Springtime in Paris!

The Concorde and Champs Elysees

It had all the ingredients for a perfect spring weekend.

1. Beautiful European city - CHECK
2. 3-day weekend - CHECK
3. Good friend - CHECK
4. Beautiful weather - CHECK

My friend Sue met me in the airport in Paris and so began an incredible 3 days in Paris with one of my favorite people in the world. I had heard a lot of stories about Paris and French people, and so I wasn't sure what to expect. I fell instantly in love with the city and its people (who are very nice!) and can't wait to go back again some day. Let's start blogging!

I actually don't even know where to start! I guess since it was my favorite place in the city, we'll start with the Eiffel Tower. I literally cannot put into words how incredible this monument is. It lives up to the hype - and then some! Not only is it HUGE and breathtaking, but it is placed upon a lush, green lawn where Parisians and tourists alike eat their packed lunches and dinners and enjoy the ambiance of the park. I have tons of pictures of the tower and park, so I will try to narrow it to my favorites.















Sue and I spent both nights having our makeshift dinner (bread, cheese and wine) at the tower, while watching the sun set. Here are a few pics of our "French dinners"









Notre Dame was as magical as I had imagined it, based on what I learned in high school and college history classes. Though the outside is incredible, it is the stained glass windows inside the cathedral that really take your breath away. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from ND!











One of my favorite things about being in Paris at springtime was walking along the River Seine! Sue and I got a little lost at one point, but the atmosphere was so relaxing that we didn't care!







Day 2 brought a visit to Sacra Coeur, a beautiful church at the top of the hills of Paris, with an amazing view of the city. Here are a few pictures of Sacra Coeur, which is in the Montmarte neighborhood, home to many famous artists and writers.










This is a view of the Sacra Coeur from the heart of Paris. I cannot believe we were up that high!


Sue and I also went to the George Pompidou Centre, an art museum that boasts some of the best views of Paris (for free!) from its roof. Check out the warning we got on our way up the escalator:



Here are some pictures of the Pompidou Centre and views from the roof!













After seeing the Pompidou Centre, Sue and I went to what is said to be the most beautiful cathedral in Paris, St. Chapelle. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you see it's chapel windows, you understand how it got its title.









Arc du Triomfe was next. It was a lot bigger than I expected it to be, probably because you're used to seeing it from a distance along the Champs Elysees.







We saw the one and only Moulin Rouge...



... and of course, THE LOUVRE!















It was an amazing weekend with a great friend. I am so glad I was able to visit Paris and experience all its history and charm. The people we met were so friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to return someday.

Next blog: Adios, Madrid!