Paris

Well, once again I have let my audience down by not posting regularly. However, in my own defense, I have been on the job hunt - and it is exhausting! Let's just say it's a vicious cycle: I can't get a job, because I don't have experience, because I can't get a job, because I don't have experience.... you get it. I'm just hoping graduate school starts sooner rather than later.

On that bright note, to celebrate our birthdays this year, Mr. Gingerbread and I went to Paris, and

it. was. amazing.

It's an expensive city, but totally worth it to see the famous sites and EAT THE FOOD!

We bought museum passes at the airport before navigating to our hotel, the Hotel France Albion (Wonderful place! The staff is very helpful and very kind!!). Getting the passes first was the best travel tip we got for Paris. With the passes, we skipped several long (and I mean LONG) lines at museums. It was about $75-80 for two, four-day passes, and it covers your entrance into numerous museums and sites. 

Once again, we began our European adventure with a free walking tour from New Europe, and I'll tell you again, they are a great investment! It is expected that you tip at the end, but totally worth it. The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining (Shout out to Arnaud!!). They also give you some great tips about pick pockets, which happens to be a bit of an issue in Paris. If a sweet little girl comes up to you with a sketchy, cardboard "sign-up" looking sheet and tells you a sob-story, as heartless as it sounds, say "no, I don't speak English" and walk away. Some will try to distract you while others go through your things. 

We also used the New Europe tours to go out to Versailles. The guide not only navigated the trains to get us out there, but also spent the day leading us through the gorgeous gardens.

Though we did not take a guided tour of the Louvre, they also provide those as well. Speaking of the Louvre, if you love art, or you're a breathing human being - you need to go. You won't see everything in one day, or even in one trip but you can certainly get your "art fix".  On our walking tour we were told some crafty ways to ditch the lines and beat the crowds. We ended up going to the Louvre in the morning and immediately went to see the Mona Lisa to beat the crowds.

I (gently) made my way to the front and got a brief "moment" with the mysterious smile. But don't expect to stand there and soak up the experience. This room quickly fills throughout the day with tourists and field trips. Several other "big ticket" items have crowds, but just be patient. Something our guide pointed out was that the building itself is a work of art. It was a palace and nearly every room has evidence of this. Look up and around you often to see the beautiful architecture. 

Another suggestion would be to have a plan. Decide what items you really want to see, and get to it! Otherwise it can be a bit overwhelming. There are always maps in every language that show you where the more popular items are. Also, do yourself a favor and don't touch (seems obvious... but you would be surprised...) the art. Not only will you be yelled at in French (alllllmost as terrifying as German) but you will also set off this resounding alarm system and everyone will stare at you. Saw it happen, not cool. 

There are other very notable art museums to see, including Musée d'Orsay, the Rodin Museum, 

Musée de l'Orangerie, along with several modern art museums. These are the homes of many famous pieces of art, and you can get into all of these with the museum pass! Take note of signs. Some places allow pictures to be taken, others don't. 

Another noteworthy site is Les Invalides, the home of Napoleon's tomb. He was a fascinating fellow; always portraying himself as a super tall, imposing emperor... 

I knew his tomb was large, but seeing it in real life (and knowing that he wasn't the tallest guy ever) was just incredible. First of all, the surrounding building holds an armory and war museum. My husband is a history buff, so we had to walk through all of that. Yet, I will say I found it interesting as well. Tons of guns, swords, armor, a couple tanks, cannons, ect. 

When you come to the tomb there is a huge open circle and you look down onto the casket (can you even call it that?? doesn't seem like a big enough word...). You can walk down to the surrounding crypt and look up at it as well. The tomb itself is made up of seven, progressively smaller coffins till you get to the man himself. His brothers, son, and some that fought with him are also buried there. 

Apparently, at one time they were considering knocking down Notre Dame. So Victor Hugo wrote a well-known novel in 1831, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame", to revive the cities' interest in the church, and it worked! After walking underneath the high, vaulted ceiling, and taking in the massive, intricate stained glass, I felt rather small. It is truly one of the great European cathedrals. Don't miss out on walking to the back of the church outside as well. The architecture is incredible! 

Another church that rivals the stained glass of Notre Dame is La Sainte Chapelle. The majority of the cathedral is stained glass depicting Biblical stories, and it is breathtaking. Though the room was filled with people, it was silent. Everyone was looking up. 

While we were there, they were painstakingly restoring some of the windows. Every tiny piece is removed, cleaned, and replaced. 

Paris is beautiful city, and seeing it from up high is a must. Our guide (cleverly) pointed out that, sure you can wait in line FOREVER and climb up the Eiffel Tower to see the city. However, none of your pictures will have the Eiffel Tower in them. A much better idea is to climb the narrow, lengthy, and winding staircase of the Arc de Triomphe and get your view there. It's cheaper than the Eiffel Tower, and the view is amazing! 

Ok... so you are standing on the sidewalk looking at the throng of traffic in front of you. You look longingly at the happy tourist under the Arc... "How do I get over there without being creamed like so many mopeheads???" Well, don't try running, you probably won't make it. Reportedly, some sort of car accident occurs every 14 minutes around the Arc.  Use the underground walkway that will spit you out right under the Arc. You will then be at the French equivalent of the tomb of the unknown soldier. From there you can climb the steps to get up to the view. You will then be treated to a view of the Eiffel Tower, the city lights, the Champs Elysees, everything.... gorgeous!

We just happened to get there at sunset, but our timing couldn't have been better... 

I'm not trying to bash the Eiffel Tower. It was surreal to finally see it in real life. We went by several times to enjoy the parks and even stayed out to see the light show one evening which begins at 9:00 pm every night. 

There is a ton to see and do in Paris. I certainly have to go back to conquer (sorry Napoleon...) more of the Louvre and the bread. The bread is amazing. Every legitimate bakery has to have a certified bread baker. A local told us how each bakery has it's own style. Usually I loose weight on these trips from all the walking... not this time. What a wonderful birthday present with my sweet husband!!

Get up and go!