1.7.11

Wow, what a busy last 36 hours I've had. Yesterday after I quit writing I did some things on the computer and then attempted to sleep but just couldn't. My body does not adjust to different time zones well. I didn't fall asleep until soon after 6am, and then got up at 9am. I had a busy day to get started on.

It was raining but not too hard, and I didn't want to carry around my huge umbrella all day. Also, I wore my running shoes in hopes they'd support my foot better. Big mistake. As I was walking to the Metro I bought a cheap umbrella (for 5 Euro!!) that was small and easier to cart around all day.

Living in New York I've seen plenty of subway performers, but these guys with all their instruments were really great.

I got over to the little island where Notre Dame is and there was one small burst of wind and my umbrella broke. Awesome.

And my feet were getting wet. Sweet. And I couldn't find Notre Dame. Luckily, everyone I've asked for help has been so nice. A man ran out into the rain to make sure he was giving me the right directions. I finally found it, and felt like a drowned rat.

I was actually very happy with the way the photo turned out. You'd never know how disheveled and frustrated I was.

The cathedral was beautiful! And huge! I loved all the stained glass.

I also noticed a little room available for confession with a session happening. I've always thought the Catholic approach to confession was sort of cool.

I made my way over to the treasury where I'd read that I'd see Christ's crown of thorns. I was so excited about this. Sadly, it turns out it's only available to be seen on the first Friday of every month, and certain holidays (like Easter.) However, my audio guide informed me I'd be able to see part of the wood from Christ's cross, and one of the nails.

I was really confused though, I didn't see either anywhere. Wouldn't this be something that's well marked and attracting mobs of people? Strangely, it wasn't.

I found the piece of the cross, which was amazing to see. It's just a small piece, probably an inch or two in length and about the width of a pretzel stick.

I never did see the nail. I asked the woman at the entrance to the treasury but she spoke little English. I was grateful for what I was able to see.

Next I headed to Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie. I'd read that there'd be a line and there was, but not bad. Sadly, they were stopping letting people in at 12:30, but I could come back at 2. I missed the cutoff by just a few people.

Oh well, I wanted to go home and get my rain boots and umbrella. I stopped at a little boutique near my place that Gina had told me about called Lollipops. It was so cute but pricier than I normally shop. I decided it's not every day that I'm in Paris and I deserved to treat myself a little. I bought a big handbag and a necklace. I'd been wanting a handbag big enough to fit my laptop for when I travel for a long time. So this was perfect.

Then I went home, changed, made lunch, and rested my food for a bit. About twenty minutes later I headed back out.

I got in line for Sainte Chapelle about 2:10 and was there about an hour. It was sort of torturous, but, I finally made it in. Sadly, I found out La Conciergerie had closed at 3 that day. Sad.

I went into Sainte Chapelle and thought, "This is cool....but.....really?" I'd heard it was supposed to have the most beautiful stained glass in the world. It was just a small chapel with some pretty windows and a gift shop. I took a few photos, looked around, and ten minutes after thought, "Well that was a total waste."

I did think it was cool how old and antiquey the walls were.

Then as I was exiting I noticed a staircase. Hmmm......I went up and, oh my goodness, it was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

Two views. Because I took a million photos here and this is when I just couldn't decide which I liked better.

The walls were basically made of stained glass. It was so beautiful I almost cried.

It was spectacular. I'm just so sad I couldn't see it on a sunny day because everything I read about it said it's best to see in the afternoon light. (It was afternoon, but it was grey and raining.)

Looking straight up.

I died over this. It's my favorite thing I saw in Paris. I think there's 1000 windows stained, telling the story of the world, square by square, from Adam and Eve to the Apocalypse.

Again with the struggle, to get a clear shot. And really? Did you need to include basically my whole body? I was kinda going for a shot of the walls with me just in it, but.....whatev.

Absolutely amazing. No one visiting Paris should miss it.

These signs are all over and saved my life.

Next I was off to Sacre Coeur. What a hike it was to that place.

This shot doesn't do justice. It was a freaking work out.

The view from the top. Probably better on a clear day but I still appreciated it.

It is massive. No photos were allowed so it was nice to just sit and reflect. Sometimes I love when photos aren't allowed because then I can just relax and enjoy, rather than stressing over missing the perfect photo op.

Maybe it was just the exhaustion setting in, but to me, Sacre Coeur was.....another church. I mean, it was really cool to see, but I wouldn't have cried if I'd missed it.

Then I took the funicular (people mover) down the hill to reward myself for climbing up. I was starving so I popped into a little restaurant. I've enjoyed using the little French I know.

After eating I headed to the Moulin Rouge. It was a longer walk than I'd anticipated and I knew the neighborhood was a bit sketchy so I got paranoid since it had gotten dark.

There were people out but the vibe definitely felt different. I managed to get a quick photo of Avenue Rachel, and then two shots at the Moulin Rouge.

Next, the Arc de Triumphe. At this point I was pretty thrashed, but still motivated.

Luckily the Parisians mark the underground so well, so I was able to come out from the Metro right on Champs Elysees in the front of the Arc for some great photos. And then I couldn't figure out how to get across the busy street to go up. Hopefully I'm not the first person to experience this. I was so confused (I'm blaming exhaustion.)

Tired of the same old pose so I threw in a peace sign to jazz it up.

I went back underground, asked for directions, and ended up in the same spot. I asked again, and then it all came together. There's a place that goes underground to the Arc that was basically right in front of me, but I was oblivious.

I made it over and headed in. (By the way, if you're planning to go to Paris and not quite 26, go before your birthday. So many places have a cheaper entrance fee if you're under 26 and I felt too guilty to lie.)

I knew there was an elevator somewhere, but I wasn't in the mood to figure it out. So I braved the stairs. I was definitely at that, "Let's get this over with so I can cross it off my list" point. I was feeling so exhausted and a little sick.

Running on almost no sleep, complete exhaustion, being out of breath, and dizzy, made for a blurry shot when I got to the top, and I didn't care. Get me a bench!

I made it to the top and the view was gorgeous. I looked around, snapped a few photos, and was on my way.

"Oooooh Champs Elysees, OOOOHHHH Champs Eleysees..." Anyone else know that song?

So pretty. I love that there's really no competition around.

Tomb of the unknown soldier at the bottom.

I was planning on stopping at a pastry place that was recommended to me by three different people, because I was right by it, but I hadn't written down the exact address and I couldn't bring myself to wander the Champs Elysees. I couldn't get home soon enough. I'd basically slept three hours in the last 48.

I tried to stay up as long as possible but at 8:30 I couldn't fight it any longer and gave in.

And then it was 2am and I was awake. I don't get it. If I was that tired at home I would have easily slept for 10 hours. (* It's true, I slept 5 hours on the flight home, and then another solid 11 in my bed that night.) Despite my efforts I was up for good. At least I could get an early start to the day. (Not THAT early, I was on my computer till 6:30. Thank goodness the place had wifi.)

As I'd been dozing I was thinking about how sad I was that I didn't get to see the crown of thorns, and then it dawned on me-THIS is the first Friday of the month!! I got online and after doing some research found out there's a whole ceremony they do at 3pm. Hmm, that won't work for me. I didn't see anything about the crown being on display during the day, and I wouldn't be able to call anyone to ask till 9:30. The cathedral opened at 8am so I made my way over at 8:30.

The view out my window my last morning.

Sadly, they don't display it before. I tried to figure out how I could make it work, but I had to pick up my luggage at noon, and there was no luggage allowed in the cathedral. I'd already researched place to store luggage during the day, and there really weren't any. Sad. Talk about disappointment.

Then I headed over to the Conciergerie since it was closed the day before and I was right there. I was first in line which was nice to beat the crowds. It was interesting. I wouldn't say it's a must see, but if you're seeing Sainte Chapelle (which you must!) you might as well because you can buy a combo ticket.

It was cool to see Marie Antoinette's prison cell while she waited for the guillotine. (Can you imagine if we still did that today?) Beating the crowds definitely made it creepy. When I was in the area by the jail cells I was by myself, it was dark and quiet, and they have mannequins in the cells. It was totally creepy. I think that place is haunted.

After I finished there I rushed to the Musee d'Orsay. Everyone raved about it, and it was right up my alley. I love Impressionism. There were a lot of Monets and Van Goghs, and several others. I didn't get nearly the time I would have liked. It was packed though, so I wasn't too sad to leave.

My last spot was the Champs Elysees. I'm glad I can say I walked down it a bit, and I found Laduree. It's a really nice pastry shop. (I should have known, considering the address.) I got some macaroons because that's what everyone recommends. To be honest they've never looked appealing to me, but I loved them! I had to make one more stop at the crepe guy on the street since we've become friends (and because I wanted another crepe....my body is ready for detox.) He was so nice and we chatted for a few minutes, he gave me his number and made me promise I'd come back and then I had to head to the apartment to pick up my luggage. I'm not looking forward to schlepping to Charles de Gaulle, but I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.

Paris has been very kind and I will definitely be back. Looking back now it seems silly to be worried about my safety here. Obviously I always need to be smart, but it was so easy to get around and the people were so nice. Thank you Paris!

I've been sitting here in Starbucks for the last two hours and my flight's not for another five, but I think I'll get on my way and quit prolonging the process.

What an amazing week it's been. I'm so grateful to my friends for their recommendations, my family for their support, and my Heavenly Father for keeping me safe.

So long Paris- I will be back! Au revoir!!

1.5.11 (later that day)

Today was a pretty good day. After I got up and got ready I realized it doesn't get light for a long time here in the mornings. I kept wanting to leave, but it was dark, which made me nervous. I finally left around 8:15 and it was just barely getting light.

So weird. I saw a little cafe which looked great so I decided to stop for a good breakfast since I knew I had a long day ahead of me.

Breakfast.

The woman working didn't speak English, and no one else made attempts but I know enough French to order breakfast. This has been my only experience with the French acting rude. They weren't acting rude, just not friendly at all. But honestly, that's the only time I've experienced it so far and you can find rude people everywhere.

Then I was off to Versailles. It was relatively easy to figure out. Versailles was...MASSIVE.
Honestly so overwhelming. I guess the best thing to do would be to have a tour guide. I used an audio guide but found the information lengthy and most rooms were so crowded I couldn't see what number I was supposed to be listening to.

All the rooms were incredible.

I couldn't get a clear shot, but I loved walking through these rooms with the different colors.

Loved the pink room.

The Hall of Mirrors.

To be honest though, it was sort of one extravagent room after the next. I felt like you could see 25% of the rooms and feel like you had seen the whole thing.

Towards the end my foot was really hurting, I don't know why.

Behind the main palace.

About to start the trek to Marie Antoinette's. I took like six photos, trying to unfurrow my brow. No luck.

I made my way through the gardens and then to Marie Antoinette's estate. I was most excited about this. (To be fair, I'm not a history buff at all, so I'm sure others would take more interest in each room at the main palace.)

Marie Antoinette's house didn't open till noon so I was one of the first to get in. This was amazing because I saw a lot of rooms by myself.

Marie Antoinette's bedroom. She picked out the decor herself.

By the time I finished there my foot was killing me and I had a long walk back. As I walked through the garden I honestly wondered if I'd need medical attention because I was in so much pain. I was so glad I was by myself because no one likes traveling with the gimp.

I hobbled my way to the train and was so grateful when I could sit. My other foot was hurting now too because I'd been favoring the hurt one.

I was so frustrated because I was thinking I'd be there all day, and then would do the Louvre tonight. When I was done by about 1pm I thought I could get more done, especially because this was the first day I really felt refreshed and rejuvinated.

I decided after I ran my errand (needed to pick up a 3-pronged US adapter) I'd take a rest to get off my foot. I couldn't think of anything I wanted to do that didn't involve being on my feet.

I took a hard three hour nap and then got up to go to the Louvre. Going at night when they stay open late is the way to go! There were no lines, and no crowds to fight. It was awesome. My foot was feeling a lot better at this point (maybe because I took some Excederine) but it still hurt a bit.

After 6pm the entrance fee is supposed to be 6 Euros, and it's free if you're unemployed. I asked information how I'm supposed to prove I'm unemployed and apparently in France you get a certificate. I still had to pay, and was charged the full 10 Euros. I wasn't in the mood to argue it.

So, trying to find someone to take a picture was sometimes a task. I usually tried to find someone else who had a DSLR, because anyone with a point and shoot was always extremely confused. "No, no, it doesn't show up on the screen, you have to actually through the little viewer, like an old camera." Still, they wouldn't. I'd show them the button to push to take the picture; still, confusion. Not to mention, most of the time there was a language barrier. For this photo, it was raining, and there was literally no one else around. This was the best shot I got.....oh well.

It took me forever to figure out how to enter, because this museum is MASSIVE. (I'd gone outside, when really, the entrance is right where I bought my ticket....woops.) I finally figured it out and beelined to Mona Lisa. It took forever to find her, but I finally did. I have to say, everyone says how tiny the Mona Lisa is, so I was expecting an 8x10. It was definitely bigger than I expected. Also, people say how there's always so many people crowded around. There were maybe 7 or 8 other people there when I was there. It was awesome.

Another blurry shot. And, clearly exhaustion is showing...looking a bit rough.

Again, with the blurry shot.

The guy taking this shot was a total trooper. There were some people in the background, and, it was the end of the night so I really didn't care, but he was patient and wanted to wait so I'd get a good shot. Then some other foreigners kept jumping in to take pictures of their kids, and it was always an ordeal. I felt so bad, but the guy was so nice. (And he was there with his girlfriend, so no, he wasn't hitting on me. Plus, did you see those last couple shots? Yikes.)

I saw a few other famous pieces and then left, as the museum was closing. I headed to the Bastille stop on the 1 line to get a crepe from the nice man I met yesterday. I decided to get a waffle this time, and it was SO GOOD. He recommended Nutella and whipped creme-it did not disappoint!

We chatted for a few minutes. He is extremely friendly. I feel like I made a friend (but I can't remember his name...)

Then I headed home and have been working on editing photos and skyped with my mom. We chatted for about 30 minutes but lost the signal and can't reconnect.

I've got a long day to plan for tomorrow and it's almost 2am so I guess I'll wrap it up.