Woke up in Paris.  No big deal. 

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 We decided to head to Paris over the August long weekend as we figured that we would need at least 3 – 4 days just to skim the surface.  One of the bonuses going at the end of summer as well is that you can get some pretty decent deals on hotels and flights while the weather is still 20+ degrees.  This heat even managed to provide a pretty epic thunder and lightning storm on our first night that kept us awake as it was roasting hot in our petite hotel room so let ourselves sleep in.  Fortunately, we had already decided to knock off the tourist spots closest to our hotel in Montmartre so headed up the steep steps to the Basilique du Sacré Coeur.  
 
We had been in a fantastic Basilica in Montreal, Canada and were starving so chose to head to a food market away from the tourists.  Unfortunately we couldn’t find the area but stumbled upon a fantastic bakery and devoured the yummiest quiche and pastries for a mid morning snack.

Tried the metro out for the first and last time as we decided we would rather walk or bike and enjoy the sights between destinations rather than roast in a metal tube underground.  Fantastic way to get around though if you are short of time.  Stopped at Place de la Concorde and strolled along des Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe and up its 284 steps until we had spectacular but grey views across the city.
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The sun came out after a recharge back at the hotel so we enjoyed an early evening walk down to the Louvre when the sun came out.  Crossed the Seine river at Pont des Arts bridge with all the padlocks signifying couples love.  Makes me wonder who is still together after all those years or were some just a flash in the pan and moment of Passion when they clicked closed on what was probably a very similar evening. It was also confusing that we came across another bridge exactly the same.  Who started this trend and are people even locking them in the right place?

 
Finished the day with half a dozen garlic and pesto Escargot (snails) as a starter at dinner.  Really, what’s the big deal.  They were delicious and no different to eating mussels in New Zealand I think.
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Morning at the Louvre.  I must say that while it was great, I have been to better museums.  The highlights were definitely the statues while Adela liked the Napolean III rooms.  It was quite hilarious watching the other tourists that were obviously only there for Mona Lisa who after the 30 second photo-op with her would try to spend the rest of the time looking interested but failed miserably and would leave just as quick.

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Grabbed a fistful of pastries and baguettes and lay in the sun next to the Eiffel Tower over lunch soaking up the suns rays.  However the heavens opened up and we ended up under a tiny leaking shelter with some French Michael Jackson tribute singers and dancers who took to the rain like ducks to water.  I love when you travel that anything can happen.  They proceeded to entertain and weird us out at the same time for the next 20 minutes until fortunately we could escape as the sun came out again. 

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We cycled back down at sunset and climbed to the 1st floor of Eiffel Tower to end our second day in Paris.  The other tourists seemed content to line up for over an hour to catch the elevator up while we waiting no more than 5 minutes grab our tickets and use these wonderful contraptions called stairs to walk up.  It really is a beautiful and I can see why they call it the City of Lights.

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That morning we had joined the locals and hopped on the Velibs.  Basically you pay $1.70 for 24 hours and use the bikes, which are located about 300m apart on the streets all across Paris, for 30 minutes at a time for free.  You just have to wait 5 minutes between uses which is perfect as you can cross huge distances such as between Montemartre and the Eiffel Tower in that time and then spend more time sightseeing at either end of your journey while enjoying the natural streets vibe and personality that you don’t see from the metro.

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Back on the Velibs the following morning to the local food markets near the Bastille.  Beautiful jambon, fromage and oeuf (ham cheese and egg) crepes for breakfast.  Oh man they were delicious and I wish I had discovered them on the first day!  Although my waistline thanked me that I had not as our bread babies from all the baguettes, croissants and pastries were already in force.

 
Unfortunately that made us late getting to Notre Dam so we joined the rest of the daft tourists who show up late to extremely popular and busy attractions and traipsed into the church.  Mass was being held so free entry.  Bonus.  Unfortunately we couldn’t get as many cool photos from inside and outside we stood no chance with the zombie hordes in the way.  Damn you tasty crepe for making us late.  
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This lateness had a knock-on effect with an hour long queue at the Catacombes to the south of the Latin district.  For some reason the Catacombes were not listed in our top 10 guide book nor was there information about them easily found elsewhere.  I had heard about them through a friend and am glad we visited.  

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They were amazing and freaky and scary and moving all at the same time.  The entire self-guided tour lasts on average 45 minutes, although we took over an hour, as you wander in caves and tunnels under the city itself.  Approximately 6 million Parisians skeletal remains were dug up when the city ran out of room in the area to bury them so they were literally thrown in to the abandoned quarry tunnels.  They were then rearranged after a few years and now lay stacked in patterns and shapes in the multitude of tunnels.  It is a definite must see in Paris but get there early as they close at 4pm.  

 
I felt like my limited French had been holding up okay until our last night.  I managed to order us a bottle of Rouge and for our starter I ordered what I assumed was breads and dips and a roast vege salad.  I was feeling pretty proud of myself as I thought I had done a pretty good job explaining that we would order our mains after the starter.  But unfortunately the waitress didn’t think so.  She brought out a main size plate of green beans and roast vege salad.  That’s it.  No meat.  No sides. Just the green beans for Adela.  She had mistaken that we wanted them as main dishes.  I was too proud to correct her and the meal was actually tasty enough any.  Fortunately we finished of with a flaming creme brulee that was divine. 
 
Starving in the morning, either from our late start or “light” meal last night, we stopped at one of the first cafes we saw for a scrumptious breakfast of coffee (pure hot chocolate for me), orange juice, a baguette and a croissant with jams.  Although it was tasty it ended up being quite a touristy cafe and we spotted a local cafe just a block further down an alley for cheaper.  
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Spent the rest of the morning at the Army Museum at the Invalides Hotel which was built in 1671 for injured and sick soldiers.  Now its a very interesting war museum that contains history from the 17th century through World War 2.  The museum also contains the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte (not Dynamite) who led part of the French Revolution.  Very interesting visit and one of the highlights of the trip.

 
We loved our time in Paris and I am glad we did as I had huge expectations and fortunately was not disappointed.  However a few things did not get the nod, including the Louvre and the ridiculous crowds.  I guess I can’t complain too much though as we were adding to the same crowds at the same locations!  However, as much as we loved it I don’t think we will be back to Paris as we feel like we have experienced everything we wanted to.  In saying that though we are already planning our next trip to explore the rest of France and I look forward to working on my French so that we can enjoy more tasty treats such as green beans.

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