Paris 101

First off, this is a huge post. I've been a bit neglectful of posting so this is catching up.

Secondly, I miscalculated, forgot that May had 31 days, so we have a day longer than I planned for...woo hoo!

We take the Metro everywhere. It's great. Cheaper and faster than in Toronto, however safety is just a suggestion.

Is Paris expensive? Not moreso than Toronto? Food is similarly priced for what you get, but there's no tax and service is often included so no extra 29% on top of the prices on the menu. Maybe it seems expensive because you eat out for every meal and there are so many restaurants to choose from. Plus we seem to always get at least 1/2L of wine with our meal.

Also, coffee seems expensive, but it's espresso, made to order, from a proper machine, not Tim Horton's drivel (sorry Timmy lovers).

Walking...that's an understatement. When you think you can't go anymore, you end up going for another hour or two!

The internet connection at the hotel is intermittent but useable. Thank goodness.

We're having a great time and trying to get to the basics without it being overwhelming.

May 31
Our first full day. Took a Seine river cruise to get oriented. Saw some major sites from the boat.


Banks of the Seine


Walked around St. Germain. Lovely flower shop along the way. The Parisiennes love their flowers. Roses are growing everywhere and you'll often see someone carrying a bunch of flowers.


We visited Musée d'Orsay. This place is massive. The building is incredible and the works of art are legendary.


The incredible Renoir, Dance at the Moulin de La Galette. I had goosebumps when I saw these pieces. They are the ones so many people dream of seeing and it meant so much to be so close to them.


Degas sculptures. Also many of his paintings are here. Another one of my favourites.


Another room in Musée d'Orsay. Sculptures are on display and the room itself is indescribable.


We hopped on the Metro and visited the Eiffel tower.


Dusk view from the top of the Eiffel tower.


Eiffel tower at night. It sparkles every hour on the hour.


June 1
The next day we visited the Arc de Triomphe. It is incredibly massive and ornate.


Tomb of the unknown soldier at the Arc.


The spiral stairs we climbed to the top of the Arc. Just when you think you can't make it, you're at the top.


View down the Champs d'Elysées from the top of the Arc. The Louvre is in the distance.


Paris rooftops. That garden at the top of that building is incredible. Can you imagine the cost of that real estate?


Seemingly random traffic around the Arc. There is a method though, to the madness.


After the Arc, we walked down the Champs d'Elysées. Jake checked out the concept Toyotas at the dealership.


Walking towards the Louvre, we passed Place de la Concorde.


Pond at Jardin des Tuileries. Stopped to rest a few minutes and watched the ducks.


Beautiful plantings of lavendar at Jardin des Tuileries.


Jugglers at Jardin des Tuileries.


L'Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in front of the Louvre. If you look carefully, you can see that it lines up perfectly with the Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe.


Le Louvre.


Lobby area inside the Louvre. Below the glass pyramid.


The Mona Lisa. Can you see her? Way off at the back of the room. It's always crowded. There are guards making sure you don't take any photos. I sneaked this one from the back of the room.


A beautiful, massive room in the Louvre.


Part of the Egyption collection.


Moats of the Louvre.


Inverted pyramid in the Louvre. This is on your way out.


June 2
Took it easy today, no major sites or schedules.

Took the metro to the Bastille area. Came across a artist's market.


Bought a necklace for myself and one for a present from this artist. Her website is http://www.audalisque.com/


Place de la Bastille and Bastille Opera in the background.


Walked along les viaduc des arts, converted railroad viaduct.


Above the viaduc is the promenade plantee. Beautiful gardens above the road.


Lavender around a pond in the promenade plantee.


We stumbled across a local music show with local bands. Locals families were hanging out, listening to the music. We joined them a while on the grass. It was very enjoyable, we were probably one of the few tourists around.



Stay tuned!