Finding Our Way in Paris

This morning we boarded the 'Les Cars Rouges' to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paris (2 hrs 15 mins). We boarded in Trocadero just up the street from our hotel. It sure helped us get a feel for the city as we passed by the Eiffel Tower, Ecole Militaire, Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay, Opera Galeries Lafayette, Champs Elysees-Etoile and Grand Palais.

The french language continues to be a bit of a barrier and challenge, but we are doing our best.

It was unbelievably hot here today (32C and 78% humidity). Average temperatures in July are usually around 19C.

This is a picture taken just outside the French National Assembly building.

We hopped off the bus and had lunch at a little cafe called the La Brasserie on avenue des Champs-Elysees. The food was fantastic (especially the cheeseburger); however, the waitress left alot to be desired as she lectured us, in french, on being clear when we want just drinks or lunch.

Then it was across the street to Arc de triomphe. We climbed (needless to say, Jim's calf is very sore these days....nothing a little ice won't fix at night) to the top to enjoy the view down avenue des Champs-Elysees.

To put the size of this monument in perspective that is Jim and Joey standing at the base of one side of it.

All the traffic goes around in a circle. Anyone who tried to cross would be killed. There was a horse drawn carriage mixed in with the traffic today. It was truly a sight to be hold!

The Arc de triomphe is also the site of the tomb of the unknown solider. This site symbolizes all those soliders, who could not be identified in WW1, who died for their country in the.

Then it was off to the Eiffel Tower to take the lift to the top. Unfortunately, the very top was temporarily out of order so we could only go up to the 2nd highest point (which was high enough).

Remember, when I mentioned the humidity here today....take note of my pour 'melting' face.

Just when you thought the today couldn't get any better we stumbled on this fantastic care by our hotel called Le XVI Avenue. The servers, food, and atmosphere were fantastic. We would definitely go back. Tomorrow we are off to see Napoleon's tomb, the Louvre and Notre Dame.