So right now we are waiting for our cab to take to the train and from there to the airport. It's very bitter sweet to leave. The last 2 days were about getting to any last minute things so here goes...
Tuesday...we went to a Chateau that we thought was supposed to be close to the city but in actuality is still in the city. It definitely wasn't what we thought it would be...it was almost medieval looking but wasn't as grand as it looked in the photos. Still, it was beautiful on the outside. We didn't go in but decided to check out another chateau farther away from Paris. We got to the train station and found tickets were pricy just for the train...(though I would still have done it anyway). BUT it was a good thing we didn't go because the château was closed! As were all of the others. So what to do on a rainy, stormy day....we ended up hitting up a bunch of cool and under the radar museums which all happened to be free. In between we found a cafe for lunch that had some quiche that I had beem craving. In addition I wanted to get some escargot. Now, I've had it in the states before and its quite good. They always served it already out of the shell so it was no big deal, just eat and enjoy. Well first she brought out some special utensils and I got really nervous. These things were still going to be in the shell. She brought them out and yup, they were. They were filled with pesto and olive oil but where was the actual snail meat?? I attempted to hold the shell with one of the tools and pull out the meat with the tiny fork. Plyers would have been better. I asked the waitress and she was no help. I went at those babies for like 10 minutes with no luck. I managed to get 2 before my meal came and had Michelle work them while I ate. I'm sure I got many looks and laughs from the staff and diners. Michelle got one but the rest were still stuck in there! We resorted to cracking the shells which was not the way to do it, but it worked! No wonder they take them out of the shell before they are served in America...we're too stupid to figure it out.
After lunch we walked through the rain to some more museums and of course one of them was closed. Lovely. We headed back to the hostel as we were going to check out the pretty church right near us. The Sacre Cour really stands out from the rest of the city as its architecture is on the Moorish sidevas opposed to the gothic ones that reign over Paris. Its on a really tall hill so it was like hiking through the Alps all over again. We went inside and it was beautiful! Much different than the others we've seen. Luckily I was able to snap a picture because they weren't allowed and a service was going on. We walked through then got dinner at some cheap fast food place nearby that is a fusion of KFC and McDonald's. Not the best but the gelato after was superb.
Yesterday... our last full day in Paris :( We checked out a couple cathedrals, St Sulpice and St Germaine. Both were stunning but completely different. Its amazing how diverse all the cathedrals are that we've seen. No two are similar. After we walked through Luxembourg Gardens which was a beautiful manicured garden that was overlooked by the Luxembourg Palace. Why cant we have gardens like this in NYC?! Them it was on to one of our favs, the good ol Eiffel Tower. I still cant get over how amazing it is. We took a bunch of pictures so be on the lookout for our 2015 Christmas card! Lunch consisted of THE BEST nutella and banana crepe ever. These French do not get stingy on the filling. The line to go to the top of the tower wasn't bad at all so we went for it. Once again, super trippy because of the insane height and there were far too many people, but very cool nonetheless. You could see EVERYTHING from up there especially since the weather was perfect. On the line to take the elevator down wr had the pleasure of witnessing one of the worst mothers ever. One of her children must have been 1 or so, just learning to walk. So naturally letting him sit on your shoulders while he screams is ok. And letting him wander around is perfectly ok. The brother was more responsible than her as he kept going after him. And the entire time she kept calling him Doodoo. Dont know if its a French nickname or something stupid she made up but it was hysterical. After, we hung out on the lawn after which is just the best. So relaxing to just lay there and stare at the beautiful tower. Michelle wanted to do a River Cruise at night so since the sun doesn't start to go down til after 9 we got dinner. Thinking I got a smaller dish of salmon ( yes Aunt Cathy, poisson!) It turned out to be the thinnest slice of fish that covered the entire plate. Oh and it was raw. But it actually was really good! The lemon, olive oil and scallions on top made it quite tasty. Still extremely, we got some dessert at a bakery. I got a chocolate eclair that was filled with chocolate cream instead of the usual regular cream in the states. Be jealous Dad, it was so good. The river cruise on the Seine after was great. The sun was going down so it was really pretty. On the way back we saw the top of the Eiffel Tower sparkle like you see in movies and 8 just could not wait to see it again. We chilled on the lawn and as we waited, we were harassed by the dudes selling their illegal wares. Metal Eiffel Towers by day, and wine and champagne by night. They come in hords but the best is seeing them all hauling butt down the street when the cops come, jingling like a bunch of sleigh bells from their towers. We had to wait about 30 mins before the Eiffel Tower sparkle again. When it did though, it was magical. Better than any firework show or lit up castle in Disney. Definitely the perfect last night here.
So today our flight doesn't leave til 7:30 so we were able to go out and about. I said my last good bye to Notre Dame, one of the most beautiful things I have ever set my eyes on. We got some delicious quiche for lunch and then headed back. There is a strike today with the trains (lucky us) so we wanted plenty of time to get there just in case. It was a mad house at the train station. Nothing is labeled right or gives consistent directions to get to a platform and none of the trains are labeled. It can be so easy to get on the wrong train especially if you are in a rush. Once again tge airport was smooth sailing and now we wait.
This country is seriously a wonderful place and it's hard to leave. While London is still my absolute favorite, Paris was a close second. I guess with Europe in general its such a wonderfully different lifestyle and atmosphere here and I could only wish the US could pick up some of its habits. These trips definitely make me think about what direction I want my life to go in and just crave a constant adventure.
So til next time...
Au revoir France, I'll miss but I will see you again!
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