As most of you already know, I was lucky enough to get a couple of days off work last week which allowed me to cross the channel for my second visit to the mainland. Paris was my destination this time around. Even though it was only for 3 days, I managed to pack in enough activities/tours/sightseeing to warrant a week's visit. Needless to say, by the time I got back on the Eurostar train to London my legs and feet felt like they'd been through 2 marathons. Even though I packed in a great deal of the quintacential 'Paris' sights, I left feeling that there was soooooo much more to see.
My first day was really coming to grips with the Paris Metro system, which now looking back at wasn't that difficult. Once I mastered this Paris was at my beckon call!
First stop? You guessed it... The Eiffel Tower!!
Now those who know me well understand my undeniable fear of heights. However, I wasn't going to let this stop me, so I jumped in the queue and waited. The first lift to the second level was fairly uneventful. I was suprised how quickly I go into the lift and up there actually after hearing all of the horror stories of 1-2hours + wait. But... this was soon the case as I saw the meandering queue for the centre lift to the top floor. I didn't get this far not to follow through so I stuck it out (for about and hour) and then finally embarked on my ascent to the top of Paris. This is where the fear kicked in... The walls of the lift were glass so you have a 360 degree view of paris on your journey up. We couldn't get to the top quick enough. Once I had a solid base under me the fear/panic subsided and I was able to enjoy the view, and this is what I saw (from left to right)...
Next stop? Seine River cruise and Moulin Rouge
I dragged myself away from the tower, chocolate crepes, buskers (you get the idea) and headed back to my hotel to get dressed into my 'more formal' atire for my tour, involving a cruise down the River Seine at night, followed by the late showing of Féerie at the Moulin Rouge. I bumped into (or should I say they bumped into me) two friends in the queue for the river cruise - just goes to show how small of a world it is. Both Ellie and Mary happened to be on the same tour... The tour down and then up river was awesome. Paris is beautiful by day, but magical at night! All of the monuments, bridges, roads, houses, etc under lights looks amazing. Then we were off to Moulin Rouge. What a show... maybe thats just because I'm male and the flurry of topless dancers :). Looking past that, it was very enjoyable. The interlude acts were awesome as well... especially the girl swiming in a pool of pythons. GREAT! Snakes and hot (fit) women, a match made in heaven :). We stumbled out around 2:00am, by which I was well and truely ready for bed.
Day 2, stop 1... Arc de Triomphe!
Another one of Paris' icons, which just happens to be surrounded by the most hectic round-about in the world! I ventured down the underpass and came up to the Arc. I was lucky to get there before the rush so there was no queue or crowd. You don't really get the full effect of the Arc unless you see it close up. Sure it looks impressive from a distance, but its the intricate carving and stonework under the arc and the sculptures that really impressed me. The memorial for the unknown solider underneath the arc was especially moving. I decided to wait until sunset till I climbed the 284 steps to the top to really appreciate the Paris skyline and Champs-Elysees. Now unfortuntely this is where the 'tourist' shots of my ugly mug in front of the sights stop. As you might know, I now own 2 cameras; one normal point and shoot camera, and a digital SLR - both of which are Canons. My recent purchase of an extended battery grip for my SLR allows me to use 2 batteries or AA batteries so there is know need to pack a charger... HOWEVER, this is not the case for my normal camera. I somehow managed to bring to wrong charger with me (D-SLR one) so this is where my 'tourist' shots stop. Believe me, I'm way more pissed off than any of you :)...
Stop 2.... Notre Dame
Another one of Paris' must see icons. I wasn't as lucky as the Arc for missing the crowds so I didn't stay here as long as I should. Similar to the Arc, this place is huge. Outside is amazing, and inside isn't any different. Sorry for the lack of inside shots, but I will get to that later (tripod, or lack of I should say).
Stop 3.... Champs-Elysees
For the sake of my wallet I only had a quick look here. Surrounded by the world's number 1 fashion label shops, jewellers, car dealerships and ultra-expensive cafes I was to say lightly, feeling very small. Jeeze it would be nice to just lash out and buy a €250,000 Mercedes, or a €500 LV wallet. So I made a compromise and bought myself a €15 Adidas beanie. I also stumbled across Peugot's latest release, which just happens to be the most bizzare car I have ever seen...
Stop 4... Louvre
Next stop... the Louvre. Now you could spend an entire week here and still not see everything. I was here for around 2-3 hours and only saw one of the gallery wings (yes, it was the one with the Mona Lisa). I was also lucky enough to catch the Picasso/Delacroix's 'Women of Algiers' exhibit. Sorry for the lack of internal photos, but here is what I did manage to shoot...
Day 2 by night
This was another one of my big disappointments of this trip... The fact that I didn't bring along my tripod. Due to the lack of light at night (Duhhh), you have to keep the camera completely still otherwise you get terrible, blurred shots. Sometimes you can improvise and use a bench, wall, or the floor as a base; but other times you can try all you like holding the camera and all you will end up getting are shitty, blurred shots. So, I have now invested in a decent tripod for my camera so that this debacle doesn't happen again. So without further adue I give you might single night shot worth showing off... boy don't I feel like a twit!!
OK that's enough I think. Just so you know, it took me about 1.5 hours and 4 pints to put together this blog post. So if the spelling and grammar gets a little dodgy towards the end, you now know why? So until next time... Au revior!
3 comments:
Terrific, know you are/were pissed at not having charger and tripod but you still "played well done good" as super coach Jack Gibson would say. Look forward to next episode, luv Dad
Excellent stuff Ash... the 1.5 hours and 4 pints were worth it.
Wooo ... feeling of vertigo coming on
Great post Ash we are sitting here in Toowoomba wondering if you took photos of post cards and sent those to us. We can't believe that you are actually there in the flesh. You must be having the best time. You will be able to put together a repository when you get home :) with all of your photos.
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