So much to see in Paris so little time...
The stained glass at Sainte Chappelle is beautful. I had heard that the Cathedral in Chartes near Paris is even more beautiful! Is it possible? Next time I'm in France, I'll have to see for myself!
I went back to Notre Dame again and this time climbed the stairs to see the gargoyles up close and to enjoy the view of Paris. If you got the cardio-vascular for the stairs go for it!
Impressions
Paris is two worlds. The beautiful city above ground with wonderful artworks, history and architecture. It is a photogenic city! Then there is the city underneath with the metro system. It gets you anywhere you want to go but sometimes I felt like a trapped rat in there. I hate to think how crazy the place is in tourist season in the summer!
I didn’t find the people of Paris as mean as I was led to believe. Admittedly, getting trapped like a rat in the Metro system might wipe the smile off of anyone’s face but on the whole I found most people to be pretty nice. Perhaps the hapless tourist look on my face drew some sympathy? Also, I tried my best to use what little French I knew when I would talked to people. And flashing a megawatt smile is a gesture of friendship in any culture
I want to go back to see more. Two full days and two half-days was too short. But with the museum pass and the transit pass I felt I got a good taste of what is there.
Travel tip
Be daring and wander off the beaten path and pick a restaurant with no English menus posted on the window! I had lunch with another NIH alum, Vincenzo. We had fish soup and salmon in a little cafe away from the tourist areas. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was authentic. Thanks Enzo for suggesting those two items from the menu! Bon appetite!
Links to other sites on the Web
back to the Louvre
go to Southern France
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