Because I wanted to get the most time possible in Paris for the day, I booked a ticket on the 5:15am Eurostar train. You know what that means... a 3am wake up call! After flying 11 hours from Cape Town to London all night the night before, walking for miles that day, and then this EARLY wake up call - I was beginning to think I'd lost my mind! But two and a half hours later... PARIS... and I was ready to go!
(Once again I made the mistake of arriving with no local currency but after a few minutes of panic when my ATM card didn't work again... I found a machine with English and then I was good to go!) My first stop was the Louvre. Not to see the art... but to use the restroom! Ha!
It was the greatest feeling to not have an agenda; to just wander and take in the people and the beauty of the city on a mild, beautiful fall day. As I walked along the Tuileries from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, I spotted the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Just so cool!! I had to pinch myself, amazed that I was really there!
I decided to hunt down Angelina's along the Rue di Rivoli, which is famous for their hot chocolate, for my late breakfast. Ooh la la... the cocoa is amazing! Do you see the color of that chocotate in the pot? And the extra little bowl of whipped creme... heavenly!
The only thing that could have made it better would be to share it with a friend!! Feeling refreshed, I headed back on the path toward the Champs de Elysee.
I wandered over a bridge to take pictures of the Seine and thought that the Eiffel Tower looked so close... surely it would be easier to walk there rather than walk to find a Metro stop. Ummm... not!! I walked and walked and walked, figuring that if I went in that direction, I'd have to find it eventually. About an hour later, I finally did get there, and it was worth it, but it's a LOT farther than it looks!!
It was definitely taxi time and time to head to my favorite department store, Printemps.
I love this shot on the escalator... visually amazing! On the sidewalk outside, a man was creating a huge chalk creation... I did give him a euro for his picture. :)
Next on my non-agenda was a stop at Pierre Herme for the macarons. After taste tests at many famous places... I can testify that these are the BEST. Just amazing! They melt in your mouth!
As evening approached I decided to just go and sit as Parisiens love to do, soaking in the atmosphere, watching the people, drinking a cappuccino, nibbling my macarons.
I had to include a picture with my toes! The flowers in the Tuileries Gardens and the Palais Royal gardens were gorgeous... a riot of color!
Back to the Louvre (do you see the man just lying on the sidewalk? He didn't have a cup out as a beggar. Just napping? Hmm...) and the Metro to Gard du Nord for the quick trip back to London. My feet are just about done but it was a perfect day!
Brings back lots of great memories from our time there a few years ago...glad you had such a nice time...can't believe you walked that much! I wouldn't have lasted so long!
Posted by: Amy | October 11, 2011 at 05:32 AM
What an all around great trip! Loved sharing it with you. Donna O
Posted by: Donna O | October 11, 2011 at 05:55 AM
Wow! You packed a lot in one day. I was in Paris in May for the first time, and oh, did I fall in love.
The hot chocolate a Angelina's was so rich and fabulous. The Eiffel Tower, so much bigger than I expected. The Louve, I could walk around for days. Everything is just so beautiful. So glad you got to experience your day and that you shared it with us.
Posted by: Kathy C. | October 11, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Wow! What a jam packed day. I'm so glad you are healthy and can do things like that. You make a great tour guide for an armchair traveler like me.
Posted by: Deb J | October 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM
and here I sit with my passport...I would have LOVED to have gone with you...what fun! and there are your toes again by some pool of water! such fun and wonderful memories! you are blessed! xo
Posted by: joey | October 11, 2011 at 03:37 PM
Paris is such a great place to visit; so rich in history, architecture, art and culture. It about puts your senses on overload. I'm glad you had time to enjoy a bit of this great city.
Posted by: Marti Murphy | October 12, 2011 at 08:54 AM
I love traveling with you! Your photos and comments are just perfect.
Posted by: Renee S. | October 12, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Lovely little pastries! YUM!
Posted by: Gloria L. | October 12, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Debby,
since I don't have MY photos, yours will do perfectly. They are beautiful. We did so many of the same things, especially in Paris and I was there almost 7 full days! And next time, I will get that hot chocolate!
You are a flaneur. I wish I was full time...but blessed that I could flaner for a few days, with little on our agenda but enjoying what came across our path. J'adore Paris!
Posted by: Kris Coleman | October 16, 2011 at 02:41 PM