Vacation Pics

(Community Matters) Yeah, I intentionally titled this one so that the rest of you would run. Who the heck wants to see others’ vacation pics?

This is meant for our nieces and nephews – who we’ve promised to take to Paris – so they can learn about the city.

Shaun, you’ve been invited. Really must go with us next time! Hilary & Hannah, as soon as your parents give the green light, let’s go! Eli & Paulina, a few more years but we think Paulina’s quinceanera would be perfect, so about 9.5 years? hmm, maybe we’ll work on this Eli. We’ll have to bring Nico & Lauren with us too. You guys first in about 6 years, though I suspect you’d both prefer Venice Beach. Rats, can’t leave behind Austin and Ben. Okay, guys. When do you want to go? hmm, thought: older boys get booked in a pensione or hostel!

Arc de Triomphe

A monument to soldiers and generals, especially those who fought in the Napoleonic wars. Emperor Napoleon commissioned The Arc de Triomphe in 1806 but it wasn’t completed until 1836. It’s one of the largest monuments in Paris – about 15 stories tall. It’s the center of Paris (arugable), the grand avenues veering off in each direction, Champs-Elysees to the east (girls, definitely one of your favorite boulevards). The tomb of the unknown soldier rests in the monument. The monument is so big, after the victory parade at the end of WWI, a pilot flew his plane through it.

another view, from the east, down Champs-Elysees at Place de la Concorde

the Louvre

the Eiffel Tower from Tracodero Gardens

They built the Eiffel in 1889 as the gate into the World Fair and to mark the 100 year celebration of the French Revolution. Counting the antenna, it’s over 80 stories high.

again, just closer

from level two on the Eiffel Tower, looking over la Champ de Mars to Ecole Militaire

Champ de Mars simply means field of Mars (Mars is Roman god of wars). On the far end is Ecole Militaire (the national military college).

Champ de Mars while riding up to level 3

Champ de Mars from level 3 (the top of the Eiffel)

Trocadero Gardens from level 3

Back to Level 2: Arc de Triomphe

me on back on level 2

There’s a great site with all the views from the Eiffel Tower at here The monument’s official site is here

protesters in St. Germain

at the counter at Steven’s favorite Japanese noodle cantina, Higuma
I have to say, it’s as good as he’s always told me

Surprisingly, this is the first time Steven and I were ever in Paris together. We’ve both been multiple times but never at the same time.

in the Marais

This is one of our favorite districts. If we ever take an apartment for an extended time, it’ll either be here or in Montmartre.

Velib bikes

A very cool project. Free bikes (nearly free) parked all around town that you can ride and drop off at other Velib bike sites.

at the bio market in Marais

hmm, I can’t resist chocolate

Steven and Mama Fanta

Mama Fanta from the Premiers Pas.

So, guess what you are seeing next:

actually, I remember seeing this stairwell in an inventory of unidentified photos once

same building

now, outside:

the view to Montmartre – you can see the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur at the peak

view from on top to La Defense

from top looking down Champs-Elysees

Steven in the stairwell of the Arc de Triomphe

Another first, first time toured the inside of the Arc

toward the Arc from Montmarte

This district is a bit away from everything but the views are killer. It was originally outside the Paris further developed by Napoleon III, who set out to make Paris the most beautiful city in Europe. Lots of locals were driven out, many resettling in Montmartre. Nuns made wine here. Artists lived and painted here, including Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet. It’s still a bohemian district.

ha, if we move to Paris, I’ll have to eat here everyday!

lots and lots of artists were in the plaza on Saturday. They paint and sketch, especially caricatures of tourists