Day 1 Friday Aug 5
After unpacking (easy to do with just a backpack) and sitting on the blacony we are ready to explore Paris. We head over to the Seine (only 1-2 blocks away)and explore the Plage as we listen to African musicians, jazz musicians and just take in the happenings. We see a Batobus and run down to buy 5 day tickets and hop on. This was one of our best purchases. For 16epp we could hop on and off while there were two batobus stops near our hotel. We loved the leisurly pace of the river cruise, a welcome relief after power walking all over Paris.
We rode to the Effle Tower and got off to wander around the neighborhoods. Somewhere we stopped at a crepe stand, found a bench and looked at Paris before making our way back to the lawn in front of the tower. We sat to see the tower start to glow finally realizing that it is after 9PM and still light out. The last batobus leaves at 10PM so we made our way over to the quai and as we were sitiing on the boat the whole tower began to twinkle with millons of tiny white lights. We are so happy to be in Paris!!!
The evening boat ride back to Notre Dame was wonderful, we strolled across the islands and wander through Marais back to the hotel. Once home we sit on our balcony, sip a bit of wine and turn in. Hard to believe that not long ago we were freaking out in the Holiday Inn in Newark, it seems like a world away--come to think of it, it is!!
Day 2 Sat Aug 6
We decide to order breakfast in the room. It was expensive at 9epp, but today we wanted breakfast on the balcony so that we could plan our day. Breakfast was HUGE. For each person you get a pot of coffee, fresh oj, a croissant, half a bagette, a pain du chocolate, slice of cheese, pate, jar of yougert, three types of homemade jam, butter and a kiwi. We had each ordered a breakfast!!! The size of the breakfast provided us with some picnic essentials that we would supplement, so while it was expensive for breakfast it provided us with lunch and snacks.
It is early so we decide to attempt the Effle Tower-only to find that the Metro station is closed and you have to take a bus to Invalides then transfer to the Metro. We purchase a carnet and a 3 day Monuments and Museaums Pass (another great idea) and at Invalides decide to walk instead of braving the Metro backup.
The line for the Tower is just beyond the %26quot;1/2 hr from here%26quot;sign so we get on line and within an hour we are at the 3rd level.
I loved going up the tower-it is a typical %26quot;you can%26#39;t go to Paris and not do this%26quot; experience. The tower is much bigger than you think, the double elevators are great, the big elevator drive wheels are great--even the line with the street muscians is part of the Effle Tower experience. I don%26#39;t like height and yes, the tower is a tall structure made out of open steel girders(really TALL), but the pictures from the top are worth it. Remember, I don%26#39;t like heights, but we walked down from the 2nd level, stopping to mail postcards, then continuing down to the bottom. We are in our late 50s, active but not physical fittness phanatics and found the walk down easy. If anyone is able I feel that the climb is something that should not be missed.
After the tower I wanted to see Rick Steve%26#39;s famous Rue Cler. It is August and many of the shops were closed but I bought fruit and cheese to supplement breakfast leftovers.
Dennis had really wanted to see the Army Museum so we headed over. I married a gem!!! He actually admitted that you can only take so many uniforms, swords, battles and army stuff before it all looks alike. We pop into Nap%26#39;s Tomb and then head for something on my list.
High on my list was the Rodin Museum. The gardens are a beautiful oasis with lounge chairs in the back perfent for resting, reading or picnicing. By the way, the gardens also incude the amazing sculptures of Rodin. As a 13 year old my freinds and I would hang out at the Rodin museum in Phila--mainly to look at the naked men--and as an adult I have continued to admire this sculptor. I could hardly believe that I was here making my pilgrimage to the Paris museum of this master.
Back in Marais we could not resist one of the bagette sandwiches and some goodies from bakery which we enjoyed from our balcony. We just cannot seem to get enough of looking at the streets of Paris.
At about 9PM we decide to go out for a stroll and end up down at the Louvre. At night Paris takes on a special glow, each building and monument seems to come to life as if they are sleeping during the day just waiting for the people to leave.
Back at the hotel it is close to midnight and the Marais is still hopping. We sit on the balcony sipping some wine and watch Paris.
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YuM!!! On to day 3!!
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