I really can’t believe that I’ll be on a plane headed home tomorrow. This has been such a wonderful experience for me – in more ways than I could possibly describe. I’m sad that I am leaving but I am thankful to be headed back to a wonderful life in Eugene.
Today I took the metro to the stop nearest the Arc de Triomphe. I walked around the base and marveled at its façade and massive size. I bought a ticket to go to the top (Rick Steves book said it was free on the first Sunday of the month – but I found that it wasn’t), and then walked up in through one of the tower pillars up, up, up, 284 steps. It was hot and humid – but the climb wasn’t too bad. It was well worth the prize at the top: the view. It was so neat to see the streets jutting out from the arc – the city looks so orderly, symmetrical and gorgeous from up there. I took a lot of pictures. I even attempted one of myself (see shot of my face - not a good picture) which was hard because it was so bright – but I wanted to have proof that I was there. It was very cool to be there.
Rick Steves writes: “Paris has the highest density of any city in Europe, about 20 times greater than that of New York City”. – I didn’t know that. I thought of this as I gazed out over the city.
After a while on the top, I walked down the stairs, spiraling down, down, down until I was released once again into the fresh air. Whew! I walked along the Champs-Elysées past the fancy car showrooms, designer boutiques and expensive restaurants. I walked by the Place de la Concorde, and then I veered to the left and walked by the Church of Ste Marie Madeline (see the picture of the Roman-looking building – it doesn’t look like a church does it? – it does inside – it is magnificent) and then I went on to the Opéra Garnier. All of these massive amazing structures!
At the Opera, I took the metro to the 15th district to try to find a store that Kim told me about – a large grocery store that accepts the restaurant tickets we get from the library. I have a couple left over and I thought it would be a good way to bring back some preserves or things like that for family – but unfortunately, I found that the store was closed (of course – Sunday! I didn’t think of what day it was) – so, no luck there. I’ve found that the stores near where I live do not accept the ticket (I’ve tried about five different places – and Kim said that was common – but she knew of one that did). So, being denied that, I wandered around the 15th and wound up grabbing a late lunch in a little Italian restaurant that accepted the ticket. It was really good! I had some pasta with zucchini and tomato sauce. I had enough ticket left over to have an espresso afterwards too – perfect.
I walked back to the foyer, by the military school, through the Champs de Mars – lingered by the Eiffel Tower and said goodbye (I was sad then), walked by the library – and to the foyer. Tonight I am going to walk down to the Seine once again and stroll along the banks and over some bridges. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’m sure I’ll be back again – some day.
Thanks for reading my blog – for sending me sweet notes and helpful hints, and for staying close even while I was far away.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Today I took the metro to the stop nearest the Arc de Triomphe. I walked around the base and marveled at its façade and massive size. I bought a ticket to go to the top (Rick Steves book said it was free on the first Sunday of the month – but I found that it wasn’t), and then walked up in through one of the tower pillars up, up, up, 284 steps. It was hot and humid – but the climb wasn’t too bad. It was well worth the prize at the top: the view. It was so neat to see the streets jutting out from the arc – the city looks so orderly, symmetrical and gorgeous from up there. I took a lot of pictures. I even attempted one of myself (see shot of my face - not a good picture) which was hard because it was so bright – but I wanted to have proof that I was there. It was very cool to be there.
Rick Steves writes: “Paris has the highest density of any city in Europe, about 20 times greater than that of New York City”. – I didn’t know that. I thought of this as I gazed out over the city.
After a while on the top, I walked down the stairs, spiraling down, down, down until I was released once again into the fresh air. Whew! I walked along the Champs-Elysées past the fancy car showrooms, designer boutiques and expensive restaurants. I walked by the Place de la Concorde, and then I veered to the left and walked by the Church of Ste Marie Madeline (see the picture of the Roman-looking building – it doesn’t look like a church does it? – it does inside – it is magnificent) and then I went on to the Opéra Garnier. All of these massive amazing structures!
At the Opera, I took the metro to the 15th district to try to find a store that Kim told me about – a large grocery store that accepts the restaurant tickets we get from the library. I have a couple left over and I thought it would be a good way to bring back some preserves or things like that for family – but unfortunately, I found that the store was closed (of course – Sunday! I didn’t think of what day it was) – so, no luck there. I’ve found that the stores near where I live do not accept the ticket (I’ve tried about five different places – and Kim said that was common – but she knew of one that did). So, being denied that, I wandered around the 15th and wound up grabbing a late lunch in a little Italian restaurant that accepted the ticket. It was really good! I had some pasta with zucchini and tomato sauce. I had enough ticket left over to have an espresso afterwards too – perfect.
I walked back to the foyer, by the military school, through the Champs de Mars – lingered by the Eiffel Tower and said goodbye (I was sad then), walked by the library – and to the foyer. Tonight I am going to walk down to the Seine once again and stroll along the banks and over some bridges. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’m sure I’ll be back again – some day.
Thanks for reading my blog – for sending me sweet notes and helpful hints, and for staying close even while I was far away.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again.
Sincerely,
Melissa
2 comments:
Melissa,
So soon it comes to an end - but I am sure you will be happy to be home again.
We have all enjoyed so much reading your posts. I trust you have recovered well enough from your excess of sunshine, and hope you have a safe trip back to OR.
I don't know if you will have time to login before you leave, but in any case Bon Voyage!
Jim & Edie
Melissa, I am a stranger that happen upon your blog while searching for a something--I don't even remember what--and have thoroughly enjoyed reading of your adventures in Paris. I hope to be able to go next spring, and if not, maybe someday. Amazing small world--I live in Salem. I hope if you return anytime soon, that you will post a note here so I will be able to follow along. God bless.
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