A city whom all people are familiar with from childhood. Paris has a population of over two million people and is situated in North Central France. There are far too many facts about Paris to write about here. Its history requires a book of itself, so let us continue with only small pieces.
The Eiffel Tower through a Peace monument
La Tour Eiffel deserves it's reputation. It is a beautiful landmark and the icon of an amazing city. It is visible from all points of the city and is the tallest structure in its vicinity, only being outdone at a distance by an ugly black eyesore, the Montparnasse 56. I imagine that for a Parisian to see this everyday on their way to work gives them pride and love of their city, unless they take it for granted which would be distressing.
Two brothers at the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is splendid because it is so out of place. Alone it stands at the intersection of many avenues. Started in 1806 by the Emperor Napoleon it is now home to a giant and iconic roundabout.
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The same two brothers at a Parisian cafe
Parisian life includes sitting at sidewalk cafes drinking wine and coffee most of the day and night.
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The catacombs of Paris- A reminder of where we all end up
Here is something you don't see everyday. How many bodies are buried here? Thousands and thousands you guess? Try again a little higher. Somewhere around six million should be your guess. Who counted I do not know, but I don't envy him. And who made all the designs and shapes out of the bones? Again I can not answer but I do envy them, as it looks like fun. It would be monstrous to do such things to anybody deceased this past century, but like always, time and distance make anything possible.
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Our first view of the Eiffel Tower
Our first view of the Eiffel Tower and we were not disappointed. It is the tallest structure in Paris at 1,063 feet. Built for the 1889 Worlds Fair it was the tallest structure in the World for forty one years. It takes its name from the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the structure. |
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An Israeli, a Kiwi, and two Americans at Sacre Coeur
I recommend staying in a hostel sharing a room with ten other people than having your own hotel room and using tour guides or groups. Meeting people from different countries and sightseeing with them will make much fonder memories and perhaps give you a next country to visit with a local friend waiting for you. |
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Notre-Dame de Paris
A church. I cannot say much more than that. I did not see any hunchbacks or anything else of interest. |
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Blending in on the steps of Sacre Coeur
A one hundred year old Roman Catholic church that is in a beautiful area high on a hill. Be careful of the walk up to it, it is very steep and tiring as it is the highest point in the city. We did not go inside. |
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Outside of the gigantic Louvre
I do not understand the point of such a place. It would take a person a lifetime to see everything inside, and that is if he eats well and exercises. |
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Taking a break climbing the obscenely long and steep steps to Sacre Coeur
The marathon trek up to the church with a Kiwi, Aussie, Israeli, and two Americans. Well worth it though for the view of the city. |
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The famously disappointing Mona Lisa
I do not understand art, but everyone around me seemed to. They talked of the feeling, the beauty, the magnificence of this portrait. All I saw was an ugly painting much smaller than I had imagined, covered in thick glass. I leave it to the art critics and tour book parrots and move on to more beautiful, less famous works. |
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Relaxing in the hostel after a day of sightseeing
Enjoying wine with new friends is a beautiful way to finish a day of sightseeing.
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