Recently I went on a non-outdoor-themed trip with my beautiful wife. She was awarded a random seven day off stretch from flying, and I have some vacation time that needs using before I switch to flying myself, so we decided to take advantage of it. Seeing as my chest still wont handle going big, and since I always cause her to spend her vacation time shivering in a tent somewhere for a week, then coming home smelling of dank nylon sleeping bag and musty wool (things I truly love by the way), we chose a trip of the opposite variety. One has to treat a wife like a lady at times or one’s tent may be missing a lady in the future. J She chose Paris, France to live it up for a few days, and we flew across the Atlantic to check it out. A notable perk of being an airline family (why we stay in the business as awful as it can get).
We found ourselves very tired arriving in Europe after an all-nighter on the 767 that got us there. We found a hotel in the St. Germaine area in the Latin district of central Paris, and promptly took a nap. Then, found some food and made a game plan.
The tick list included: Versailles, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
The first evening we took the subway down to the Eiffel Tower and took a boat tour of the city.Very very ornate. Quite a bit of history here, and the French know how to make a beautifully city.
It was the first time I’ve been in a country where I do not have a clue what anyone around me is communicating. Kinda fun actually, bumbling your way through the day. I quickly picked up some basic hello’s and thank-you’s and learned to point at things in café’s that looked good.The French were actually very polite and friendly towards us as Americans; not the rude stigma you hear about here in the States. Many people did in fact speak some English, and when you make an effort to ask them in French if they would mind helping you in English, they were very helpful.
The next day we toured Notre Dame, including a trip to the top of the cathedral to see it’s gargoyles and views of the city. Also did a lot of walking in the area and took in some French food. Overall, it was tasty, but they are much more into ham and cheese everything that I’d prefer as more of a plant eater. Did find a couple very good salads during the week though, and I’d get in trouble at home with their bread around.
We spent that evening walking the Champs-Elysees, where the Tour de France finishes. I have to say I didn’t realize what a cash register it is. Tons of high-price shopping and name brands, and way overpriced food. I can say I’ve been there, but it really wasn’t my cup of tea. I prefer it when bikes are flying down it rather than pretentious affluent shoppers. It was nice to see the sunset from atop the Arc de Triomphe though.
I’d have to say that the next day at Louvre was my favorite. It’s overwhelming actually. I think they said that if you spent a few seconds in front of every piece of art in the place it would take you something like 4 months. So, with a day, we hit the hot spots. Too many to comment on or picture. I highly recommend spending some time here if you get to Paris.
Our entrance to the museum marked a surprise of the trip. While standing in line- I heard a loud “Hey Ben Jensen!”. What? I turned around and saw my sim partner from CRJ 200 training at Mesaba here in MN. Nuts. He was on vacation too and we just happened to bump into each other in France.
In the museum, we enjoyed seeing it’s amazing collections, so include some favorites I have pictured below.
The last full day there we dropped down to Versailles. I have to say that this place is one giant display of royal excess. It’s pretty interesting to see how some people surrounded themselves with everything while others were suggested to “eat cake”, if you recall blunders of history.
A flight to Atlanta, then back to MSP brought us home and we quickly adjusted back to life as usual. Fun trip. We’ll probably be back in a smelly tent soon, but it was nice to live it up a little in one of the world’s prized cities.
Champagne atop the Eiffel Tower:
Walking the gardens of Marie Antoinette:
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