Strolling though Paris

So we got up the next day, and set out to wander about. We walked out of our hotel, and past the Eiffel tower. There was a massive crowd there. The entire base of the tower was full of people. The thing that suprised me the most about the tower is its immense size. It is HUGE. The feet of the tower spread out really far (Mom's estimate was a couple of football fields). So there were hundreds of people gathered there for a ride. We walked along the river and appreciated the views.

Many people say they have always dreamed of going to Paris. I thought it would be fun, but it was not a passion of mine. Now that I have been there, I think everyone should visit someday. It is now in my top 5 list of favorite cities. It is old and beautiful. Those who appreciate art must go there, and their museums are fabulous (high praise from somebody who lives near NYC).

Anywhooo, we walked about and finally found where to buy a museum pass. You pay for a pass, and you get to forgo many lines and it is cheaper in the long run. It was a Godsend when we were there since the whole world seemed to be vacationing in Paris between Christmas and New Year's. We headed to the Louve first. The Louve is at the end of this massive garden. It was so big I really could not take a picture of it at all. The sculptures were amazing in there, and the building is a work of art too. Of course we saw the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo. it was comical to see the massive crowds around these works. I figured I would look at them since I was there. The Louve is world class and amazing to see.

We then headed to the Ile de la Cite. We checked out the Conciergerie which is an old prison where many people were excuted and imprisoned during the French revolution. We then wandered towards the mob scene at Notre Dame. We had dinner, and then returned to the church for a concert of Gregorian Chants. That was really amazing and beautiful. it is incredible how one voice can fill a huge cathedral.