PARIS, FRANCE
As the bus rolled into the outskirts of Paris, tears started to flow down my cheeks. I had finally arrived. This was the trip I had dreamed of taking with my (late) Grandma Gin 31 years ago. It was supposed to be a celebration of my college graduation, but life took me down a different path. Grandma, I made it to Paris — maybe you were right there with me in spirit.
Le Louvre
The Map & Welcome to Le Louvre
David mentioned that this is his favorite piece of art at The Louvre. It's called The Mythological Couple Daphnis and Chloe by Paris Bordone.
Just outside The Louvre.
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.
After exploring The Louvre, I was ready to kick back, relax, and soak up Paris the way locals do.
St. Chappelle & Notre Dame
Sainte-Chappelle is just around the corner from Notre-Dame. Check out the colors.
Notre-Dame is probably the most beautiful and inspiring religious experience a person can have.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame
Notre Dame
Notre Dame: The Rooster
Other Paris Tid-Bits
After our tour concluded, we found our way to Versailles and Versailles a conquis nos cœurs.
Our lesson on taking the Paris subway.
Make sure to keep your subway tickets handy. When Dave and I were trying to get back to the hotel from Le Louvre, we ended up face-to-face with six men dressed in black. For a second, I honestly thought we were headed straight to Paris jail! It kind of felt like the Paris version of ICE catching us. But then they explained, in English, that they were the subway security and needed to see our tickets. We quickly found our tickets and were back on our way.
Our hotel: Tourisme Avenue
Here we are strolling through Paris with our group and our friendly tour guide. It’s so much fun having the pros show us all the best spots!
Odette. What have we done?
You absolutely have to try crepes when you're in Paris. They're just so delicious!