Paris in ONE DAY??

Our first full day in Paris had a bit of a wet start. But, the forecast had predicted rain so we were prepared for it. Also, the rain didn't even dampen the morning for me. I don't know what it was - maybe something in the way light danced on the wet ground or the misty view of Notre Dame through the rain - but the drizzle only added to Paris' romance. And it only rained for a short time so we didn't get too damp. We pushed through the rain for a short walk and then sought sanctuary in Notre Dame. The Cathedral was gorgeous. The vaulted ceilings made for a very open feeling cathedral. And the windows - oh the windows! The colors and elaborate designs in those windows were so pretty. And, I absolutely love rose windows in any cathedral so seeing the windows in Notre Dame was spectacular. Also, while when we made it to the high alter - we realized that a baby was being baptized and decided that kid will have serious bragging rights when he become old enough to understand that he was baptized in Notre Dame. We thought about climbing the tower to see the bells - but the line was horrendously long and we hadn't yet seen enough to wait in line. Besides, we had our hearts set on another tower.

Notre Dame is down the river from the Eiffer Tower, but the walk is a bit of a hike. So, since we were pressed for time, we opted for a river cruise down the river to the tower. The cruise was a beautiful way to appreciate the Seine and the bridges and buildings that frame her. Also, it was no longer raining so we weren't too cold. We rode our boat all the way down to the Eiffel Tower. It was a impressive sight - one of the most iconic world images standing there in front of me. Marvelous. Excitedly, we made our way past street vendors (selling every conceivable size model of the tower) and into the line for the Pilar Sur (South leg of the tower). Good news, we got a student discount. Bad news, our discount only included the final elevator. When looking at the tower you will see that it has three sections: legs, second level and the last longest part.

We got to take the elevator on the last part but this meant that we had 2 huge sets of stairs to climb (according to Wikipedia, both levels have over 300 steps each - whew!) We made it to the first level, and then took a rest and got lunch in the cafe (yes, it surprised me that there are several restaurants in the tower). Then we made it to the second level. (I am sparing you readers all of the huffing and puffing that this climb induced). Finally, after waiting in a long line for the lift, we were swiftly carried to the top of the tower. From there the view was indeed marvelous. Paris is a beautiful city even from above. I was also surprised to find a working bathroom at the top (that I used, only briefly pondering how plumbing must work for this bathroom). Additionally, there is a bar at the top of the tower that sells champagne for 10 euros a glass. We did not partake because 1. That is ridiculously expensive and 2. Drinking 1,063 above ground seemed unwise. Finally, just as we were waiting to go down the elevator we heard a noise, *BEEP BEEP BEEP* pause *BEEP BEEP BEEP* pause. This was disconcerting of course. There has been almost constant news about unrest within France and just as constant news about France as a terrorist target. The tower has been evacuated twice (at least) since I've been en Europe. Kaleb and TJ have gotten many emails from Nancy Leonard advising against travel to Paris. So, of course, our minds all jump to the worst reasons for why a beeping noise might be heard at the top of the tower. However, we didn't see any panic on the ground and no announcements were made. All the same, we made our way quickly and efficiently back to solid ground and felt better with feet back on pavement.

From there we took our boat again, this time to the Louvre to see at least a few of the master works. We met Mona, Venus and Victory ... and had time to walk one wing of Classical sculpture. We also saw David's Coronation of Napoleon which is a classic Napoleonic image painted in a Notre Dame setting (fitting given our morning activities). We were kicked out of the closing museum far to soon. It was well worth the entry though - and I've decided that I could come back to Paris and spend two entire weeks just walking through the Louvre. Such an incredibly large collection ... it is actually inconceivable and truly unbelievable.

By this time the sun was setting again as we walked along the Seine toward the Arc de Triomphe. (Sunsets are prettier with pretty settings - like rivers and Eiffel towers). We made our way

to the Arc and reached it after dark - but the illuminated effect was quite pretty. Along the walk, we bought some chestnuts roasting on a street-vendors' fire and they were delicious (kind of reminiscent of boiled peanuts but with the consistency of potatoes. We walked the Avenue de Champs Elysees (a must see Paris street) and found a restaurant for dinner. It was an Italian place (which felt weird as we are in France) but it was run by a guy who spoke Italian better than French (so it was justified). Also, I love Italian food and this was really good Italian food. Also, I had a butter and sugar crepe for dessert - delicious. I even managed to order my dessert myself (with coaching from TJ). "Beurre et la sucre, merci," I told our waiter. He looked confused for a second and then gave me an endering/pitying smile and went off to fetch my dessert. It wasn't until later that I realized that I was supposed to say crepe at the beginning. His confusion arose because what I literally ordered was "butter and sugar, please." Oops ;)

Our final evening journey was a return to the tower to see it at night. This was wonderful. It is definitely prettier at night I think. Plus, for the first 5 minutes of every hour - it sparkles which is magical. After this, we did a little shopping and headed back the hostel. It was a jam-packed day but we saw most of the city must-sees which was our goal ... so that we could leave the city and devote Sunday to Versailles - Europe's #1 palace - which would take us a 45-minute train ride away from the city center. Needless to say, I slept like a rock - as my legs wearily questioned why I had forced them up 600+ stairs and then walked around all day. Zzzzzzzzz.