Monday, May 12, 2014

5/10-11/14 - Paris France

Saturday, May 10, 2014

We decided we would get up early to see if we could get to Notre Dame and go inside before the huge line formed (it’s free to go inside).  They open the doors at 7:45 a.m. and I think we got there around 8.  Thankfully, there was no line yet.  We actually got there during mass, so we got to hear part of that.  We walked around the inside and took some pictures of the impressive structure and stained glass windows.






After we got back outside we wandered over to Saint Chapelle to see what time they opened.  We decided we would rather go up the tower at Notre Dame instead, but they don’t open that until 10 a.m.  To pass the time we wandered all the way around Notre Dame to the back side where you can get some really good pictures of the flying buttresses.  There is also another bridge back there with what must be millions of locks on it.  Apparently, lovers here put their name on a lock and lock it on a bridge and toss away the key into the river.



By the time we made our way back to the tower line, there were about 20 people or so already queued up, so we got in line.  We had to wait about 25 minutes or so before they opened.  Once they opened, we made our way up the 300 or so spiral stone stairs to the top.  There are actually two levels.  The first level has the gargoyles perched looking over the city and the second level is just the highest point you can go with a view of the surrounding area.





We then made our way back down the stairs.  They only let people up in small groups of about 20 as there is only one very narrow staircase that serves as both up and down.  As we got to the bottom the bell tower struck 11:00. 

We remembered that the open air market near our apartment was open today and we wanted to get some more roasted potatoes as they were so good last time we had them.  So we made our way to the market and got our potatoes and then across the street to the boulangerie and got a sandwich and some desserts to go along with it. 






We made the short walk back to the apartment and devoured our yummy potatoes.  After that we started trying to organize our stuff for the trip home.  Eric started working on pictures and neither one of us could keep our eyes open, so we decided to go lay down and take a nap.  Later Guy and Jody made it back to the apartment and laid down and had a nap while we got up and finished getting our packing done. 

After everyone had had a chance to rest, we all went out in search of a new café to enjoy our last meal together in Paris.  We found a small café situated on a corner a couple blocks away from the apartment.  We took a couple tables outside where we could enjoy the people watching Paris has to offer.  You see some very interesting people walking around Paris.  We enjoyed a nice meal together and reflected on the past week.  Time sure does fly by in a hurry.

After our nice meal we headed back to the apartment.  Eric and I had some scrumptious cupcakes from Bertie’s Cupcakery awaiting us, while Jody and Guy had some flan and some other decadent dessert.  We all enjoyed our desserts and then made it off to bed as we had to get up about 5:30 the next morning.  Our car was scheduled to pick us up at 7 a.m. to take us to the airport. 

Sunday, May 11, 2014

5:30 a.m. came way too early.  Unfortunately, we had to get up and get ready to head to the airport.  I had purchased some type of apple tart pastry to have for breakfast, so I ate that.  Boy was it good.  We are all going to miss the pastries and baguettes here.  We were already talking about trying to find a French bakery in Phoenix where we can get good bread.

Our van picked us up in front of the apartment at 7 a.m. and we made our way to the airport.  It was rather shocking after seeing so many people out and about the city the past few days to be out this early in the morning and see very few cars and even fewer people on the streets.   

Immigration and security at the Charles Degaule airport is a breeze compared to many places we have been.  Maybe we just got lucky because it was early in the morning, but the lines were meniscule.  Eric and I stopped at the Star Alliance club for a bit and then headed to our gate.  Before we knew it we were on the plane and ready to take off.

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