Today we caught the metro to the Arc de Triomphe, which was commissioned by Napoleon after the Battle of Austerlitz in 1806, when he declared to his soldiers that they would "march home through arches of victory". We climbed the stairs to the top for a 360 degree view over Paris. Unfortunately the pollution today restricted vision. The sculptures on the outside of the arc are impressive and depict battle scenes and other significant scenes to commemorate the s...

Last couple of days in Paris have been much more inspiring. Guess that we allowed the rail situation to tarnish our experience, as well as a few French archetypes. Today, the few people we were in contact with were so much warmer than at the outset.....that really helped to unblock our perceptual filters. Today was predominantly the 'Louvre' day. Can you do it in less than a day? A week? A month? So many artistic delights. Highlights were the Caravaggios, Egypti...

Been a few days since our last diary entry. Haven't been too thrilled with developments. In Paris, city of love and where every pretentious 'bohemian' wanna-be-writer/artist with a B.A wants to spend extended time to write a book or paint. Seems like the whole city is bursting with flawlessly groomed people in designer clothing paying exorbitant prices dining at the million or so sidewalk cafes and restaurants.....baaaah, would love to instantly relocate these p...