We took a bus to the Eurostar station and climbed aboard our second train in a week! The ride was a very smooth two hours or so under the English Channel, through the Chunnel, and across western France. When we arrived, we discovered that the truck that was to pick up our bags was late. So, we were a little frustrated about having to wait a few minutes for them. However, we soon found toilets (not restrooms, we've been told) and something to eat which made us all a little happier!
After a quick lunch at some local patisserie's near the train station, we had our first experience with the Paris Metro! It is not much like the Tube! It was very crowded, and everyone was nervous about getting on and off together. We managed to do that, but everyone was a little shaken afterward! We found our next bus/motorcoach and hopped on for a three-hour tour with a local guide. Noah told us all about the history of her beautiful city.
We started near the Louvre which we will be visiting tomorrow. It was once the palace for the kings and queens until Louis XIV, the Sun King, moved into the Palace at Versailles. Now, it is a huge art gallery.
We passed the Tuileries Garden and people shopping on Rivoli Street. We drove through Place Vendome where we saw the former Republic of Texas Embassy, Louis Vitton (aka: the mother ship), countless famous jewelry stores and more. Noah told us that the jewelry stores were all just around the corner from the Opera House which was built by Napoleon. She said the point of going to the Opera at that time was not so much for the performance but to show off your wealth and position in society!
Next, we drove past the Place de la Concorde which was once the site of many beheadings including that of Marie Antoinette!
We passed an Egyptian Obelisk which was a present from the king of Egypt to the King of France and is the oldest monument in France!
We saw Madelaine Church which Noah said is known for being the worship site of many well known jet setters who come to Paris. We also saw the American Embassy.
Next, we turned on the Champs-Elysees, a very famous road with shopping for everyone! About half way down the road is the Elysees Palace - the President's home. At the end is the Arc de Triomphe which was built by Napoleon in 1806 as a military building for the soldiers to march under on return to the city. Unfortunately, it was never used for that purpose, but it is a memorial for France's heroes today. It includes flowers and an eternal flame for the unknown soldier...very similar to our own tribute in Washington, D.C.
Next, we saw what everyone had been waiting for....the Eiffel Tower! It was built for the World's Fair as a temporary statue for 20 years, but it's still here...making money for the city!
We got out for about 20 minutes to take pictures from one of the best places in the city to see the Eiffel Tower. Tomorrow we will actually go to the tower and attempt to get tickets to climb up!
Next on our guided tour was the Place des Invalides. Napoleon obviously cared about his military because this was another thing built for them. It was like a hospital/living space for those who had been hurt in the military. He even built an amazing chapel inside which is visible as the dome on top. We took a few minutes to take pictures of the church and have a toilet break. The last few days, we've been having to pay to use the toilets. So, we are buying more coffee than we were. Public toilets are scarce in Paris. So, the shops will let you use theirs ONLY if you purchase something. They actually guard the entrance to the toilets! It's serious business!! :)
We rode through the Latin Quarter where mostly students and young people live and which contains many schools and universities. We saw the remains of the Roman Bath on Boulevard Saint Germaine, and we passed the Pantheon which was built as a church but turned into a mausoleum after the Great Revolution. Some of the famous people buried here are Victor Hugo (author of the Hunchback of Notre Dame), Pierre and Marie Curie, Voltaire and Rousseau.
Before ending our tour, we also passed the gorgeous Gardens of Luxembourg which were built by Mary de Medici in 1600 after her husband, Henry IV died. She didn't really like living in the Louvre Palace and wanted a more Italian Castle to remind her of home! I hope we may have some time to sit in the gardens tomorrow!
And that was all in 3 hours!! Our bus dropped us off just across the Seine River from Notre Dame Cathedral. We crossed the beautiful river on a bridge and waited in line for about 15 minutes before entering Notre Dame. Everyone walked around at their own pace enjoying the architecture of the cathedral which was opened in 1345.
After Notre Dame, we had dinner and then had another adventure on the Metro before arriving at our hotel! We are all in for the night and looking forward to a great night's sleep as we have until 7:30 to arrive downstairs for breakfast!
Tomorrow will be a full day, and I may not be able to send our email until the following morning, but I will continue to keep you updated. In the mean time, please remember that we are coming home on Friday, and we are ready to be there! This is fun, but we are tired and ready for our own beds! Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 4:25 p.m. on Friday, the 16th, at Bush. Please watch Delta flight #930 to be sure there are no delays. Please plan to meet us at baggage claim!
Have a wonderful evening!
Jacqueline Hughes
