Around the World in 26 Days

What an adventure today was! It was a free day all day, so we basically just explored Paris, trying to ingrain ourselves into the culture and just take in the scenery. We started the day by going to the Arc Du Triumph. We didn't go up to the top (we're saving that for Sunday) but we did go under the Arc and saw the eternal flame. It is seriously so beautiful. The intricacy of the statues was awe-inspiring, and it was really humbling to read about all the  soldiers who died for France's freedom during WWII.







After that we went to Champs D'Elysees, a nearby shopping district. We had a similar assignment as we did in 5th Ave. We went to a store called Milady that specializes in fur coats, Louis Vuitton (where the scarves were 400 euros. 400!), and the Gap. Tim made friends with all the store personnel, but I definitely noticed a difference in the way they treated us, probably due to the fact that we weren't wearing business clothes this time and that we're American. But it was still really fun to walk down the streets and just take in the surroundings. France is so multi-cultural, you have your Muslims, Africans, Caucasians, etc. It's wonderful. And France seriously has some very attractive black French men, haha.

anyone want a $3000 handbag?

After shopping, we had lunch at McDonalds :) It's way more swank than it is here in America. There are some different menu items, such as the Magnum McFlurry's and the white fry sauce that tastes like horsey sauce.

We then tried to go to the catacombs but the line was so long when we got there and it closed in the next hour, so we decided to come back tomorrow and went to Sacre-Coure instead. It's this big, beautiful old cathedral up on  a hill. Mass was going on and when the whole congregation started singing it gave me chills. There was also a mega-jump stunt going on in front, which is kind of weird for a cathedral, but oh well.

a dude roller bladed off this

so beautiful

After Sacre-Coure we went and got crepes for lunch and I got a chocolate croissant as well. It was super delicious. The French seriously know their baked goods.



We then visited Notre Dame, which is seriously gorgeous as well. I just love French architecture! Everything is so intricate and detailed, even the apartment buildings. Anyway, Notre Dame was amazing and we really wanted to go to the top, but it was closed :( Maybe another day.

Brooke and I

gorgeous stained glass window

After that we tried to rent bikes so we could bike to the Eiffel Tower and around the city, but it turned out you could only use European credit cards to rent one! We were pretty bummed out, but then I met up with some other members of the group and we decided to just walk around the streets and explore, which was really fun.

sunset on the river :)

When we got to the Eiffel Tower, it was all lit up and absolutely breathtaking. We all took pictures in front and just had a good time just laying in the grass and enjoying the wonderful view ;) We then went back to our favorite crepe place, where we got to know the workers, Alex and Kevin, a bit more (since we're there so often) and they gave us free drinks :) We'll see if they remember our names tomorrow.



So, having absolutely no knowledge of the French language before this trip, I think I'm starting to pick up on some of the basic phrases! The words I use most often are merci, pardon, excuse moi, and avoir. Haha.

Also, street peddlers are super annoying. Especially if you're by yourself. Even if they do call you mademoiselle jolie :) hahaha. I found the best methods are to avoid eye contact and use a firm "no" if they approach you. I did buy six mini Eiffel Tower keychains for 1 euro though. I was pretty proud of my haggling skills.

Avoir!