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Paris, France

The Arc de Triomphe was the first monument we climbed today, all 300 steps up which are narrow and winding like many older structures so I had to do two stops on the way up not so much to catch my breath, but to avoid dizziness. A tip for your comfort is there are good clean free toilets up on the level below the viewing deck. Up the top we had 360 degree views of the sprawling city before descending to linger and watch the spectacle of the crazy round-about that circles it.

It has 12 feeds coming in and no painted lanes. There appears to be at least 6 lanes going around. Whilst I call it crazy, it seems to flow along just fine with regular honks from drivers communicating hurry ups and watch outs. We saw no accidents in the time we were watching which surprised and perhaps disappointed us for entertainment value (horrible I know). It was cringe material watching cyclists and scooter drivers take their lives in their hands weaving in and out of the fast chaotic jumble of vehicles.

Moving ourselves on we ticked off another item from the “top things to do in Paris” tourist list by wandering down the Champs Elyisee in view of having a romantic lunch. It was rather warm and sheltered and despite the trees the heat was reflecting off the stone buildings and pavement making it a little unpleasant, not to mention the fumes and noise from busy traffic. There were throngs of people either walking or having lunch on the sidewalk and lots of beggars making it far from a romantic Paris experience.

The shops were also the high end ones which do not feature on our budget, so we turned back to the subway we entered from and rocketed to a spot along the river where we saw the most impressive bridge the other day on our river cruise. We thought we could find a more pleasant river cafe for lunch and do a little wander back down towards where we left our historic walk the other night.

There are lots of tourists around and it is also school summer holidays so many locals are out and about with their children. We are getting accustomed to queues and crowds, but of course do not like them any more than anyone else does. The worst thing about them is the time they gobble up and before we knew it, it was nearly 4pm and we had not had lunch. We thought there would be plenty of choice in the area as there are so many eateries everywhere else, however all we could find was a food truck-bus down by the water charging €12 for a burger and coleslaw take away. Talk about robbery, but we were starving so we shared one. It was tasty and filled the gap momentarily even though it hurt ….. especially when we think of a nice large sausage in a roll for €2 euro in Germany.

Along the river we saw some small porta sheds with postage stamp sized garden landscape features outside and a sign for rental. I have posted a video but it appears that you can rent them much like a beach hut for relaxing in. So strange as everyone looks at the huts as they pass by like the reality show homes that were popular a couple of years ago. Not my idea of a private or romantic retreat but when you consider the tiny apartments that are the norm in Paris you can understand that people need to escape at least to the illusion of space.

We continued on and crossed another bridge to take us to the park near the Louvre. The bridge had a few street hawkers selling padlocks and eiffel towers etc. Whilst we were admiring the view we saw a gypsy lady approach us and to our delight try the ‘lost gold ring’ scam. We were on to it quickly and saw her drop and pick up the ring so in unison and totally unrehearsed we both laughed at her and clapped, said bravo great performance! She looked shocked, then smirked like – oops got caught on that one, and then departed to try a more unsuspecting or uneducated tourist.

In a very short time it looked as though she was successful with one gentleman. We then saw she had two sisters and a mother also doing the rounds, well mum was not but the girls were. I got my camera ready in the hope of getting some good film and we were surprised to be the next target of one of the sisters – snap. She did not find getting added to the holiday album as amusing as we did.

We were elated to have experienced one of these scammers having read so much about it. It sounds strange but its little things like this that build real colour into our tapestry of memories for this holiday – more so that ticking off some ‘great’ sites. I do not want to be cocky about not being pick pocketed or scammed (except perhaps a ticket in Amsterdam?) because we are very thankful not to have had an unfortunate negative experience so far. However, we do put that down to good education, taking ALL necessary and possible precautions and being constantly vigilant. I do acknowledge it can still happen with the best intentions and preparations, it only takes a few seconds when you are tired or distracted.

Leaving the bridge of giggles we made our way along the park to the Louvre. The parks here are not very lush, they have dusty hard paths which are tree lined with small grassed areas and the occasional statue and water feature. There are some floral plantations but not as much as you see in the country areas. People sit on chairs lining the paths, around fountains or on grassy patches baking themselves. I find this odd as there is no water to hop into to cool off which to me is a must if soaking up some sun. Dry, hot and dusty is not my idea of relaxation.

When we got near to the Louvre I tried to take a photo of Vern by the arch without too many tourists or ugly annoying ones. Perhaps I better expand that statement. Well ugly is ugly – some people just do not appeal to me to be in my photo, they have all the wrong angles or shapes or vibes. Then the annoying category are the ones that hog the site, especially groups where you have to wait for them to shuffle and swap cameras, or the posers who need 6 takes and checks inbetween, or the ta dah my arms are up in the air or “look at me” – gosh my list could go on….. oh and a last one is the ones that step in front of you when you are just about to click after setting up your picture and they just stop there to chat or start taking their own shots!

Anyhow, got that one off my chest I was just about to click when a group went in front of me and paused to consider their own picture and then one of them realised that I was about to execute my shot and moved the others on and apologised (nice folks – rare) Vern joked and invited the young man “no stay stay” and it was one of those spontaneous relaxed fun moments that we had and I love the photo!

Our holiday plans did include visiting the Louvre but once we hit Paris we decided that the crowds, queues, time, and cost were not worth it for a ‘check list’ item. Whilst we appreciate art, we are just not that knowledgeable or keen enough on it to fit the visit in at this time. We have seen quite a bit of varied art along the way so thought we would just enjoy the outside instead which is very grand indeed. Regarding the modern glass addition against the traditional? I think it works in an odd juxtapositional way.

Tired, hot and thirsty despite good liquid top ups we headed home, stopping off at our nice supermarket to get a picnic dinner. I don’t want to start another Foodie critic chapter but Paris continues to disappoint in the dining department at the level of restaurant and cafes we can afford to eat in. We are both enjoying our supermarket picnics more. The fact it is less than half the price is not the major consideration, albeit a welcome bonus. Pictured is our dinner and breakfast and a bit of lunch stash for the next day which came to a meagre 24 euros!

At around 8pm we made our way to the Tower to try our luck in the queue. We were indeed lucky as the line moved along at a slow, steady pace only taking an hour from start to top of tower – verses what would have been an excess of 2 hours conservatively the other night. A busking comic actor was working the cr
owd and he was very funny and clever. Dressed in safari gear he would sneak up behind people walking across the tower square and imitate them. The crowd would be laughing away and it was most funny to see the moment the person/s cottoned on that they were being followed and imitated. He would also call out a name or announcement if a person looked like someone famous or of a particular nationality like – I present the president of Uganda etc. The little clip loaded really doesn’t do him justice, I should have got more.

The tower itself was a highlight for both of us, it has a real magic that you cant articulate easily but perhaps explains why it is so famous and loved. Its shape is iconic and the detail on the lacy structure very aesthetic. The mood of the day and changing light takes it from a soft mouse grey in the bright day light to a pinky donkey grey beige in late afternoon. As the sun descends it starts to glow an Australian red desert soil colour before it bursts into a golden glory when the sun has set and its lights come on. At 11pm and midnight it puts on a short dazzling sparkly show with hundreds of twinkling white lights.

To get up you take a lift to the second floor and change (and queue) for the longer lift to the summit. They have clear glass so you get a good view if you are brave which adds to the thrills. We were up the top when it first sparkled which was fun, and at the bottom for its second show. All simple things but in situ a totally memorable romantic Paris evening.

Needless to say a late night after a long day by the time we got home. Paris at night feels very safe on the subway and streets in the main areas we travelled. Even at 1am there were hundreds (literally) of people about enjoying the city of light on the warm summer evening.

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