Paris: First Day

I can finally say I am in Paris but getting here was difficult. We got to the train in Amsterdam only to be told we need to pay more money for a reservation for the fast train. So we went back upstairs, got a reservation, got on another train to Brussels, went from Brussels to Paris, found a taxi (finally after walking from taxi to taxi only for each of them to point us in a different direction), and finally got to the hotel (Hotel de la Vallee on Rue Saint-Denis).

The hotel is in a happening part of Paris - on the way here we passed many bars filled with people as well as groups of people walking the streets. I cannot wait to explore the city.

On first glance, Paris looks similar to other European city. Skinny apartment buildings - lots of windows and porches. But in the morning I am sure the differences will be apparent.


Right now its morning and M and I are sitting at Cafe Coeur Couronne - had an english breakfast which consists of bread, butter, jam, coffee (I got tea), and orange juice. The cafe is in front of a large sculpture that has running water flowing on it. I believe our hotel is in the middle or at least near the red light district - Moulin Rouge!

After breakfast, we decided to rent bikes. Paris is a huge city and we want to experience it fully. An hour after we FOUND the bikes, we were off. (The automated bike rental did not accept M's credit card the first 10 times so it took many minutes to figure it out). We biked from our hotel to Seine river and to the Eiffel Tower. It is huge. One of the pillars of the tower is closed - each pillar is a separate entrance. We sat in the square adjacent to the tower - watching it and tourists flock to and fro.

Then we biked to Avenue des Champs Elysees - biked/walked up and down the street watching people shop, take pictures, eat, and relax. I saw the arch called L'arche de Triomfe - which holds the grave of unknown soldiers. Everything (clothing, food and such) is very expensive - we decided not to buy anything from this area, not even a small snack.

We biked to the Louvre next. So beautiful. It is the biggest museum in the world - we did not go inside because it takes weeks to see the whole museum and hours to get inside. We walked (because biking is not allowed) through the middle courtyard which is covered in beautiful landscaping. Next we stopped for a bite to eat on De Buci at a place called Paul - Notre Carte des beaux jours.

After lunch - which took, no joke, 2 hours (just to first get the wine, but its all good - I am in Europe, relaxation is key) - we biked to the Notre Dame. As usual, beautiful building with impeccable landscaping and hoards of tourists flocking around. Notre Dame is a cathedral in gothic architecture - the intricate details in the windows and ornaments make it truly special. The attention to detail is wonderful.

We drank some wine in front of the Notre Dame, then went back to the hotel for a quick nap, then woke up and had drinks at L'Equipe du Jip's Bar located on the corner of Saint Denis (street of our hotel) and Rue De la Ferronn. Before sleep, we stopped by a small grocer to get a banana and a water. I believe tomorrow is the end of the Tour de France so the streets near Champs Elysees will be crowded. Bon Nuit!