It was hard to get on a train and leave our friends in Germany. But Ursula packed us a travel bag full of sandwiches and goodies, and soon enough we were on our way to Paris. Along with everyone, everyone else.
I underestimated the crowds that would descend on Paris the week between Christmas and New Year. I thought that the cold and rain might deter tourists. Instead, we found them at every corner. Even with our super nifty Paris Museum Pass, and even though we arrived at most museums before they officially opened for the day, we spent as much time in line for most museums as we did in the actual museum.
But we were in Paris. Paris! We rented in apartment for the week in Montmartre, and it was our little refuge each evening after a cold day of exploring. Sure, we had to get up b 6:45 each morning to secure a place in line at the Louvre or the Orsay. But at night, we could stroll through lovely Montmartre before making ourselves a dinner of cheese. The Sacre Coeur became our church for the week as it was just a quick walk uphill from the apartment. Here are some photos from our trip:
I underestimated the crowds that would descend on Paris the week between Christmas and New Year. I thought that the cold and rain might deter tourists. Instead, we found them at every corner. Even with our super nifty Paris Museum Pass, and even though we arrived at most museums before they officially opened for the day, we spent as much time in line for most museums as we did in the actual museum.
But we were in Paris. Paris! We rented in apartment for the week in Montmartre, and it was our little refuge each evening after a cold day of exploring. Sure, we had to get up b 6:45 each morning to secure a place in line at the Louvre or the Orsay. But at night, we could stroll through lovely Montmartre before making ourselves a dinner of cheese. The Sacre Coeur became our church for the week as it was just a quick walk uphill from the apartment. Here are some photos from our trip:
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| The Louvre |
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| The backside of Notre Dame: much less crowded than the front! |
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| Beautiful stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle |
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| The Sacre Coeur at night |
The best part about having a whole week in Paris was having time explore other parts of the city besides the big museums. On New Year's Eve, we headed to Versailles---- along with everyone else. After waiting in line outside for two hours in freezing rain, this is what it looked like:
The crowds, bordering on manic, pushed us through the palace. Mostly, I saw the back of Pete's head, the top half of large pieces of art, and the ornate ceilings. And while Versailles has beautiful gardens, the freezing rain limited our ability to enjoy the outdoors. Le sigh. Next time.
We also had enough time to explore something I've been itching to see: the Catacombs! The spooky underground lair of bones was a first for both of us.
And, since bones aren't spooky enough, we also spent time wandering through Paris' beautiful cemeteries.
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| Pete had just finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo. |
We also found, just down the street from where we were staying, the church that St. Ignatius of Loyola first took his vow of poverty and announced the beginning the Society of Jesus.
In addition to touring churches and museums and catacombs, we also ate a lot of macarons. So. Many. Macarons.
We rang in the new year at Sacre Coeur, happy to have each other but missing you all terribly.
Happy New Year, bonne année, سنة سعيدة!
Charment!
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