricacies, the organ, the thoughtfulness with which it was built. These sights should all be utterly breathtaking. Yet, many walk away feeling somewhat disillusioned. Could it be that Notre Dame is indeed as beautiful as Parisians believe it to be? It is our larger than life expectations that create the problem in our own mind's eye.