Paris Day 5

Friends today is my last day in Paris. And I'm not sure how I will be able to walk tomorrow. But it's been worth it.

Went to the Luxembourg Musee at the Luxembourg Gardens to see a Cezanne exhibit. Which was lovely. Then walked around the gardens which as I've said earlier would be super lovely if in bloom. But lovely all barren as well. Then had lunch at a little cafe across from the garden. Croque Monsieur: check. Walked around the area known as the Latoin Quarter and then took the bus in the direction of Gare Saint Lazare. Stopped at the Opera on the way through which is gilded like crazy. Considered taking a tour butdidn't know if I wanted to pay 10 euro just to see the Chagall ceiling. Walked around Saint Lazare for a few minutes and although it looks like it does in Monet's/Manet's paintings it just didn't quite resonate with me. Perhaps it was the electric. As opposed to steam trains

Then hopped on theMetro to seetheMoulin Rouge. Woo hoo. Right back on theMetro to the Champs Ellyses. Which turned into a fun shopping afternoon. It was crazy busy though. I guess the French are on vacation right now but I can't imagine it during high season. After a quick stop at the hotel, I walked around my immediate neighborhood and finished off a bit of shopping. Dinner was beef boulingnase at a cafe a block or so from thehotel. All in all a lovely day and a lovely trip. Need to figure out how to move here.

Happy Mardi Gras!

Paris Day 4

After a quick brunch I took the Metro and then the regional rail to Versailles. The French countryside, if that's what you call the area between the city and Versailles is lovely. Exactly what you would picture. And the town of Versailles was also lovely. It's only a few blocks walk from the train station to the palace. The palace complex is huge and very French gilded age. It was 11:15 or so, so I walked through the gardens to the two outer palaces. These two outer palaces were built as escapes from Versailles and Versailles was built as an escape from Paris. The walk through the gardens was long but lovely, even though it is winter. Two months later would be perfect. The outer palaces are nice and simple and also have lovely gardens. Instead of walking back I took the petite train as my bodybis slowly cramping up and dying. I blame it on the accutane as I have never been this bad so quickly in Spain or Italy.

ThenI walked through the grand palace itself. Very nice. Not much in the way of furnishings and lots and lots of tourists. By far the most crowded place I have been to. After that took the train back to Paris and got off near the NotreDame cathedral. Needed lunch so I STOPPED at a little cafe. I ordered what turned out to be a crepe with potatoes, onions and bacon and then topped with cheese. But everyone arround me had these little hot plates where they grilled the cheese and then topped it on potatoes. I need to try this. Mine choice was awesome by the way.

After that took a short stroll. Then went to Notre Dame. I was about ten minutes late so I wasn't able to go up to the tower. So I walked around and visited the archaeological crypt. Then stood in a short line for the cathedral. Stupid American girls behind me. I need to to teach my nieces better. Visited the cathedral just before mass and then took the Metro to the Arc de Triomph.

It was just turning dark so it was a perfect time to go. Lots of stairs but the view was worth it. Took the short but too long walk back to the hotel because I needed to use the facilities. Then ventured back out to a Metro stop a few blocks closer to the hotel in search of crepes. Alas, the two cafes I spied the other day were closed. So I settled for free champagne and snacks at the hotel.

Tomorrow, my last day in Paris: walking the Champs de Elyesses, Cezanne, and souvenier shopping.

Paris Day 3

Ok. Woke up early, lounged a bit and then had breakfast. Took the Metronome to a stop about ten minutes away from the Eiffel Tower. Which is way cool and awesome even from blocks away and only partially visible. Had a good hour to kill before my tour time so walked around and took various shots. When it was time for my tour I discovered the summit was closed so we were only able to go to the second level. Took about 15 minutes tobget up there with the reservation which is way better than the hour plus that you would have without. The tower is very very cool and inspiring. After a ton more lice I walked along Rue St Dauphine and stopped in a boulange. Yummy chocolate croissant. Then walked down Rue de Clef which is a pedestrian only street with markets, cafes, and such.

Next up was Napoleon's tomb and the military museum. Interesting. And also discovered that my brand new camera may have a cracked lens. I was super thrilled about that. But the photos seem OK so we'll see how they turn out when I get home.

I then took the Metronome to a great little Monet musuem at the edge of the city. FABULOUS collection of Monets. FABULOUS. A few other Magnets, Moirosots, and Pissaros as well. Also had a nice little exhibition of Seurat and his contemporaries. Stoppen for a cup of tea and then de tided to stroll along the Rue de Massey towards the Eiffel Tower. Timed it perfectly as the lights were just coming on. Took more photos. Hope they turn out. Then had about 10 minutes to kill before the light show. Saw that then walked a few blocks to the Cafe Constant for a lovely dinner. Then back to theMetro and the hotel. Probably should've stopped for a tour at the Arc de Triomphe and then a hot chocolate. But my feet are super tired and that glass of champagne was calling me.

Tomorrow: Versailles, I think.

Paris Day 2

Forgot to blot last night.

A ridiculoulsy slow start to the day. I think I crawled out of bed at 10:30. Showered, had a snack in the lounge, and then went to reserve a ticket to the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, no evening slots available so I had to settle for Saturday at 11:30.

Considered going to Versailles but as it was already noon decided against that. Settled for the museum of modern art instead. Check my Facebook for pictures. Then had lunch at a little crepe cafe. Then took the Metronome to the musee de Orangerie which has eight waterlily paintings by Monet that were specifically designed for the building. Downstairs they had a lovely Impressionist collection as well.

Then I walked through a garden back towards the Louvre. Popped right in with my museum pass and wondered around there for two hours. Saw the Mona Lisa which is small but not as small as I imagined.

That was my day. Slow starts and semi-early evenings perhaps not the best way to utilize my time but my body is so sore!

Paris Day 1

After a bit longer shower/ nap than I intended, I set off for the Nissim de Comondo to buy my musuem pass. It's a few blocks from the hotel and turned out to be a very nice house museum overlooking Parc Monceau. Lots of fancy things. Then I hopped on a bus and went to the musee d'Orsay. Lots and lots of Impressionist artwork so I really enjoyed that. Got turned around a bit trying to find the bus back to the hotel but it was just a fee extra blocks walking along the Seine. Not too bad at all. The weather isn't as cold as I figured it would be which is nice. Crisp and a bit dreary during the day but that's how I think of February. The city sure is pretty at night. Going to call it a day. Hopefully a good night's sleep will restore my aching body and slightly upset tummy.

Paris Arrival

Made it to Paris safe and sound. Took a bus to the Arc de Triomph and then walked a long three blocks to the Hilton. I have a fancy suite with two bathrooms. Now in the lounge having a morning snack while I decide what I should do.

Paris

Hi! I'm in Charlotte and will depart for Paris in a few hours. Will try to bologna this short trip. Follow along....