We arrived to the main train station in Paris last night around 10 PM. After getting an estimate of €50 to take us to our flat , we decided to figure out the subway system. It actually wasn't that difficult and we arrived to Malakoff, just south of Paris, in less than an hour and for under €3. Our host couple are a delightful retired couple, Jeannine and Michel. With a large grand piano and several guitars in the living room, we knew this was going to be a nice place to stay. In fact, we spent the first hour playing music with our new friends.
After a good night of sleep , we caught the Metro to downtown Paris. We visited several landmarks and arrived at the Eiffel Tower around noon . While I have visited it before, I have never gone to the top. Given that it was a gorgeous day , we decided to stay in the long lines and make the trip to the top. It was well worth it!
We met a delightful group of ladies my age who were visiting from Miami . One of them was a state representative. We talked politics and she shared some of their legislative agenda items from this last session . Who knew we were going to get a class in US political science at the Eiffel Tower in Paris !
We also met a really nice redhead young man who I thought would be from Ireland but was as French as it gets. He had just finished his first year of medical school. He explained how rigorous the requirement of completing medical school is. Each year you finish, you have to apply for the next year.
After spending an hour or so in lines, we made it to the very top. They actually take you up on two rides. The first ride leaves you about one third of the way up. We walked around that platform and then decided to go for the very top and caught another elevator. The very top was amazing . The pictures won't do it justice. My legs still feel a little like jelly.
After getting back down we found a nice grassy spot to lie down and just stare up at the blue skies. It was very relaxing . We then took a long walk along the river until we've reached the museum La Louvre. We were hoping to meet a friend of David's from Knoxville who was also in town the same day, but that did not work out.
After having the most expensive coffee we have ever had (don't ask), we made our way through some of the older streets in the city until we came upon a hidden gem. We had some authentically delicious French onion soup and baguettes!
We then made our way back to Malakoff were we found a great Crepes place and enjoyed some nice dessert.
Given an early train ride tomorrow to Zurich, we are hoping to get to bed early tonight, but i am hearing Michel playing some beautiful classical guitar...may have to visit a bit...
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