Are we really in Paris?

Once our fast train from Brussels reached Paris, we figured out how to negotiate the Metro.  People were friendly and helpful, and the Metro got us right to our hotel.  We quickly checked in and headed out to walk to the Eiffel Tower.  We had it in sight, and it was just a matter of getting there. That beckoning from a few blocks away turned out to be about ten blocks.

I had seen the postcards and thought that the Eiffel Tower was a tall metal structure, but I was totally blown away by the scale of  it up close and personal.

We wanted to go up the elevator to the observation level, but the line was very long, so we walked a few block and had a crepe (or course) for dinner.  By the time we got back, the line was much shorter, so up we went.  You can see all of Paris from up there, and we weren’t even at the top.  I have to give Nancy full credit.  She walked down the steps from the observation tower while I waited in line for the elevator.  I still beat her down by 10 min.

Exhausted, we headed back to our hotel.  We managed to bypass all the hawkers, so we got back without a single keychain souvenir.  Our room was right on the front corner. It was very convenient and close to the Metro, but unfortunately, they chose that night to do some jack hammering on the metro.  Sleep was hard to find.

We got up the next morning and went for coffee and pastries.  The early morning outside café was near a couple of schools, so we got to see the parents taking the young kids to school and the older kids stopping at the restaurant to meet up and smoke.

After we checked out, we had to see the Eiffel Tower in the daytime.  

Then we started a trek along the Seine River just to see what we could see and eventually end up at some museums.

It was definitely worth the walk, even carrying a heavy backpack.  We felt right at home when we found Mr. Jefferson.

 

After a rest and a coffee, we finally reached our destination, the Musee D'Orsay, where we saw a jaw dropping exhibition of Impressionist art, some of which we recognized from books.  Unfortunately, photos of the art were prohibited, but here a few shots of the outside and interior.  I think this is now my favorite art museum.

After a rest and a coffee, we finally reached our destination, the Musee d’orsee where we saw a jaw-dropping exhibition of Impressionist art, some of which we recognized from books.  Unfortunately, photos of the art were prohibited, but here a few shots of the outside and interior.  I think this is now my favorite art museum.

We had a quick crepe for lunch and crossed the Seine.  This bridge is a place where couples can profess their everlasting love by placing a lock with their names on it.  The weight of the locks had actually caused some damage in places.

The Louvre was closed on Monday which was probably a good thing since we didn’t have time to tour it.  We did go into the courtyard and enjoy the views and architecture.

Two very tired people made their way to the metro station to get to the train station for our next stop, Vernon, France. I don’t recommend trying to see Paris in just 24 hours, but you sure can see a lot in that time.  Paris, we loved you.