Paris Days 1 & 2

Bonjour!  Or technically bon soir, since it is evening here.  We've been in Paris for about a day and a half and we're having a great time.  Paris has been much more relaxing for us.  We are in a hotel instead of a hostel and have been more care free with our schedule.  Here are the highlights thus far:


Friday
-Took a train early Friday morning from London.  Arrived at the station just in the nick of time.  We will leave earlier next time.  The train ride was smooth and easy, got to Paris around 11:30
-Took the Metro to our hotel.  We originally booked a three bed room.  Upon arrival, we decided that was too small and booked a second room.  We are much more comfortable now.
-Walked around our neighborhood, discovered some great cheap bakeries
-Took the Metro downtown to the Louvre.  Spent time walking through the Jardin des tuileries and along the Seine.  Ate a delicious foot long hot dog in a large baguette.
-Got into the Louvre for free after six.  Saw basically everything in about four hours.  We had to rush through a lot of stuff, you could really spend a week in there.  Saw all the major pieces- Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Hammurabi Code, etc.  We particularly enjoyed the French and German portraits of the 17th Century on.
-Sat in the park after the Louvre before heading back to our hotel

Saturday
-Decided to have a sleep in and relax day.  Slept in until noon and then went and got some baked goods from down the street.
-Took the Metro to the Champs Elysess, Paris' most famous street.  Really busy place with lots of shopping
-Walked to l'Arc de Triomphe.  A lot bigger in person.
-Walked to the Eiffel Tower and it's surrounding areas.  Again, a lot bigger in person.
-Went to Rue Cler market to buy wine, bread, and authentic French cheese.
-Brought our supplies to the park and had a picnic
-Relaxed by the tower, then went to the river and did the same.
-Ate a nice cafe and had some great food.  My Croque Madame was delicious.
-Went back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we are planning on Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay, and a boat tour of Paris.


Au Revoir!

Dan