This was again going to be a quick trip as we were only going for the weekend, arrive late Friday and leave Sun at noon, so decided we'd try to take in as much as we could, and likely stick to the traditional tourist sites.
Therefore, Saturday morning started with . . . . The Eiffel Tower!
One word summed it up for me - Wow! As we walked towards it the magnanimity of its size and design captivated me. (I have to say that seeing all these wonderful places/buildings/structures that I've only heard about before and am now seeing in Europe has been a dream come true).
So despite my better judgement, and since one can't pass up lifetime opportunities when they are presented, we decided to get tickets to the Sommet. Yep, I was going not only to the first and second levels, but straight up to the top. As someone who is deathly afraid of heights, was I crazy? Yes. Did I still have to do so? Absolutely. And it's an experience I'll never forget! :)
View from below (ground level),
Made it to the top! Got to view Paris in 360*.
Being able to view Paris like this was terrific! A few months ago I'd never thought I'd ever be able to or have the chance to do something like this.
Can't go any higher. That's the very top!
Peeking at Canada ;)
Walking down from the second level to the first.
Forever in my memory!
After an hour going to all levels and enjoying the view from the top, we bid the Tour Eiffel adieu (sadly) and headed to the Louvre.
Just like London, we used the Metro to our advantage which allowed us easy access to all the places we wanted to see this weekend.
Upon entering the square of the Louvre I was astounded as to the space that the museum occupied. Once a royal palace, the Louvre is shaped like a U with various wings housing works of arts from all over the world and of all mediums.
One could spend a whole day in the Louvre and unfortunately we had other sights we wanted to see before our concert tonight. Therefore, thanks to the museum guide, I was able to hit a few of the museum highlights.
Now I have to admit, I am not a typical museum going type. I would actually prefer to skip museums and see other things whilst on vacation. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the Louvre as there are so many things to see, places to go, and the set up of each area is remarkable. Plus the fact that it's housed in an old palace/fortress was definitely interesting to view. (To be honest all I could think was: if this was my house, how would I know who's here and who isn't?!)
Napolean's Apartments
Nike of Samothrace (aka Winged Victory)
Mona and me ;)
The Wedding Feast at Cana
Great Sphinx of Tanis
Venus di Milo
By the time we'd finished at the Louvre, we wanted to make it to Notre Dame before we had to go to our concert. Unfortunately, with the time of year it gets dark quick so by the time we made our way over there, we only got a night time view. However, this was still beautiful and we meandered our way inside and to view part of the evening Mass. I have to admit, the entire time I was there Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame was playing through my head. LOL. Oh the influences from my childhood.
Evening on the Seine
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Notre Dame and the bell tower
Notre Dame (side view)
Shortly after our visit at Notre Dame, we found a quaint place to have a quick meal before our evening event. However, this included restaurant hopping a couple of times as we'd walk in, sit down but neglect to be acknowledged. The place we did stop at though sure made it a point to ensure our return business. :)
The concert we were attending had an obscur venue so we made a few wrong turns in trying to navigate there (which really wasn't anything new for us on the many adventures and travels we've partaken in so far), asked a cabbie to take us but were told no we could walk (thanks guy) and finally made our way there with a good old-fashioned paper map. Seriously, those are still my favorite tool since I don't get access to my phone and wifi while trekking the streets of these European cities. The time, stress, anxiety were worth it as it was a great concert (and Ii've got my traditional concert t-shirt bling to prove it).
Trampled by Turtles
(aka "that turtle band" according to my mom ;) lol)
Well, let's just say........some bevies were had that night ;)
The next day we had a little time in the morning before needing to make our way to the airport. Let me stress here again how much I miss the convenience of a vehicle and driving to the airport. While public transportation is cheap and convenient, the timeliness of it isn't so. :/
First, we decided to head back to Notre Dame to view it in daylight (or day overcast as is the case this time of season in most of Europe). Again, still marvellous! The gargoyles and details of architecture strike me as I know I would never have the patience to create something so magnificent and timeless). While we meandered around the cathedral we also found the infamous "Love Lock" bridge. I personally found it heartfelt that many couples around the world chose to, yes cliched, profess their love here. Also, it was cool that my sister and I, who had frequented Paris on her honeymoon, stood in the same place while abroad.
Next, my friend and I made our way to the famous Champs Elysees - the famous shopping strip in Paris. Famous = $$$$$. We meandered down the street stopping to buy an illustrious macaroon (or a few if I'm going to be honest here lol) from the well-known Laduree. When I use the term "well-known" it doesn't always mean to me (as apparently I've lived in a bubble for quite some time) but to many others.
After our delicious break we continued down Champs Elysees to.....the Arc de Triumph! What a lovely memorial site it is. Again I'm awed by the architecture of such creations. To think of the time, skill, ability, strength, etc. that it would've taken to build it in a time where the luxury of modern construction tools were not prevalent is remarkable.
And that sight brought my Paris experience to a close. Paris = check! Fini? I think not. There will be a return trip in my future as who can do Paris in only one weekend? ;)
