Monday, July 24, 2023
PARIS – Bonjour!
The first 24 hours in Paris have been incredible! After a long nine-hour direct flight from Houston to Paris, we gathered all of our equipment and went straight to our hotel. My co-anchor Keith Garvin and KPRC 2 veteran photojournalist Byron Nichols and I took a two-hour power nap to recharge energy.
We met up, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and hit the ground running as we walked around and began recording video of all the beautiful sites and sounds on a Sunday afternoon in Paris. We walked up to the Arc du Triomphe and noticed a large crowd and music. As we got closer, we saw a bunch of bikes zoom past the Arc. At that moment, we realized we had just walked up to and witnessed a historic moment… The Tour Du France crossing the finishing line!
It was so exciting! After shooting more video for a story, We walked around and saw the most adorable little Parisian cafés that lined the streets with the most perfect view of the ark. They all looked like they were out of a sweet fairytale book. We had some coffee and French fries, shot more video and called it a night.
The jet lag was starting to kick in. We decided to get some rest to pick back up for day two, which already has a busy and tight itinerary. For now, we say, “Au revoir from Paris!”
-Daniella Guzman
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Paris is Paris.
That’s the best way I can say that this city is pretty special and very unique. There is an air about this place that makes it different than any other city.
I am here with my co-anchor Daniella Guzman and our chief photographer Byron Nichols to mark the one-year countdown to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
France is taking a different approach compared to most other host cities in recent memory. Instead of building new structures to serve as venues for the events, they will use existing structures and landmarks (except for one venue). In these first days of our time here, we have been able to visit several of those iconic landmarks. On our first full day in Paris, we began the morning at the expansive Palace of Versailles. Nearly 20 million people visit this landmark each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It was pretty neat to be with about 15 other journalists and have the place to ourselves for about half an hour this week. The former palace will serve as the host of the equestrian and modern pentathlon events. But we weren’t done! From there, we traveled to the Pantheon, the Louvre Art Museum, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the historic River Seine. France has dedicated more than $1 billion in a cleanup effort to make the river swimmable for several events in time for the start of the Games on July 26, 2024. There is so much to see and learn but we are grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of a story that brings the world together.
On another quick note, Paris has been historically known as the “City of Light.” There are a couple of reasons going back to the days of King Louis XIV in the 17th century. Today, it should also be referred to the City of Light because right now in the summer, the sun doesn’t set until about 9:45 at night, with daylight lasting well past 10. Just a little more time to enjoy one of our world’s great cities!
-Keith Garvin
THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023
Paris is known for its food of course, with a style all its own. But what happens when Texans show up to the City of Light and want some BBQ? Not a problem! Freddy’s BBQ Smokehouse will have what you’re looking for. The owner actually spent six years of his life growing up in Sugar Land so he knows the power of properly prepared BBQ. Daniella, Byron, & I were able to make it to Freddy’s for an interview and a little sample of the goods & it was, in fact, very, very good.
We also took time on our Thursday in Paris interviewing a local resident who happens to be a Texas A&M alum. We discussed his excitement for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024, and about what he misses the most about his time in Texas. We can tell you that he still has his Aggie ring, as well as the pair of boots he bought shortly before he left College Station for good in 2005.
Later in the day I actually took part in a walking art tour in the Montmartre section of Paris. Some of the greats like Picasso lived and worked in that part of the city. I can tell you I am definitely not one of the greats 😄 I admire good artwork like many other folks but it is not something I can actually produce very well. However, the teacher who took me on the walking art tour was very patient and helped me make some improvements on the several sketches I made.
These will be great stories that we cannot wait to share with you on air as we get closer to the Paris Olympics in 2024!
-Keith Garvin