Random Encounters in Paris March 19, 2010
Posted by Chris in : Paris , trackbackOn our trek today in Paris we saw many things, the most unusual part was the encounter with a high school friend, Joseph Clifton, but more about that later.
The day started at the Eiffel Tower today as we thought about making the hike to the top; however, the crowds were so bad that we decided not to wait 2 hours in line to pay to hike up the tower.
Despite our disappointment at the Tower, we went from there to the Musée d’Orsay by metro next. Upon our arrival to the museum, we noted the copious amount of students lounging on the steps in front eating sandwiches. Unfortunately, we had eaten earlier and so were not interested in having sandwiches at that moment.
The museum was stocked with metal detectors for security; however, I was wearing steel-toed boots that the security guards did not care about, they waved us through even after I set off the alarm. As we were buying tickets, we noticed the sign stating that photography or recording was not allowed inside the museum so you will have to bear with me as I describe our experience with many thousands of words to equal the normal amount included in a post with pictures (what with a picture being worth a thousand words and such) (Although I really doubt that I actually will give you many thousands of words, it’s getting a bit too late for book writing (and you have to visit it for yourselves)).
After passing the ticket desk and getting a check mark on our tickets, we strode into the entry hall of the museum and observed the statue-filled hall, we began to stroll through the halls on both sides of the main hall, filled with such artists as Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, and more. Following the main hall down to the end revealed a welcome surprise, a small model of the city built under a plexi-glass floor!
Enough talk about the Musée d’Orsay, we actually have some pictures to look at!
After the Orsay, we decided to have a traditional Parisian snack, crepes with bananas and Nutella. They were fantastic!
After our thoroughly delicious snack, we walked around a bit and noticed that we were right across the river from the Louvre so we decided it was worth a walk over to.
Crossing over the Seine was about as adventurous as ever but very worth it nonetheless.
The Louvre was as fantastic as always, greeting us with a giant park, glass pyramids, and fountains. While we didn’t go inside the Louvre today (we decided that 2 art museums in one day was a bit much), we did mill about outside a bit and people watch, our favorite sport.
Heading back towards the Eiffel Tower from the Louvre, we noticed a circular pond with many small boats on it being guided by children. We met a friend from school, Joe, there and he informed us that it is a very traditional Parisian scene!
Joe has been staying around Paris a while now and suggested that we see Sacre Coeur, a new church by Paris standards but beautiful nonetheless. We walked through the church, observing its magnificent stained glass windows and artwork.
After Sacre Coeur, Joe took us down the hill towards the Moulin Rouge. The Moulin Rouge was a fun place to see but is very expensive according to their prices outside: around 100 Euros a ticket to a show!
Well, it’s been a long day and it’s time for me to go! Oidhche mhath (Good night, Gaelic)!
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I just visited New Orleans, the same time as this post! Its so funny that you had the crepes with bananas and Nutella. I to got to enjoy them while I was in New Orleans and they are fantastic! This is a great idea and glad that ya’ll have been telling us about the trip….by the way we got you post card and have it hanging up in the office, everyone loved it!
great post as usual!