We woke up from our nap around 5:30 and decided to go exploring. We weren't quite sure where we were headed but then we saw the shimmering light show from the Eiffel tower and decided that was the place. I cannot even put into words how exciting it was to see it for the first time. It is by far the most beautiful man-made structure I think I've ever seen. In the dark, it had a golden appearance from all the lights. And you can see it from miles away, which is a little deceiving since you keep thinking "we're almost there," not so :) I'll have to email all the pictures. We can't figure out how to post them from our ipad so check your email if you can. Back to the most beautiful thing ever...the Eiffel tower at night. The base towers are marked north, south, east, and west. They have either stairs to the second floor or an elevator to the top. Justin really loved seeing it too. He said it is so large and almost makes you woozy to look up at it. While we were admiring it, he told me there are restaurants on the second floor and that's when I told him that we'll be eating there tomorrow!! His first surprise, he is very excited! I can't explain just how large this thing is...it takes up several large city blocks and you can see it from everywhere, Justin is very good at spotting it no matter where we are.
On the walk back, we decided to try a crepe stand because they smelled so good! The man making the crepes was very nice. Everyone has been. Most everyone speaks some English and I find the locals are more helpful than the paid tourist information folks. The crepe man was trying so hard to talk to us in English and it was very appreciated! :)Justin got a ham and cheese and I had a mushroom and cheese. They were delicious and very filling, Justin had to help me finish mine. Two creeps, a bottled water, plus tip was 15 euros, very affordable!
Another thing I love about Paris, there is a bakery on every corner! They sell macaroons, tarts, croissants, tiramisu, breads, anything your heart could want. The smells pour out into the streets drawing in crowds. One bakery had a small Eiffel tower made out of colorful macaroons. It was almost too beautiful to eat. We also noticed that all the cafes have street tables and all the chairs point towards the street. It's as if your expected to people watch. We really like that.
Justin pointed out that the stereotype of French people dressed to the nines and smoking is very accurate. I have to agree. Everyone is so well dressed. You don't see anyone in tennis shoes. The women are in sky high heels and dressed so fashionably. One misconception is that the city smells. Everytime I pass someone on the street I want to stop and ask them what cologne they are wearing. Between that, the street cafes, crepe stands and bakeries, Paris just might be the best smelling city in the world. :) Another misconception about the city is that it is dirty. A lot of people smoke but I have only seen one cigarette butt on the ground. There are sanitation crews out at all hours sweeping the sidewalks and cleaning off curbs.
Well it think that's all for now. It is 10:50 and we need to get an early start tomorrow. We're going to the Louve, Notre Dome, and dinner at my favorite tower. ;) did you know someone married the Eiffel tower?!? More on that later. We'll send pics soon!
With love from Paris! Xoxo
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