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We finally gained entry into our apartment. It was 10 o’clock at night, Michael had fallen asleep slumped across a couple of chairs and I was feeling pretty desperate and just about to check us into the Ibis down the road, when our host showed up. The apartment is lovely and now that we are here it’s a bit of a relief.
Despite my certainty that we may never wake up the next morning, Chris and I awoke at 5am and decided to explore before the rest of the city before it awoke. We strolled through empty streets to the Eiffel Tower. It was so huge, and quiet and majestic. We strolled a little further along the Seine before returning home to grab the children and start our adventures. Breakfast included the best baguette we had ever eaten and a truly excellent omelette. And then our excursion led us to the Arc de Triomph and Champs Elysee where a huge Bastille Day parade was in progress. I was expecting floats with people in Bastille Day costumes – instead I found the biggest military parage I had ever seen. Dozens of fighter jets flew over head, tanks rolled down the main thoroughfare and soldiers marched in formation while the military band played. Escaping the parade turned out to be quite a mission – we diverted along the Seine and found ourselves walking for miles before we could get out again, finally end up at the Jardin Des Tuileries and the Louvre. The gardens were absolutely magnificent, bordered by grand old buildings and including a giant Ferris wheel. We couldn’t resist sitting in a cafe in the gardens to eat ice cream (Michael), cherry tart (Chris) and a glass of champagne (guess who).
I have been to Paris before but I don’t remember it being so incredibly grand and beautiful. We are constantly stopping to gaze at some gorgeous building or to admire a wonderful garden or gaze in absolute awe at the statues and monuments. I think we are all quite blown away by Paris.
When we finally got home, having walked somewhere between 10-15 kms today, it was very hard to leave again to see the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower (easily another 5kms walking there and back). We decided to have our picnic at home. Baguette, jambon, grapes and cheese is starting to become our favourite meal. Shopping at a local supermarket was a total delight – three aisles devoted to cheese and none priced at more than 2.5 euros ( we bought 4 different types). The food is so fresh, plentiful and inexpensive. Michael (known to anyone who has tried to feed him, as Mr Fussy), has declared all French food to be totally delicious! I know many would agree .
