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First real opportunity to wander around Paris today as yesterday was a national holiday and everything was closed. The weather was perfect and I managed to sort out the train system and make my way into the city center, starting at the Arc De Triomphe. Astonishing monument surrounded by a more astonishing five or six lane roundabout. Man am I lucky I didn't have to drive around that, there seemed to be no rules, horns blowing every few seconds, just ridiculous but very entertaining. You could climb the arc and get a good view of Paris but the line was large, a common theme for all attractions today, you have to have patience in Paris.
On the other side of the roundabout from hell was the famous shopping and main street of Paris, The Avenue des Champs-Élysées. A lot of high end retailers and resteraunts along this stretch of road. Very pretty, tree lined the whole length and of course a maccas was there so I stopped in for some lunch.
Leaving here I next looked at the Grand Palais and just down the road from there was the Museum l'armee, a impressive looking building. It was here as I walked across the bridge that I got my first good look at the Eiffel tower. Probably the first time in the whole trip that I felt awe struck, like most of the sights I saw in Paris today actually, it was like seeing a famous person in real life, quite a good feeling.
Continuing back down The Avenue des Champs-Élysées, you come to a beautiful large park with many water features and people everywhere. Very pretty. At the end of the park is the most famous museum of them all, The Louvre. I was going to go inside but a chance encounter on skype with Dad today he told me he would like to go in there when he comes over, so I'll wait for him to look around.
Next stop was a bit of a walk along the River Seine towards Notre Dame. Again the line to enter was very large so will leave it till dads gets here as he'll help me with my patience. Like nearly every building and monument I have written about, this place too is just remarkable. The age, the architecture, the history, just everything. Being tall I was able to get the camera and take a couple of zoom in shots of the interior but I would really like to have a proper look.
Next I made my way to the famous cemetery, 'Père Lachaise Cemetery' where he likes of Jim Morrison (lead singer of the Doors), Oscar Wilde and Héloïse and Abélard (the original Romeo and Juliet). Well, that's where I wanted to go but actually found myself in the wrong cemetery and a long way away from where I was meant to be, so I called it a day and will tackle that job tomorrow.
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Candice Wow, sounds fun just exploring and getting out around there tho'. Just the one pic?