Paris Travels Continued

I soaked up the rest of our time in Paris. It's a world of it's own, and it's such a beautiful one! The architecture, the Eiffel Tower, the river with it's many charming bridges. I have never thought of a city as 'romantic' until I came to Paris. 

Sadly, Rusty had to leave back to Cambrai for practice the day after Christmas. He got to spend the first half of the day with us and then it was au revoir. This trip to Paris was so great because it was so much more relaxed than normal. I didn't have to rush around making sure I got to see all of the sights. My only goal was to make sure Susie and Russ were enjoying their trip, so I happily obliged to sleeping in, having breakfast in bed, and daily (Crio Bru) tea time. 

Day 3: December 26^th

Arc de Triomphe

One of the LDS missionaries here told us that we can get to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe free with our French visa. So we brought our passports, thinking all the tedious visa paperwork was finally going to pay off, only to find out that you must be 24 years or under- ugh, the downside of getting old ;) 

The Louvre

I can't figure out the layout of this place for the life of me. Susie and I got lost for an hour, which was fine since there are things to see everywhere you turn, but it can get frustrating if you are trying to get somewhere haha. How French of them to make it confusing for tourists. 

              

We didn't pick the best day to go up, it was rainy and foggy.

The Louvre 

Mona Lisa draws quite the crowd

Christmas in Paris

Christmas was here! I hate to admit it, but I actually kept forgetting that it was Christmas. Although it was a wonderful day, I guess the hotel and travels threw me off. It just isn't the same when you're not at home, in Pajamas, opening gifts and making breakfast. But, it is a Christmas I will never forget, and in a good way. 

I had done some research before our trip because I was worried everything would be closed on Christmas. I found out that a couple churches (Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame) were open, so we started with those. 

Day 2: Christmas Day!

Sacre Coeur
My favorite church in Paris, with the best view.

Montmarte
Did some shopping, saw some artists at work, and stopped at an Irish Pub for a snack.

Notre Dame
They added some Christmas decor! There were a few lighted Christmas trees outside, a huge display of mini villages, and of course a nativity.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Susie and I booked this that morning in the hotel without even telling Russ and Rusty (they were downstairs at breakfast). We finally found one that wasn't booked up and then we just went for it, and I'm so glad we did!

Trocadero
After the cruise, we headed up to Trocadero to get the best view of the Eiffel Tower. I facetimed my family, so they could see the Eiffel Tower and have Christmas in Paris with us. 


I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Foie Gras- not my cup of tea