Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Travel Log #5 Paris

Sunday, June 21, 2009.


Since we had to be at the Place des Pyramides tour office at 8:30AM and we did not have enough time to figure out the local Metro underground map maze, we took a taxi and made it there a half hour early. The problem was that we were still on London time and thus were informed that we were instead a half hour late. Our scheduled city tour had already left and the Cityrama clerks were very kind and rescheduled us for the afternoon.
















Fortunately, this gave us the opportunity to visit the Louvre, which happened to be just across the street, for the rest of the morning. After a quick snack inside, we were able to spend a couple of hours roaming the huge Denon wing of Italian art masters. Yes, we were able to push ourselves, literally speaking, through the crowds to view that mysterious smile of the Mona Lisa. We were also able to catch a glance at some impressive statuary such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace and then rush back to pick up our afternoon tour. Even a cursive appreciation of the endless treasures of the Louvre, the finest art museum in the world in mho, one needs at least a couple of weeks.
Note to myself: On a double decked coach, being early and snagging the front seats on the second level is a prime requisite for quality picture taking and a spectacular panoramic view.


Our city tour took us on a cruise of the River Seine with a river view of the Ille de Cite with its famous Notre Dame Cathedral. All around the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
















It was a warm and sunny day but when we went up to the top of the Eiffel Tower it was very windy. The lifts were fast and the ride smooth. They did charge an extra 5 euros a head to ride to the top but it was worth it.




4 comments:

jams o donnell said...

Sounds like a great trip Roman! I'm just back from Paris myself

Frank Partisan said...

I miss those great outdoor restaraunts on every block.

My only complaint was cobblestone roads.

roman said...

Hi jams,

Paris was great. It is truly a beautiful and historic place. I can't wait to visit again soon.

roman said...

Hi ren,

Yes, the brasseries were very handy for restbits while touring the city. I only wished that they would serve a standard full cup of coffee instead of the inkwell sized ones. You're right, the cobblestone streets were a bit rough on the feet.