Paris

Paris. What can you really say about that city? There's tons of history, art, food, etc. etc. And with only three days to spend in the city, what do you pick and choose to do? There's never really enough time.

Now this was my second trip through the city of light. I know, rough life I've led. I must say though that nothing will ever compare to my first experience to this beautiful city. Not only was it my first overseas trip, but I was traveling with an amazing gal who had lived there, spoke the language, and minored in art history. Essentially I had my own personal tour guide for a week. Lisa, still one of the coolest trips ever!

The second time around was still fun. I also didn't feel as much pressure to see everything, because I'd already done it. This was just getting to see the highlights of some of my favorite places. I must say though I have no recollection of the train ride from London to Paris. I don't remember anything past the training leaving the station in London, and the next time I looked out the window I was looking at the French countryside. I'll just have to go back and do it again sometime. I'd also like to take the ferry from Dover to Calais, but that's another story for another time.
Obviously I had to stop in at Notre Dame Cathedral. It's big and amazing and beautiful. This time the line was far too long to climb to the top and there wasn't enough time to wait. Plus it was windy and cold. Very cool place.




I do have an odd fascination with Nuns and love to take pictures of them especially whenever I travel. I don't understand it myself, but I just can't resist a picture. One day I may get brave and see if I can have my picture taken with them.

                                                                                                                                                              Then there was a day spent at Versailles. (This picture above is the back door of the palace. That's my kind of back door).

 It's huge and over the top and you have to see it. Though I must say they sure charge a lot more than the last time I was there. Even the massive gardens are sectioned off so you have to pay separately to view the different areas. Still amazing and unreal as to how large the grounds are. They just go on forever. My pictures from the inside just aren't that great. That and it was so crowded I was literally being pushed through by the crowd. Insane!

 Opera Garnier is one of my all time favorite places to visit in Paris. 

                                                                                    I love the building and how ornate it is. The outside is filled with so much details around the entire perimeter. And then there is the inside. Just dramatic and ornate and everything you would expect from a theater. This is also the setting of the famous Phantom of the Opera story. It certainly makes the story more alive as you walk through the corridors and grand staircase. 

This hall to the left with all the chandeliers is incredible. There is so much gold carved into everything, and the frescoes painted across the ceiling are so pretty. Standing there makes you feel theatrical. 

                                                                         You can't visit Paris without a few more pit stops. The Arc for the standard picture, followed by a long leisurely walk along the Champs Elysee. Stopped into a few of the shops I will never be able to afford, plus a pit stop at the wonderful Lauduree for my fabulous Parisian Macaroons (so expensive but totally worth it!). 

 

Then took a break and sat in the Tuleries facing the Louvre. Beautiful. Of course there just wasn't enough time to see the inside of the museum. Next time. And finally the last stop of the city was the Tower. 

There it is - Paris in three days.