The ride was smooth, the scenery looked as though one was going through any rural area in the U.S.  By 4PM we were in Paris. After a little confusion including trying to jog enough French from my memory, we were able to get a ticket on the metro (subway) and also to make reservations for our next train ride (in 3 days) to Switzerland. 

 

By 6 PM we were in our room at the Ceramic Elysses. It's on the Avenue Wagram, about three blocks from the Arc du Triomphe.  The room was pretty nice. We were tripled, so we were a little cramped, but not as nearly cramped as in Frankfurt. Plus, it WAS Paris during Bastille Day (independece day) weekend, so we probably weren't going to be in there a whole lot anyway.

 

As in Frankfurt, we found the hotel employees and people in general to be very friendly and helpful.  I think they appreciated our attempts at French. The Champs was fairly crowded on a Friday night. We walked around for about an hour, had a few beers, some coffee, and basically enjoyed the evening.

 

Saturday was a day to take a walk to the Eiffle Tower. While on our way there, we stopped at L'Invilade - where Napolean is buried. L'Invilade was a military hospital. It's an extremely impressive building/museum. Next time in Paris, I'll definitely spend more time there. The Eiffle Tower was a 20 minute walk from L'Invilade.

 

After about a 40 minute wait in line, we got onto an elevator to get to the 2nd level. It was a cloudy day, a little breezy, and cool, but the view was great.  We walked down the steps rather than take the elevator - 339 steps from the second to the 3rd level, 317 more from the 3rd level to the ground.

 

After a short walk we happened upon this great little cafe. The waiter must have had espresso in his veins. We never saw anyone move so fast! And with such efficiency came comparable courtesy- and he spoke English well. 

 

Jim found the best deal in Paris, a two day sightseeing tour of the city by bus (only $26 - you can get off and on the bus at any of the stops as often as you liked). We toured the city and made an extended stop at the Notre Dame cathedral.

 

We eventually made our way onto the metro and back to the Champs (pronounce shonz - short o). Saturday night on the Champs Elysses - enough said.

 

The next morning the entire Champs was transformed into a parade route. There was a massive police and miltary presence. After a few delays, the parade began - complete with President Jacques Chirac. We later found out that the delay was due to someone attempting to assassinate him. We heard the gunshot - only about 100 yards from us.

 

We hopped the metro and headed to the Louvre. We spent about 4 hours in the Louvre and could have easily spent days there.

 

Later in the evening, Steve and I decided to chance seeing fireworks back at the Eiffle Tower. The metro ride was quick. Again there was a massive police and milatry presence at the Eiffle Tower. There were also about 2 million people - this is not an exagerration. It wasn't long before we decided to get back on the metro and watch the fireworks from the Arc Du triomphe!