Bonjour from Paris

I'm just crossing into Austria reflecting on my trip so far... Other than Paris none of the places we visited were really on my bucket list when in fact each place so far has blown me away. We flew Air France from DC to Paris and upon arrival we hit the ground running.  We started at the Arc de Triomphe and the seven roads that converge and drop you off on the roundabout is not for the faint of heart.  After grabbing some pictures and of course making my way to the center of the street to get the perfect shot, I headed down Champs-Élysées passing Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and other designers to the cutest little cafe with servers of course in barrettes. 
 
​My jetlag instantly vanished as I sat streetside to enjoy a fresh hot Nutella crepe and drank a glass of Chambord with Champagne.  The weather, a stunning 18 degrees Celsius made picture taking of the beautiful architecture and scenery enjoyable.  Side streets led to Lamborghinis and bakeries with fresh croissants and baguettes, and one led to my first view of the Eiffel Tower.  A magical travel memory that will last forever.  
 
After checking into the hotel, we headed to Montmartre (mountain of the martyr) ---known for its artistic heritage on a hill above the Seine River. Complete with an antique carousel at the bottom and 222 steps to the top, the view was priceless and red wine and dinner at the top much deserved.  We walked around the cobblestone streets, checked out the local artisans, took a view of Paris below and made our way to a sunset cruise on the Seine.  It's shocking to think that although it was almost 10 o'clock at night the sun reflected peacefully as we floated down the river past picturesque villages, Notre Dame and of course in full view this time, The 1083 feet tall Eiffel Tower.

After a well-deserved night's sleep, we set out again with the first stop being where we left off the night before: The Eiffel Tower.  It stood majestically above a beautiful park filled with brightly colored flowers and people relaxing on the ground while tourists from all over the world snapped the perfect picture of loved ones or did their best to get a coveted selfie. Although I kept my two feet on the ground, if you're looking to head to the top, be sure your get your tickets ahead of time online as they sell out well in advance.

The bells then beckoned us to The Cathedral of Notre Dame.  The line to get inside albeit long moved quickly and was well worth the beauty we were about to behold. The stain glassed windows, the many arches and intricate artwork left you in awe.  Although still rebuilding after the fire in 2019 if you hope to take a walk through this historic church be sure that you have something to cover yourself as no tank tops or crop tops are allowed and you will be asked to leave the line.

Once again, I was the perfect Paris combo; hungry and thirsty.  Finding the perfect little cafe on the corner, I had the tomato pie with salad, and I quenched my thirst with a refreshing Aperol Spritz.  From there I explored the area known as the Latin Quarter complete with shops and cute parks where locals ate their lunch or walked their dog. Afterwards, it was time to head to my son's first concert with the VA Ambassadors of Music at Paris' La Madeleine, a stunning church known especially its façade of 52 Corinthian columns standing 65 ft (20 m) tall. 

While they rehearsed, I walked through Louis Vuitton and stopped off for a cold water and a chocolate croissant. I was a little peckish but I'll blame my bladder and when you buy something from a cafe you can use the toilet for free-- I like to call it a win-win.  After the amazing sounds of music echoed through the church, we walked to the Louve. l'll be honest I was only excited for the Mona Lisa and prayed the 7% left of my phone would last until we got there.  I do have to have to admit that our small group tour guide gave a wonderful historical overview of The Louve which I found rather interesting.  But alas in all her DaVinci glory The Mona Lisa (only made famous because it was stolen), graced my photo reel with 2% battery life to spare.... It was finally time to recharge and rest up for our next adventure... Switzerland!