Tuesday, May 25- Exploring Paris

We started the day with a wonderful breakfast in Le Hotel Alhambra in the Marais District. I had a lox and Brie sandwich with a delicious side of eggs.

Next,  we took a ride on Le Metro, the looming question being—who will fall first? I made the conscientious decision to sit, as I personally didn’t want to end up flying. Seconds after this photo was taken you should have seen the faces on these ladies while one of the local homeless men walked past, sharing insight perhaps on his travels in France? Who knows? None of us (except maybe Enzo) speaks French other than the words Bonjour and Merci.

I felt like a local as we walked down the streets of the outdoor market Of Rue Cler - flowers, fruits, and delicacies. We had an hour and 15 minutes to explore but I could have stayed there forever!

Next stop: the Eiffel Tower! Our group ended up waiting in the ticket line, but spirits weren’t lost! We took the stairs like pros. No matter how out of breath we were, it wasn't as breathtaking as the view. (Looking down gave me the chills, but I can’t speak for everyone). No matter what direction you were facing, you were not disappointed, I could see everything— spectacular “apartements”, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre

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We split up after the Eiffel Tower but still paid an arm and leg for lunch in s a rather touristy area—be careful of Cafe Castel, as our “frites” and water were 20 Euro!

Off to Notre Dame! 4 stops on Le Metro away, we were able to see the restoration after the fire in 2019. In the words of Dr. Kropp, “There is just something about a gargoyle,” and she is right, these magnificant medieval creatures loom over the church, protecting churchgoers from danger for centuries.

We took a walk through the "Memorial to the Martyrs of the Deportation", dedicated to those taken from France during the German occupation of World War II and sent to concentration camps. Pro-tip: don't make the same mistake we did - apparently no large groups are allowed in the memorial at once (half the group was told that only two at a time were allowed in but some of us ended up going in anyway).

We took a gorgeous walk through the streets of Paris, learning about the green box shops selling secondhand books, and how you need to wait at least 8 years to be granted a spot and you must be open at least 4 days a week! We saw where Marie Antoinette was executed, and ended up in a shopping area before we took Le Metro back to the hotel. 

After all of our steps today we certainly earned our dinner at Bouillon! We all enjoyed a four course meal (I had the duck confit and it was the best duck I've ever had). In between your main and your dessert, the French enjoy a cheese course to clear their palates.  Something new to experience outside the states - magnifique! - Kate Lamanna