Paris part duex

Friday started our first full day in Paris. After a 12 hour sleep (Mark and I bailed while Dave and Aish sampled the night life), we headed out early to get in line for the Catacombs. We were ever grateful for Dave busting out his French to ask for a "patisserie" which lead us to French Pastry heaven (Paul) or what we called the remainder of the trip "our friend Paul". The one on the right is the chocolate croissant that pretty much changed my life.

 

We got in the queue for the catacombs and patiently waited. While we waited, a couple of dudes decided that they didn't really want to wait in the line like everyone else and were just going to stand off to the side until someone would let them in. They spoke English, so Aish kindly encouraged them to "get in line, it's only getting longer" to which they replied, "classic Americans". Little did they know we were on a mission, straight from the U S of A to bring justice to all those waiting in line behind us. As we started filing in, our little Parisian security guard took matters into his own hands and escorted them off the premises. We were sure they would be waiting for us at the end waiting to punch our lights out. Lady Liberty would be proud.

 

Anywhoo- the catacombs were top 5 of the trip for sure. Apparently one of the largest catacombs in Europe which was made so as the cemeteries in Paris became overcrowded. It was meticulously outlined and after a while, it became more and more apparent that we were in fact surrounded by thousands and thousands of human remains packed miles high and deep.

 

While inside we chatted with other Americans. A retired couple from Alaska and a retired Photography teacher who used "damn" and "hell" as a standard of vocabulary. I was quite amazed at the instant connection we had by being Americans. We seemed to stand out (as was evident by the stink eye from the Parisians) and we always were able to find each other in crowds and when we needed someone reliable to take a picture.

 

"Attention. This is the empire of death."

Off to Saint Sulpice. Made famous by The Da Vinci Code. It felt way more church like than the Notre Dame.

 

Next on the vaca agenda was the Arch de Triumph. It was massive. Our handy museum pass got us in and we scaled to the top for a view of Paris from the sky.

We were told that the Champs Elysse was a must see and to be honest, we weren't all that impressed. I think once McDonald's moved in the Cartier lost it's lustre. We did however hit LaDuree and sampled some tasty macaroons. And these were not your Kneaders macaroons. The French can rock the salted caramel.  

 

The highlight of the day was lunch in the gardens of the Tuilleries. We had seen people every where with baguette sandwiches. A little fromage, a little jambon and some "salad" which all lettuce was called. Quite pleasant being in the gardens, eating outside and enjoying the company of friends.

 

We made the mecca to the Louvre. Everyone says "you will just not believe how big the Louvre is". There is nothing to describe it. The size of this place will blow your mind. We thank the Blackhursts and Rick Steves for getting us out in two hours and satisfying my desire to see the most famous of art.



The Mona Lisa. Dainty and small behind bullet proof glass.


We hit the Lover's Bridge to forever seal our love in adding a lock to the rail and tossing the key into the sewery Seine with about 10,000 other people.

 

A river cruise of the Seine was next. It was chilly and we eventually headed to the inner quarters but it was a good view of the city. I got some of the best pictures of the Eiffel tower from that angle.

 

This was the night we had our first sampling of Amarino gelato. My life will never be the same. Speculoos and chocolate. Speculoos and Caramel. Speculoos and chocolate and caramel. We hit this spot every night the rest of the trip.

 

We got back to the hotel late, cultured and ready to fill Saturday with more of the exciting sights of Paris.