Lovely, lovely Paris. My visit to Paris 20 years after my first experience was thankfully quite different. More people speak English, and those we encountered while lost, graciously supported us in finding our way. Mia's excitement for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower brought a new excitement to the historic sites.
We enjoyed the delicious food in Paris, indulging in an array of foods that included freshly baked baguettes, creps, pastries, and creamy gelato that melted in our mouths.
We stayed in the Montmartre area, a neighborhood that is steeped in history and charm. Having just seen the whimsical film "Amélie," we were thrilled to explore the real-life locations depicted in the movie. We visited the iconic Café des Deux Moulins, where Amélie worked, and wandered through the picturesque streets that inspired her adventures, which added an extra layer of fun to our experience. At the summit of Montmartre, which is the highest point in Paris, stands the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre. Because of the warm weather, people were crowding the stairs and enjoying the sun. Mia had her first French crepe and before she finished it, she quickly asked for another one.
We spent a day at the Louvre, and Mia was particularly excited about seeing the Mona Lisa. When we arrived, the crowd was so deep that I gave her my phone and she weaseled her way to the front and snapped a photo. We navigated through the vast halls, and the section dedicated to the Greek gods was particularly fascinating because Mia use her knowledge from 5th grade to teach us out about them.
On another day, we spent a wet afternoon at the Eiffel Tower. We took the lift to the top where we could see the sprawling cityscape of Paris, and we spotted the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre. To make the moment even more special, we FaceTimed my mom and sister, sharing the view with them and allowing them to feel as though they were experiencing the magic of the Eiffel Tower alongside us.
We also visited the Palace of Versailles. The grandeur of the palace was staggering, and the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed stood out to me. Having watched "Marie Antoinette" prior to our visit, we felt a deeper connection to the history of the palace. Certain areas resonated with us, particularly the scenes where Marie Antoinette escaped through her bedchamber, bringing the film to life as we walked through the rooms she once inhabited. Overall, our time in Paris was filled with unforgettable experiences, delicious food, and a rich tapestry of history and culture that left us with lasting memories.
More pics here.
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