Paris... Both Predictable and Unredictable

When people first think of Paris, most people think of the Eiffel Tower. Don't worry we saw that (Amy wouldn't let that one slip by) but Moulin Rouge was the first big sight we saw!

Amy's friend from high school (Charlotte King) gave us a guided tour of some of the lesser known sights in Paris for our first big day! We now can say we drank tea at the Paris mosque, saw a Red Panda at the Paris Zoo, and ate pasties by the river.

Now for the more predictable items... The usual, more touristy spots. On the way to the Eiffel Tower we walked through the Louvre to see the neat buildings, beautiful gardens, fountains, and of course the pyramid!

Along the way to the Eiffel Tower, Amy must have taken about 20+ pictures before even getting there. (Jenni thinks this is an inaccurate statement as Amy took a picture of the Eiffel Tower ANY time it was in sight ALL DAY LONG!)

After 674 steps to the second level (the highest the general public can go by stairs) we then jumped on an elevator to the top and could see for 37 miles. Amy was excited to have made it to the top but after enjoying the view of the rest of the city, realized she prefers to see the Eiffel Tower than to see the city from the Tower. (And yes, we climbed back down- 647 steps!)

Since the planing stages our trip Jenni always spoke of a surprise in Paris for Amy, which she managed to keep a secret until in the Eiffel tower- the Tower twinkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour after sunset! The view from across the river was spectacular! It twinkled with a million little lights- much like camera flashes but much more grand! We finished this memorable evening with our first Nutella and Banana Crepe! (After months of hearing about
Jenni's Crepe craving she was satisfied!)

Done with steps- no way! We needed to climb to the top of the Notre Dame cathedral! 387 stone steps lead the way. Each step in a spiral, complete with a wear pattern from the constant use of the steps since it was completed in 1177. Notre Dame is recognizable from the mix of architectural styles and the famous Gargoyles! There are hundreds of gargoyles- each unique... Various types of creatures in different poses. The gargoyles sit along the edge of the roof line looking pensive, keeping watch over the city. After the front ledge we went to the top of the bell tower complete with the famous bell and great views of the city! Inside the stained glass windows were beautiful! The sun even shown through projecting the colors onto the ancient columns.

The afternoon was sent shopping! For dinner we went to a "burger place" suggested by a local. The burgers were fantastic! But by then we knew we were nearly about to fall over from exhaustion and called it a night. We don't have a clue how far we walked that day but it was enough to give us many blisters (even with good shoes) and many aches and pains!

The following morning was spent at the Louvre. We only had a little of time so we made sure to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo (the armless statue.) After seeing the two, we aren't really sure why either is that famous! On our way out we also stopped by to see the inverted pyramid!

Lunch was spent at a corner cafe before parting ways on separate tours- Amy to Versailles and Jenni to Giverny.

Amy: I went to Versailles to see the palace of King Louis XIV. The entrance to the palace had the largest gold gate a person could imagine- it was berth taking (even with an impending thunder storm!) Sadly do to the weather the gardens were closed- a tour of the inside palace it was! Countless paintings and sculptures filled the palace (but after the Vatican nothing could really compare.) The Hall of Mirrors was the most impressive with rows and rows of chandeliers- 17 large chandeliers, 26 small chandeliers, 357 mirrors, and 17 glass doors!

Jenni: I went to Giverny, the home and garden of Claude Monet! It was on my list of things to do before I die, and I was pretty sure I would never be closer again. I will be honest, it was pouring so hard that I was wandering around the droopy gardens feeling sorry for
myself... until I turned a corner and saw myself staring at the bridge and water lilies from one of Monets most famous pieces. The realization that I was standing where Claude Monet, the father of Impressionism, once sat developing his new style of painting and changing the course of art forever altered my perspective a bit. The gardens were beautiful after that and I could see how, even on one of the worst days, he could be inspired to paint there. Fortunately after surviving the closest thing to a hurricane I have ever experience (as in I found leaves in my pockets later that day!) the sun came out and I was able to get some great shots of the amazing garden, river, and home!

We had a nice dinner over looking a busy street- dinner and a show in a way! Next was a walk along the river and through part of the Louvre. We walked on the Champs Ellysse to the Arch de Triumphe. The Arch is so huge it kept looking like it was only a block away but we just didn't seem to get any closer! The Arch is dedicated to French soldiers and is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

We ended the night with one last Nutella and Banana Crepe! By 6am we were on our way back to Home
to Rome! It was a long day of travel and now we have less than 48 hours to heal our blisters and aching wounds until we leave for Greece on Sunday! (A few days in Santorini and a few days in Athens!)

Pictures:
1) Twinkling Eiffel Tower
2) Gargoyle on top of Notre Dame watching over the city
3) Yummm... Crepes!
4) Arch de Triumphe
5) The golden gate at Versailles
6) View from the Eiffel Tower
7) One of many stained glass windows in Notre Dame
8) Eiffel Tower
9) More Eiffel Tower
10) The worn steps in Notre Dame cathedral
11) Hall of Mirrors
12) Our complicated toilet... After a small shower now we have no leg room (even for short girls) when sitting on the toilet
13) View of Monet's garden at Giverny
14) Even more Eiffel tower with the French Statue of Liberty Twin


Amy's Effie Tower picture total: 121