Walkin', Walkin', Walkin'

Two words. Pain Chocolat! What's a better way to start your day than with a chocolate croissant? I walked to Notre Dame this morning and toured the inside. The stained glass, sculptures, chandeliers and general sense was wonderful. Part of it felt like home, though if there were people wandering around, talking and staring, I'm not sure I'd be able to concentrate on the Mass at all! I lit a candle there and enjoyed the moment. On the way back I wandered through an open air market too!

Next I set out down the Rue de Revoli toward the Arc de Triomphe. Careful not to walk on Metro grates or near building exhaust if you are wearing a skirt...unless you like the Marilyn Monroe look! Haha On the way I saw huge original church towers with playgrounds built around them, the Louvre from the outside and wandered into the garden of tulieries (Jardin des tulieries) where a fashion show was just ending. I snapped shots of models and onlookers coming out as the show ended. Crazy!

From there I walked down the Champs Elysees and gawked at tourists and the mega shopping available there. Gardens and benches made for lots of people out enjoying the sunshine on a Saturday. The Arc de Tripmphe was huge and getting a good picture took me to the middle of the busy street!

My next goal was to get to the Eiffel tower and on the walk I ran into a huge peace demonstration. Women from all over the world marching in a parade and shouting their clever mantras or making music. It was a spectacle to see. Finally I arrived at the Eiffle tower and took lots of fun pictures. There are TONS of street merchants who aren't supposed to be there and anytime the police show up they grab the little cloth all their merchandise is on (gathering it up) and run! There was also a band of "Free Hugs"/gypsies/hippies right in the middle under the tower and an accordion player too, but my instincts told me that would be a good place to lose my money getting pick pocketed if I got too close. The elevator ride to the top was beautiful, but by the time I'd waited in line and snapped my shots at the top I was frozen and ready to head back. A quick cab ride, dinner and I'm off to bed!

Lessons learned:

1. I didn't wake up to the alarm on my watch, so I'll need to move to plan C

2. Don't walk on sidewalk grates if you are wearing a skirt

3. Walking lets you see WAY more things than just taking a cab everywhere and it's free!

Future Plans:

Sunday- Visit the Louvre, Rodin Museum, and/or the Sacre Coeur (Sacred heart cathedral)

Monday - Early train ride out to Garmisch, Germany to stay at Edelweiss resort in the Alps.