If I can only use one simple sentence to describe Paris, it would be this: Paris is like a grand old lady - deteriorating, yet classy. Experience top notch cuisine, world class hotels, iconic monuments, and churches. Except for the cuisine, most everything is old. What isn't old is the military patrol around the Eiffel tower due to recent bombings and riots in Egypt. What isn't old is the Metro. Oh, how I love Le Metro! We were at the Metro station at 06:00 on a Sunday morning and just missed the train. Looked up at the reader board to see when the next train was coming: 06:04. Damn! Back home we're lucky if they (MUNI) even UPDATES the reader board every 4 min. "Are Parisians rude" my young friend asks me? "Of course not" I shot back. "Then why do they have that reputation" she challenged. I honestly didn't have an answer for her. That dialogue kept running through my mind over and over. For months prior to traveling, we were advised on French protocols; how to address someone, what to do when entering a store, etc. By the way, when you enter a store, it's like you are entering that person's home; therefore you should greet first with a Bonjour and always follow with Madamoiselle/Madame/Monsieur. The French are very formal and traditional. Do they feel that everyone else who doesn't follow protocol (intentional or not) is considered rude? Perhaps. Social technology may lead to a paradigm shift as the generation moves forward, but maybe the French will hang on to their traditions.
Blackened Bread - I did not get a chance to try this - one of my regrets
Bottom of Chandelier - Palace of Versailles
Charming town of Colmar near the German Border was miraculously spared from German bombings during World War ll. Surrounding towns were not so lucky
Half-timbered houses in Colmar -Definitely German architecture
Signs of Early Spring - Colmar
Street Scene in Paris - These streets are all food establishments. Couldn't decide what to eat - too many choices
This famous gargoyle at the top of Notre Dame in Paris is the most photographed of all. Some gargoyles serve as rain spouts
Glazed Clementines from Street Vendor
Gallo? In Paris? Seriously. In our Apartment in Paris, we drink imported wine. Oh, that bread is so good!
The Inverted Pyramid at the Louvre. Everyone was taking pictures of each other putting their finger underneath the point.
Macarons! No Further Description Necessary
Narrow Stepwell in Notre Dame - Paris
Napoleon's Bridge - Paris
River Seine at Dusk - Paris
Chateau Chenencou - Loire Valley
500 Years of Wear and Tear on Tiles - Versailles
Stained glass panels surrounds the Saint Chapelle church in Paris. The stained glass depicts stories of the bible and are read column by column: top to bottom, right to left
Goofing around in the tub at the Louvre. Rachel is actually behind the tub on the other side
Ew....,or Yum.... depends on who you ask
Etheral Eifel
Art Deco Subway Station Entrance