We ate breakfast in our room, since we bought some groceries at our little store. I am enjoying this change of pace, as sometimes I just don’t want to sit in a restaurant.Even though it is not actually on my blog bucket list, I can assure you it has always been in my heart of hearts bucket list, and that is visiting the Eiffel Tower. I did not think it ever possible to come true. I have seen it in so many movies, shows and pictures but to actually BE there was magical.
It is one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen, if not the most beautiful. It is great to know that my “awe” factor has not been used up.
I just could not nor did not get enough of looking and studying it.
On the way in, we exchanged favors of clicking pics for a fun couple of guys and even took some selfies with them. They were having a blast and now they have some old people on their phones to show their friends. It was fun and made me miss my kids.
I also held a cute little bunny. I know that sounds weird but a guy was standing with three cute bunny rabbits asking one euro to hold them. One of the bunnies was jealous and came over to give me some nuzzles and kisses. For real!
We stepped in a long line for a security check, and Han asked did I really want to stand in line and wait so long.
“Um, hell’s to the ya!” That boy must have a screw loose if he thought I would just be satisfied to look at it. LOL
While in line, I remembered that I was carrying my trusty pocket knife that I carry everywhere and it has traveled so many places with me, even before coming to Europe. When I walked up to the security, I offered it to one of the guards because I hated the idea of throwing it away, but alas that is where it ended up. In the garbage because the guards are not allowed to keep anything. Yeah right, I bet they pick numbers as to who gets to rummage through the trash at the end of each day. Anyway it depressed me kinda to see it go bye-bye for numerous reasons.
I was like dang it, they did not even scan me or look in my purse and I could have gotten away with it. Good thing I was honest because after standing in another line to purchase tickets, there was yet another security line and it was like airport security, so I would have lost it there. Such is life. Going inside the Eiffel Tower was worth it all.
You of course have to stand in one more line to board the elevator that climbs up one of the huge legs of the tower.
We went up to the second floor and to say it was high is a complete understatement. If you are scared of heights, prepare yourself to be a little freaked out. My mind gets stronger every day and I am not letting it dwell on the scary, so I was leaning over and looking down. I even walked on the glass panels on the first floor and looked down. My only concern was dropping my camera. Took some fantastic pictures even though it was an overcast normal Paris day.
We did not go to the third level since it was temporally closed, but I did not care to as it would be too high to take any detailed photos. The first level is more for children, families and shoppers. Han said it was built at a later date and is not original to the tower. We did not stay long on the 1st level, but we did take a few minutes to make a wish with a penny and the fountain. Our wishes were very similar and made us both happy to still be on the same page of our book.
I bought a few little souvenirs that lined the streets near the tower and we had lunch at a road side vendor, and sat in the park area. It was warming up a bit, so that was nice. We chatted with a young couple on a day trip from London.
The squashing as many sites in as possible began…
Our first stop off the metro was “Place De La Concorde”, where you will see stunning gardens, ferris wheel, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Champes De Elysees where you can see the Triumph Arch in the distance, multiple fountains and many other places to gaze at and admire. Beware of the traffic, there is a lot and everyone is in a huge hurry.
Then back on the metro where we took off towards The Opera and Cafe De La Paix.
This is the most known cafe in Paris where everyone wants to see or be seen.
Be mindful if on a budget because even a cup of coffee might cost too much.
We decided to walk across the street and have a tad more affordable cup of coffee and share a lemon crepe. Yum!
Right before we finished with our snack, Jos and Ria called and wanted to meet on the steps of the “Sacre Coeur” cathedral. So back on the metro where I had to stand and hold on to a bar because it was so crowded and from all the walking a sweating, I had a bit of BO and laughed to myself when a French girl scooted away from me. Now how about that turn of events? I kindly lowered my arms. Sorry girly for my “frenchyness.” LOL
We got off the subway to the back of the cathedral and honestly thought we were climbing steps and hills all the way to heaven. It seemed like a never ending climb. Next time, we will get off at the front side and take the funicular that goes up the side of the mountain.
The church was austere and instilled reverence in most people entering. The signs requested quiet and prayers only.
I once again lit a candle for my mama. This has now become a tradition with me and I just love leaving a little memory of her in practically every city so far.
I have a friend who wants a baby, has been waiting many, many years and she would make the most splendid mom, so I wrote a request for her in the prayer book and purchased a souvenir coin for her. Hope it comes true for her.
Jos, Ria and Han were disappointed in how everything is just tourist related and nothing is left of the originality and quaintness of the past on the Place Du Tertre in the Montmartre area, so we did not stay long and began our long descent back to the metro station.
By the time we arrived back near our hotel, it was time for dinner. Jos and Ria chose the restaurant, which they had a difficult time deciding upon a restaurant, so we were glad just to sit down.
It was Italian, they liked their meals of Osso Bucco and I had pizza because I am not in to eating babies. (veal) My pizza was fairly awful and I ate very little of it. I dislike limp crust due to excessive grease. Yuck!
It was fun relaxing though and watch a Paris evening in progress.
Travel hint: Try using metro tickets more than once. Just for fun we tried it and ended up saving twice on the metro because it continued to accept our tickets. I know, I know…naughty girl.
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