So as I mentioned before, I spent almost three additional weeks in England. That wasn’t completely true. During my time over there I took some time and travelled to Paris for two days. I planned this from the beginning. I figured that if was going to be over there for so long, I should take the time to go to mainland Europe. I took a lovely train ride through the chunnel to Paris. I originally had only five sites that wanted to get and I was going to take the “Metro” (subway) between all the sites.
First was the Eiffel Tower, which was an amazing spectacle to see. I planned my trip pretty good as the first thing I saw as I walked onto the streets of Paris was that beautiful tower. I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing, actually seeing the Eiffel Tower with my own eyes was amazing. I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the day. As I got closer it was kinda scary how big it was, and as I went up into the tower I couldn’t believe how big and beautiful Paris was.
Next on the agenda was the Arc de Triomphe and a lovely walk along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. It is known as “the most beautiful avenue in the world,” and it didn’t disappoint. Much like on the Westminster Bridge and Thames River Banks, there were many street performers and vendors. During my walk, I got to see several cool performers, but none as cool as these break-dancers. Along the Champs-Elysees was also some great store and shops that I was able to go in and browse around. Champs-Elysees was a convient road for someone trying to see as much of Paris as possible because a couple of miles down the road was the Obelisk of Luxor which was just before the Jardin des Tuileries.
The Tuileries was a nice park where I was able to sit down, relax and soak in Paris. I also got to have the first opportunity to people watch. I always enjoy people watching and I’ve been told that people watching in Paris is the best. It didn’t disappoint, there are so many different kinds of people I was able to creep on. But I didn’t get to spend too much time, Paris awaits.
After my quick break, I travelled to on the other side of Tuileries which lies the Louvre. The Louvre was the “third” site that I visited and someplace that I always wanted to visit. In fact, #87 on my Bucket List is to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. But I was pleasantly surprised with many of the other attractions there. The Assyrian Winged Bulls, the Winged Victory, Egyptian sculptures, all the amazing painting that I’ve only seen in books, and one of my favorites, the Venus de Milo.
After the Louvre, I made a quick trip to the Norte Dame Cathedral, then a authentic French dinner, then back to the Eiffel Tower where I relaxed in the Champ de Mars until nightfall. The Eiffel Tower at night is just as beautiful as it was during the day. Every hour on the hour they put on a light show (as pictured above) that all you can do is stop and stare.
My second day wasn’t in Paris, but instead Versailles. What a great decision that was. Despite some rain and sore feet, Versailles was breath-taking. I was told by three people that “if there is one site on mainland Europe that you should visit, it’s Versailles” and they weren’t joking. This palace was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever seen, everything is so over the top. I couldn’t stop but be amazed at everything. Wasn’t too impressed with the Trianon palaces, but the trip to the Hamlet was worth the trek to that part of the grounds, the chateau was interesting as well, but the seeing the gardens and fountains made the entire trip. I could spend all day exploring the gardens.
Going to Paris was well worth the train tickets, hotel room, metro tickets, sore feet, 2 days worth of walking, everything. The best part is I only saw just a couple of sites and if I wanted to return, there is still so much I can go back to see.
Simply Gabe 
