PARIS! .... what a week, where to start?
The history, the culture, the food and the people, all has been good. Ron did an amazing job pulling it all together. Of course it is impossible to see everything, but we immersed ourselves in the highlights, slowing down to 'BE in the moment,' and absorb as much as we could.
In order to get our bearings, our first day we took a bus ride for a couple of hours, later returning on foot to explore more closely. The 'Left Bank' area is intriguing, but from mid July to mid August the Parisians turn the Right Bank (normally a road that runs parallel with the River Seine) into a beach! tons of sand is imported, lots of occupied deck chairs, with adults observing children playing with their buckets and spades, truly and enchanting site.
It would be impossible to pick a favourite highlight ..... here are a few..... twilight views of the Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe (which was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victory at the battle of Austerliz). There were 284 steep steps to climb, but well worth the effort, for the mesmerizing views down onto the traffic which swirls around the Arch.
The Eiffel tower though impressive by day, was magical by night, on the hour from sunset to 1am there is a 5 mins 'sparkling display' that draws thousands of tourists - perfect for the pick pocket professionals who surely make a living despite the area being well patrolled by police, however one is forwarned, so best to visit with empty pockets and a camera only.
We managed to visit three museums, - the d'Orsay, the Rodin and the L'Orangerie, each unique and steeped with it's own special art. Through these visits we now have a better appreciation for these famous artists.
Another highlight, which some may find morbid, but intrigued us, was a visit through the Catacombs, situated beneath the metros and sewer lines ... I forget the exact depth. It is a tunnel walkway, with the bones of six million people which were removed from caving in grave yards through out Paris in the late 1700's. There are plaques with poetry, philosophy, and religious text intertwined throughout this memorial site.
We found ourselves in the largest cemetery, 105 acres, and during our wanderings came across the graves of Jim Morrison, and Chopin (though I feel I should not mention these two famous musicians in the same breath!)
The locksmiths must do a wonderful trade selling their pad locks, to the many young lovers, who, after pledging their undying love for one another, write their names in permanent ink, plus,date/year, before securing the lock to one of the many mesh railings that cross the River Seine, toss the key into the murky waters, the deed then sealed with a kiss!
A whole day was spent in Versailles, that magnificent 'country get away' for King(s) Louis XIV, XV and XVI (and others). The opulence was breathtakingly beautiful, but truly 'over the top'. No wonder there was a French Revolution.
We attempted to not be the frantic tourist, as we enjoyed long lunches in places recommended by Rick Steves, our own made picnics on steps while listening to various musicians, strolls along the Promenade Plantee - an old disused railway track which now resembles a beautiful 3-4 mile long park with walls and archways of ivy, bamboo, roses and fountains. By picking up a local paper, we discovered a free piano recital in an obscure church, it was quiet recharging of our inner souls.
So we come away from Paris with sore feet, stronger legs, after walking many miles along cobbled streets....... but oh the memories.... sigh.
Composed while on the train to Germany.
Outside Versailles
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