Paris: Part Two

Prior to getting to day two, the evening before I spent an hour or so planning out my next two days – I wanted to maximize my time – but also not miss out on some of my personal must sees before heading back home. I consulted my maps, thought about what would interest me most, and what made the most sense in proximity to each other. I realized later that I probably could have used another few days to get in a couple more museums and enjoy more of the area. I guess that’s a good enough reason to hope for another trip over to France in the future.

I started day two with a metro trip over to the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, as it’s one of the other more famous landmarks of Paris. I also wanted to see some of the details up-close and personal, and make my way up to the top for some breath taking view, since I am too much of a sissy to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I will say that this is in the center of one of the scariest street intersections – a major rotary if you are from New England, like me, or a roundabout for those of you from elsewhere. I did figure out quickly that there was an underground pathway to the Arc, and got right in line to get my ticket to go to the top.  I wanted to see the view from the top, and there are so many views from here. I also felt more secure, and saved myself a panic attack atop the Eiffel Tower (safety first folks, safety first). It was bit cloudy, but it was great to spend time up at the top and learn about the Arc construction.

From the Arc, I made my way down the Champs de Élysées, for an early afternoon of shopping and lunching. I tried to avoid stores we have back home in the states as what’s the fun in shopping where you can at home. I poked around and ended up with two cream colored tops – one long sleeved and one short- clearly, I had a theme going. I love watching people in the shopping district on a weekday, you get the tourists, but you also get a lot of people who seem to do this daily. I really enjoy making up stories about people’s background while sauntering around.

After my shopping adventure, I headed over to the Musee de Armee, or the National Army Museum, because I really wanted to see the World War II exhibits. I always find that I am drawn to learning more about this time, so I thought why not take some time and go to that section of the museum. When I arrived, I found a military ceremony taking place, so I stopped and tried to figure out what was going on, but there was band, some marching and a gentleman gave a speech. I still haven’t figured out what was going on, but I definitely couldn’t resist some snapshots and taking in the grandeur of the event.  I really wish I knew what was taking place, but it was still neat to see something like that without planning it.  After the ceremony was completed, I spent the rest of my time touring Napoleon’s tomb and the World War I & II exhibits. I am always a bit fascinated by the histories of the wars from different countries, since we are so versed in the American side- particularly when the second World War really kicked off for us so many years later then in Europe.

My final bits of the day were spent having wine and dinner near my hotel, there’s something about getting a craft of wine at the end of a long day.  

I've got one more day to go, hopefully you are enjoying reading about my travels.

Paris: Part One

Oh Paris – you were top on my list of places to visit, and finally I was able to make my dreams come true. I spent three full days exploring the city of love, on valentine’s weekend no less. Granted I was sans valentine, however I do feel like spending a few days in Paris constitutes “winning” the holiday.  I took the Eurostar over from London, which was super quick and really easy to do, plus it put me at a major train spot that brought me to a metro that dropped me off a block from my hotel. As a non-French speaker, I never had trouble navigating the metro ( I swear the States are the worse for clear public transit instructions).

The first night I was super tried, as I was out way too late the night before – oops. I haven’t seen 3 am in about 3 years until then – I guess there are worse things though then having a good time on a Friday night. I just got settled and made my way to a bistro for dinner before heading to an early bed time so I could take full advantage of my day on Sunday.

where is the love...

Well, I decided to take an unintended break from blogging last week. Working aboard led to not having much time to blog. Honestly, it was good to take a break and enjoy being with some of my friends in other offices. I've been out and about taking photos though in both London and Paris, so I'll have quite a few things to share over the next week or so.

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

i see london...

In less than a week, I am heading over to London for business. I am looking forward to enjoying some spring like temperatures compared to the winter those of us on the eastern seaboard have been experiencing. I am hoping to see some new places, as well as enjoy the walk to and from the office each day – past the American Embassy - probably the ugliest building I saw while I was there last time, it just has a very utilitarian file compared to the historic architecture everywhere else on that walk. I am a complete tourist though, and I really just love popping in to shops and pubs on the way “home” to the hotel each night, and spending some social time with my friends and colleagues in that office. I cannot wait to spend some time in Selfridge's checking out all the fun items and getting lost in the amazing book section of the store.

However, I think the best part of this upcoming adventure is the one that I am tacking on to this trip - I am heading to Paris for a few days to finally do some sightseeing and see the Eiffel Tower. That's right I am tackling on of my 15 before 2015 items very early. I couldn't be more excited to get there!

(graphic via etsy)