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Ok, so we really didn't climb the Eiffel Tower we took the "lift" (elevator). There are 1,789 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower which are a few too many for Andrew and my old bones! It was a cloudy, windy and cool day so as you can imagine it was even windier and cooler at about 450 feet up on a steel structure (we only went to the 2nd level. It is 1,063 feet to the top). But what a view of the city all the way around, tre bien! The tower was built as the entry to the 1889 World's Fair and after the fair they decided to keep it even though the French really didn't like it. They thought it was made with cheap materials (steel) when the surrounding buildings are all made of stone which was thought to represent the aristocracy or wealth. That is today's trivia.
We headed to the RER (train/subway) for a ride to the D'Orsey. We arrived at about 12:30 and the line was at least an hour wait (this is worse than the waits we experienced at Disney World in April). We were not armed with the pre-purchased museum pass so we had to stand in line like everyone else. We decided to get lunch and devise a plan two. As we were leaving the restaurant on our way to the Picasso museum we noticed a souvenir vendor who was selling a two-day museum passes so we took advantage and went to the D'Orsey. What an amazing museum if you are impressionist nuts like we are. We knew we had limited time given the kids had been at it all day. We took advantage of the recorders that give you information on the works of art, but someone really needs to develop one that gives about 30 seconds of information on each work because after listening to a few 2 minute orations the kids had had enough of that. We did have the chance however to see the Monet's, Renoir's, Degas', Sisley's (a great pointalist) and Toulouse-Lautrec to name just a few. After returning home and catching a quick nap, Andrew and I went out to dinner with the Landlord of the apartment we are staying. A wonderful ending to another wonderful day in Paris.
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Amy Sounds like everyone is having a great time! Lots of art-Mitchell would be in his glory. He is eager to see the kids and we are all looking forward to hearing more about the trip when you get home. Enjoy the rest of your time and give each other hugs from all of us to all of you! Thanks for sharing your travels with us (at least by blog since we can't be together this year!). XOXO