Sentimental Sunday

Last week I wrote about the first part of our trip to France. Today I'd like to share some cool "architectural" type photos from our second stop in France - Paris!!! But first, some background information. In 7th grade I began taking French in school and I continued right through my first year of college. (And I can barely speak it!). Anyway, in all those years of learning about the French language and culture I developed a real desire to see all of the wonderful places, monuments, cathedrals and chateaux that I had heard and read so much about. It was a dream come true for me to finally get to see Paris. And I was not disappointed. One day we ventured to the Place de la Concorde and looked down the Champs Elysees and there was the Arc de Triomphe at the other end of this beautiful, wide, tree-lined street. I just HAD to walk that street. Everyone was tired, but I couldn't be dissuaded. During the entire walk (and it was much farther than it looked), I didn't even really notice the shops and cafes I was passing, because I kept saying over and over in my head, "Somebody pinch me! I am walking down the Champs Elysees!". I was smiling from ear to ear the whole way. (Meanwhile my kids were complaining and my husband was kindly indulging this fantasy of mine). When we finally reached the Arc de Triomphe, I realized that it is possible to go inside and climb to the top! And I do mean CLIMB! No elevator. Of course, we HAD to do it. All 298 steps (I counted). Many of them spiral. It was worth the effort. It's a memory I will never forget. (Neither will my kids). Here is a picture from the very top of the spiral staircase.

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Once again, I was awestruck and dumbfounded that I was actually at the Eiffel Tower! And, of course, I HAD to go to the top. There was an elevator this time (much to my kids relief). My daughter, Katie, who has a great eye for photography took these next few pictures of the Eiffel Tower from unusual angles. I really love them.

When we got to the top, we enjoyed the view looking out over Paris. Imagine our surprise when we saw this in the grass of a park that is adjacent to the Eiffel Tower:





I would like to think that some romantic "Romeo", wore this heart into the grass so that he would take his "Juliet" to the top of the Eiffel Tower and propose to her. I really hope that's what happened. How could any girl say anything but YES after a gesture like that? We were all a little "squealy" when we saw that. (Well, the girls and I were. But, I think deep down Geoff was touched too. He's a big romantic at heart).


And here we are at the top of the Tower with Paris laid out behind us. Ah, Paris! The city of LOVE! I hope I get to go back some day!