Is there a girl out there who doesn't dream of visiting Paris with her prince charming one day? I did! Dream come true :) While Paris wasn't quite what I expected, the Eiffel Tower did not disappoint. It is HUGE! At 1,063 feet tall it is the equivalent to an 81-story building. While we didn't pay to go to the top because we went up several other structures in Paris, it is the most paid monument in the world.
We took another day trip, outside of Paris, to the Chateau de Versailles - home of King Louis XIV and his Queen Marie Antoinette. This was a highlight of the trip for us! The Palace Gardens cover over 1800 acres. You could literally get lost in them, not only in size but beauty. I can't imagine the maintenance required in upkeep.
In the gardens behind Marie Antoinette's Palace, Le Petit Trionon, hides the Queen's hamlet. A little collection of charming Normandy-style cottages. I fell in love with the enchanting hamlet! And add to my fascination with castles, Marie Antoinette. She had it built so that she could escape royal life, expectations, etc. and milk cows with her servants. I just absolutely loved it!
Of course, we visited the Louvre, the largest national museum of France (652,300 square feet!!!). I have to admit, Matt and I really aren't big art people but the Louvre was impressive. We admired the Mona Lisa along with the masses, and toured Napoleon's Apartments. By mid-afternoon our feet were sore and our stomachs growling, so we probably missed out on a lot. For museum lovers, it will take at least an entire day to take in the whole thing. I just thought it was pretty cool to be standing under the grand entrance. National Treasure, anyone?
I just had to take a picture of Matt standing next to this car. It made me laugh out loud. I think maybe he could have picked it up! Yah, that's my man!! :)
We climbed up 400 claustrophobic steps to get to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral and had an amazing panoramic view of Paris. I loved the close up view of the gargoyles too!
This is the Arc de Triomphe which stands at the top of Champs Elysees, the main street in Paris. It is a majestic structure surrounded by the most chaotic traffic circle/roundabout I have ever seen in my life. Matt and I sat on a bench for almost an hour one night just watching and laughing at the scooters and cars zipping in and out. 
A few more thoughts about Paris.....
*Our experience was that it is true, the French really do not love Americans; however, you can get a lot farther by making an attempt at speaking their language. It was astounding how much more politely we were treated by waiters, public transpo employees, etc. by starting out with "Parlez vous anglais?" If not, they pretty much turn up their nose at you.
*French cuisine paired with the right glass of wine is fabulous! Our friendly waiter at the Vesuvio redeemed our attitude towards the Frensh.
* At most of the major cities we went to, they were preparing for street fairs which take place during the holidays. It was fun to walk down Champs Elysees and take in the festive spirit while enjoying some crepes. YUM!
From Paris we took the night train to Munich. There are 6 bunks to a couchette and we were in the middle and on top. It ended up being a rather uncomfortable experience because it was about 95 degrees in our couchette so we didn't really sleep much...but Munich was worth it!!
1 comment:
This is quite the trip down memory lane for me! Only you weren't stuck with a whole group of teenage tourists like I was. I believe it was in Paris when I found maria climbing the wall of our hotel in her sleep, trying to get home. She's probably getting sick looking at your pictures. She hated that trip. :) But anyway, Paris was NOT what we expected either, and the Palace of Versailles was our favorite part too!
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