Sitting on the train to London, finally enough time to catch up.
Wednesday started with brunch in the concierge room, American style. There is an excellent cappuccino machine, newspapers in several languages and immediate service. We commenced to walk down the Champs de Elyse about one half miles to the open bus tour. This tour takes you all over Paris to the main sites. We wanted to get the lay of the land. This green colored bus is a double decker with headphones and explanation in different languages. Passing the Eifel Tower, Egyptian obelisk, Grand Palais, and the Louvre, we hopped off at Notre Dame. There are no words to describe the grace and beauty of this church started approximately 1250. Ken Follett’s two books on Cathedral building is a must to understand the skill and labor required to build such an endeavor.
Stopping for adoration, lighting of candles and appreciation of the choir we moved to the Crypt of Archeology to see Roman walls the cathedral is built over. The Romans had an incredible presence here for about 200 years. Meandering through the side streets was an assault on all the senses. Lunch in the sidewalk cafes is the only way to people watch and enjoy a “French” meal. While the baguettes are plentiful, they are quite cold and rock hard.
Our chariot, the open bus, took us back to the hotel for a brief respite before heading back to enjoy the Eifel tower. At night it is impressive and fanciful. An interesting lift takes you up 115 meters (377 ft)to the second level. The third level was closed. Lit at night, the tower every hour has a fireworks display of lights. Windy and cold -- definitely worth it. We walked from the Trocadéro, by the Museum of Modern Art, along water fountains to the Tower and back again to catch a taxi. But first, dinner at contemporary restaurant, interesting cuisine, this time choosing to eat indoors – it was after all 10:30 at night. Taxis abound making quick transport efficient and very affordable.
