On the second day in Paris, we woke up to have breakfast on the top of the roof of our hotel. I was thrilled when I saw the chocolote croissants and abundance of nutella. After breakfast, we were driven into the heart of Paris, given a map and allowed to explore Paris on our own. I was so excited about this opportunity for freedom. Friends and I went to the Louvre first. I knew I couldn't leave Paris without going to the world famous art museum The Louvre. Apparently, if one were to go through the entire museum, it would take 9 monthes. It is the second largest in the world. The first is in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Da Vinchi Code was shot here.
Once we were there, we went straight for the Mona Lisa. Our Contiki tour manager gave us a secret entrance tip that saved us from standing hours in line to get into the museum. For that info, you'll have to try Contiki yourself :) It's top secret, but it works. You can count on it.
When we got to the Mona Lisa, there was a large crowd there to see her. You could just follow the flock of people and you knew that you would get to her. Now I can proudly say that I saw her as well. Indeed it does seem like her eyes are always watching you. It's incredible how one piece of art can gather and excite so many people.
Then we got a bit lost but did end up finding Venus Di Milo, the ideal woman. The Louvre is absolutely gorgeous. It was time spent well and I really recommend you to go there. I wish that I would have went to see "The Thinker" a famous statue that is in gardens in Paris and to the Mussee Dorsee which has art from the impressionist period. My favorite artist is Renoir. We did go see The Notre Dame which was beautiful. We even found the golden circle that we stood on meaning we would come back to Paris.
The rest of our time was spent exploring the beautiful streets of Paris. We made sure to check out the Sex and the City bridge where Carrie and Mr. Big were reunited. We had a very delicious baghuette from Paul's. We sat a lovely cafe and enjoyed a crepe with nutella. Doesn't really get much better than that. I felt that the best part of exploring Paris was actually walking in the streets, enjoying the cafe, and really being a part of it.
The same night we went to the Moulin Rouge. I had no idea what to expect but it was unbelievable. We had dinner at the theater with unlimited wine and champaign, soup, steak, desert. There was a fish and a vegetarian option as well. I had steak. I realized even more that the more expensive something is, the smaller the portion is. My steak was like a medallion but it was delicious. The show was spectacular. The costumes were incredible. And yes, the women were topless. I think in Paris though this is considered stylish not raunchy. At that evening, many of us got drunk. We were not used to this unlimited supply of high class alcohol. It was wonderful.
I spent the coach ride home apparently talking to myself out loud.
Goodbye Paris. You were unforgettable.
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