We started the day off today at a leisurely pace. We had a long “must see” list for London, but the list for Paris is much shorter. We decided to stroll at a leisure pace, checking out the sights and taking in another wonderful day. Walking for hours outdoors is not something you can do in the summer in Houston, so we are making the most of it.
We started off walking in and around Notre Dame Cathedral, after finding what a local told us was “the best” ice cream stand. I don’t know what it is about Notre Dame, but I find it breathtaking. I could spend all day there, from exploring the inside to strolling in the parks around the walls. I am completely enamoured by the gargoyles and I’m looking forward to the climb to the top of the towers to see them up close. Being a Sunday, there were a lot of crowds today – hopefully tomorrow morning will be better.
Years ago, I visited Paris. I was on a super tight budget, so we walked the steps to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, but didn’t spend the big bucks for the elevator to the top. We also didn’t spend the money to go to the top of Notre Dame.
Times have changed. I’m not even sure if you can just walk to the top now – all the kiosks I saw today were for the elevator only. Mike had promised me a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but didn’t bother to mention that he has a pretty strong fear of heights. We made it all the way to the top though, along with exploring the first and second levels too. AMAZING. Absolutely beautiful. Fabulous. Tres bon!
Then the sun set, and we got to see the tower with all the lights on, including the twinkling sparkling lights that make it look like glittery diamonds. I couldn’t capture those on film, so I made a movie using my camera of them. No matter how many photos I take, nothing can truly and completely capture the beauty of the Eiffel Tower though. I must have taken 100 photos at least, and I want to return to take more. I know it is a simple grasp at a memory though, but a memory I never want to forget.
9 replies on “I Made it to the Top…”
Paris must be one of my favorite places on Earth. Thanks for reminding me. Have fun!
I’m very envious ~ I’m in love with France and Paris! I was there in 1993 … it was something I’ll remember forever. I’m glad that you’re having a breathtaking honeymoon! I was a French major in college! I walked *down* the Eiffel Tower steps ~ very cool!
hi mom, i hope your having a good time in Paris WITHOUT ME and had (or will have) a good time in England WITHOUT ME.
I am so jealous. I hope you post a couple of the pictures!
Love reading about your trip. Keep it up! My parents just returned from a two week cruise that took them from Dover to Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Eustonia, St. Petersberg, Berlin, and Copenhagen. Everything was so expensive. It’s good to be an American.
Oh too COOL! You went to Berthillion’s Ice Cream!
Now, before you leave, you absolutely must go to (wait a minute, have to find their card) Gerard Mulot, 76, Rue De Seine and have one of their to-die-for chocolate tarts with the real gold flakes on top. Their sandwiches are also amazing. Grab a picnic lunch and head for the Jardin Du Luxembourg.
God, I hope you’re too busy to read this. :->
I was just going to post that it must have been Bertillon on ile st. louis!!! I love that place. I lived in Paris for almost a year…had to learn to stay away from that place unless I had walked from my apartment in the 14th all the way to the shop…only way i could remotely work off the calories for that fantastic treat!!!
Jennifer is right! Jardin Du Luxembourg is a wonderful place…and very romantic…the best thing is sitting on a bench in a cozy corner and watch all the old couples walking by holding hands and talking about whatever…nothing will make the two of you feel more confident in the institution of marriage. It is fab. Great place to write your postcards as well.
As for your picnic lunch…go to a Fromager and get the runniest chunk of brie they have…then on to the bakery…get a bagette, AND a St. Honore pastry dessert (basically a stack of cream filled pastry balls all held together with strands of carmelized crystalized sugar – GOD GAVE THE FRENCH THIS DESSERT!!!)…then off to the Boucherie where you get a half of a Roast Chicken…a great bottle of wine…if you like pick up a tomato or two…and head out to the garden…simply the best way to spend an afternoon!
I am so excited for you…it was truly the best time of my life.
Can you say jealous!!! We will live vicariously through you!