Day 4: City of Lights
The morning sun greeted a group of well rested travelers. As our group slowly drew themselves out of bed they had a breakfast of bagels and . . . more bagels. Then after we had eaten and gotten ready for the day we set off for the market that our AirBNB host had told us about on our arrival. When we got there we separated into three groups to do some shopping, Jon, Amy, and Janie went off to get food for the next morning and future days. Kristiana and Nicole went off to look at clothes, where they were greeted by a very friendly Frenchman who asked us "beautiful Americans" if we were from "cal-ee-for-nee-ah" or "Las Veeeeegas." He then went on to tell us how much he loved the city of Las Vegas by pulling money out of his pocket and listing all the poker terms he knew such as "FOLD! BLUFF! ALL-IN!" Vincenzo, while "being so heroic as to protect Hope from being kidnapped" (not really, she was never in danger, we just told him that to make him feel important. - Amy), went off on a wonderful and magical adventure.
This is how Vincenzo tells it: Within this adventure Hope and Vincenzo came across several different aquatic species. After pondering the purchase of a small whale-like fish, they discovered Octopi. As Hope dug through her purse looking for money, the fearless Vincenzo was quick to grab the necessary cash to purchase such a treasure. After Vincenzo requested a single octopus, the keeper of the octupi thought the amazing and gorgeous Vincenzo had said "one kilo." This resulted in Vincenzo's purchasing not one but four octo-pies. Vincenzo was pleased. However, the horrific Amy voted that the 8 euro octopi be placed in the trash. Vincenzo fought with valor but was forced to give in. THE OCTPI WILL LIVE ON...........IN THEIR HEARTS.
NOTE: Hope never desired to purchase any octopi.
After our adventures at the market, we headed off to our first destination - Sainte-Chapelle. As we approached the chapel built for France's kings, we noticed a load of fully equipped military police patrolling the area, as "the Palace of Justice" was in the same complex. We entered through what was once the beautifully painted, but dark, servants chapel and then proceeded up the spiral stairs to the king's chapel. As we emerged from the dark stairwell, we all gasped at the breathtaking scene before us. From the great stained glass to the marvelous art on the walls and ceiling, the whole place was a masterpiece. The stained glass was divided into15 sections, each depicting scenes from various books of the Bible. We stood in awe, reveling in the glory of the chapel.
We then headed to the iconic Notre Dame. One of the many wonderful things we saw that really made the experience special was the enormous rose window. The light shinning in such an amazing window highlighted not only the church, but our experience. I, for one, am truly excited for our weekend mass (Vincenzo).
I, the great Vincenzo, was given the task of discovering the Pantheon (Amy and Janie didn't realize it was lost!). With my side kick Hope, we embarked on a journey into the Pantheon. Upon entering, we were quickly amazed by the size of such a building. We were also astonished by the magnificent statues and portraits on the walls of the building. Another interesting section was the crypt. Now, this section was truly amazing. We had the chance to see the gravestones of several very famous French individuals, who each played important roles in France.
Post-Pantheon, our tired troop traversed for a relaxing jaunt through the Luxembourg Gardens. After splitting up, Kristiana, Vincenzo, Hope, and I (Nicole) took some pictures and walked around, ultimately sitting on a quiet park bench to rest, people-watch, and enjoy the natural beauty of Paris.
Following a meal full of butchered pronunciations and escargot, we started making our way to the Eiffel Tower. As tempting as the 1,710 stairs to the top sounded, we opted for the elevator. The highlight of my trip so far, we emerged to the most beautiful view I have ever seen. It took my breath away. I had been dreaming of that moment since I was little and it completely exceeded my expectations. We took lots of pictures and enjoyed the view until it was time to head back to the Troucadero to watch the light show. We ended the day watching the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle as the sun sank below the horizon.
This is how Vincenzo tells it: Within this adventure Hope and Vincenzo came across several different aquatic species. After pondering the purchase of a small whale-like fish, they discovered Octopi. As Hope dug through her purse looking for money, the fearless Vincenzo was quick to grab the necessary cash to purchase such a treasure. After Vincenzo requested a single octopus, the keeper of the octupi thought the amazing and gorgeous Vincenzo had said "one kilo." This resulted in Vincenzo's purchasing not one but four octo-pies. Vincenzo was pleased. However, the horrific Amy voted that the 8 euro octopi be placed in the trash. Vincenzo fought with valor but was forced to give in. THE OCTPI WILL LIVE ON...........IN THEIR HEARTS.
NOTE: Hope never desired to purchase any octopi.
The Octo-pie Experience
After our adventures at the market, we headed off to our first destination - Sainte-Chapelle. As we approached the chapel built for France's kings, we noticed a load of fully equipped military police patrolling the area, as "the Palace of Justice" was in the same complex. We entered through what was once the beautifully painted, but dark, servants chapel and then proceeded up the spiral stairs to the king's chapel. As we emerged from the dark stairwell, we all gasped at the breathtaking scene before us. From the great stained glass to the marvelous art on the walls and ceiling, the whole place was a masterpiece. The stained glass was divided into15 sections, each depicting scenes from various books of the Bible. We stood in awe, reveling in the glory of the chapel.
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| Sainte-Chapelle |
We then headed to the iconic Notre Dame. One of the many wonderful things we saw that really made the experience special was the enormous rose window. The light shinning in such an amazing window highlighted not only the church, but our experience. I, for one, am truly excited for our weekend mass (Vincenzo).
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| Vincenzo awing his audience with his report on Notre Dame |
Playground in Paris
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| Shopping at Shakespeare & Company |
I, the great Vincenzo, was given the task of discovering the Pantheon (Amy and Janie didn't realize it was lost!). With my side kick Hope, we embarked on a journey into the Pantheon. Upon entering, we were quickly amazed by the size of such a building. We were also astonished by the magnificent statues and portraits on the walls of the building. Another interesting section was the crypt. Now, this section was truly amazing. We had the chance to see the gravestones of several very famous French individuals, who each played important roles in France.
~ End Vincenzo's Saga~
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| Pantheon |
Post-Pantheon, our tired troop traversed for a relaxing jaunt through the Luxembourg Gardens. After splitting up, Kristiana, Vincenzo, Hope, and I (Nicole) took some pictures and walked around, ultimately sitting on a quiet park bench to rest, people-watch, and enjoy the natural beauty of Paris.
Following a meal full of butchered pronunciations and escargot, we started making our way to the Eiffel Tower. As tempting as the 1,710 stairs to the top sounded, we opted for the elevator. The highlight of my trip so far, we emerged to the most beautiful view I have ever seen. It took my breath away. I had been dreaming of that moment since I was little and it completely exceeded my expectations. We took lots of pictures and enjoyed the view until it was time to head back to the Troucadero to watch the light show. We ended the day watching the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle as the sun sank below the horizon.
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| Luxembourg Gardens on a Glorious Day |
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| No park trip is complete without climbing a tree! |
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| Eiffel Tower at Last! |
Written by Vincenzo, Nicole, and Jon
Photo Credits: Amy
Video Credits: Hope & Amy
Video Credits: Hope & Amy
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