Paris is Growing on us

Literally...We have been enjoying the food a little too much and the sights as well.

Today was to be a very busy day. We wanted to cover the Louvre, Notre Dame and Napoleon's Tomb.

As per our modus operandi we slept in.. Awakening late in the morning and heading out for a quick bite at one of the Brasserie's on the Trocadero - I had a quiche that was so good I am proud to say that I ate it.


We hopped on the bus and rode it around to our first stop - the Louvre. For those who have visited it you know how big it truly is. For those who haven't, just think of the largest museum you have ever been to then triple it. The entrance itself is truly spectacular - I don't know if a glass pyramid on a hot day seems like a good idea, but it is still quite the entrance.




Here is Joe standing in the courtyard before we headed in.

Once inside we learned a little bit more about the castle that was discovered below the Louvre - here is one of the original columns that was excavated.

As we started to go through the maze - I mean museum, we discovered many treasures - too many to list but here are a few of the hilites.

The Venus de Milo

Good Old Mona - I thought it would be bigger.

Joe and me in front of a real old fireplace - roman we think.

Rhonda's favorite - Cupid awakens Psyche with a kiss.

Joey's favorite - Napoleon's Battle of Eaylu

Joey in Napoleon's apartment - future royalty at work.

Two old tired folks circa 2009.

We then hopped back on the bus and headed to Notre Dame. One thing I have to say about the French, they sure do know how to encourage people to view their treasures. Ticket prices for Joey were free for the majority of the events and only 6 - 10 Euros for Rhonda and me. Notre Dame is free (we didn't go to the top as our legs would've given out) and was actually pretty quick to go through.

It is quite a site to see considering how old it is. Here is a shot of the Portal of the Virgin arch.









A shot of the inside looking from the main entrance.

We toured around and also took a side tour through the treasury.

Onto the final leg of the day. We walked across the street and strolled through some shops, then grabbed an ice cream to cool off - the threat of rain never came to fruition so it was another warm day. We actually are getting a nice tan - who would have thought.

Well we hopped back onto the bus and rode it down along the Seine then hopped off and walked down to Napoleon's Tomb.
This is truly a sight to be seen - enough gold to go around for a couple of emperors. The tomb itself is this entire building with the crypt down below. The ceiling rivals anything in the cathedrals we have seen.

The actual tomb.

Joey standing beside Napoleon - or what remains. He had to wear his British T-shirt (proving a point). We arrived only 20 minutes before closing time so we were a little rushed but were glad we made it.

So we made it through the itinerary then hiked it back up through Ecole

Militaire and upto through the Tour Eiffel and back to the Trocadero for dinner.

The night was gorgeous as we enjoyed fine food and drink along with some fantastic desserts and coffee. Overall we had a great day and look forward to tomorrow - Versailles.