The day started with grey, rainy skies which, we were told, added to the experience of being in Paris. Maybe, but not when you plan on climbing a very tall metal structure higher into those same skies.
Nevertheless, we all hopped on the bus to begin the day's adventures which were free for us to choose. We opted for the Eiffel Tower first.
It is so strange to actually be underneath this huge, man-made monument after seeing it in movies, on all sorts of merchandise and in other people's photos. Now we could take the cliched photos and be there for ourselves. However, no photo or picture can actually do it justice.
With butterflies in my tummy, we began the ascent of the stairs, choosing to climb as opposed to taking the elevator all the way. The climb was slow and gradual. Partly because I had acquired myself a cough and burning chest as well as the fact that I've managed to inherit (somehow) an extreme fear of heights.
From the second level of the Eiffel Tower, you have to take the elevator up to the tippy top. While Jo happily snapped away pictures, I focused on not passing out, and eventually we got to the highest point. It was a very misty day, but we were still able to appreciate the spectacular view-from the perspective of a bird, 360 degrees. Amazing.
From there, thanks to Jo's very good navigation skills, we found our next activity which was a river cruise along the San river, bypassing all the beautiful sights and buildings which Paris consists of. Once again, the rain made this difficult but it was worthwhile being able to see everything in 45 minutes.
We then wondered through the streets, past the worlds largest Louis Vuitton store, to have lunch on the champs élysées. Again, I was struck with the feeling of not quite being able to believe that this was real life. The restaurant was so typically French- out on the pavement, with round tables and woven chairs, complete with a flirty French waiter.
After lunch, we walked up the Champs Élysées and up to the Arch de Triumph. The huge traffic circle surrounding the arch is definitely one to behold and demonstrates the business of Paris. The arch is also full of exquisite detail and has to be seen from underneath to fully comprehend.
It was then back on the metro for us in order to visit the beautiful church of Norte Dame. This church is actually situated on one of the islands on the river which adds to its appeal and uniqueness. Our reactions, as well as many other people around us, was mostly just staring at the building wide eyed and mouthed. Walking inside is almost overwhelming as you feel just how sacred and special this church is. All around people are lighting candles, writing prayers of peace and sitting in silence just taking in everything around them. It is extremely humbling.
Our last destination for this busy busy day was dinner and a bar. Ciders and beers were welcomed as people caught up on the day's activities. Then some Aussies and South Africans joined up to continue having a drink, as we do.
It's so fascinating to hear people's stories of how they came to be here at this point in their lives and adding to this, the experience of seeing all these monumental places and feeling our size again and again. It reminds me that everyone is on some kind of path or journey and we're all just trying to follow some kind of map of life.
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