I saved the trip to Paris for last not through some well thought-out process, but just that it simply worked out that way. I am glad Paris was my last cultural-learning travel for two reasons: 1. It is the most expensive place (after London), had I come earlier it would have made me worry about the budget for other travels; and 2. What a great way to end my Euro tour?The first day I arrived to Paris I settled in my modest hotel in the Gare de l'Est part of the city. I say modest and mean it. I was looking for a room in a hostel somewhere and everything was booked. So I settled for the next best thing, which is the cheapest hotel one can find. It is not that bad I guess, but I've stayed in nicer ones that's for sure.
Right after checking in, I found a map at the reception and headed towards the city center. My goal was to do some sightseeing on the go the first evening in Paris and wait in the long line to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I walked all the way from Gare de l'Est to the Eiffel Tower. If you look at the map of Paris you'll see that it is quite a hike. It was nice to walk by the Louvre, and many other spots on the way. I made mental notes on my way as I was coming back the next day to see other places.
The line to the Eiffel Tower was long as expected. It did move somewhat fast considering how many tourists were roaming the area. I believe it took me 2 hours to get in and out; not the best but it could have been worse. The view from atop is breathtaking; it is cliche to say that but words really cannot describe seing this beautiful city sprawling across and filling the landscape.
It was cloudy for most of the time I was up there but for a brief moment a few rays broke through the sky and created a bit of magic. In fact, while looking out of the south end of the tower I noticed this huge shadow spreading across the city. Not sure that this picture can really do it justice but I tried to capture it as best as I could.After the Eiffel Tower tour I headed back to the hotel. I had to, of course, stop for a nice, freshly made crepe with Nutella. Watching the guy dishing out spoonfuls of Nutella on the crepe and it melting on top of it was almost more exciting than seeing Paris from top of the Eiffel Tower. Those of you who know my love for Nutella know that I am not exaggerating.
The next day started the way the previous one ended. Yes, I did have another crepe with Nutella, for breakfast. Good thing I was in Paris for 3 days. I figured I needed some calories for the action packed day.
I started off with the tour of the Louvre. Now, I knew that this museum was big, but not until I got to see the courtyards and the whole compound did I understand why people say that to visit all the exhibits one would need a week or two. I did more than most people do at Louvre. Yes, I did see Mona Lisa, and she smiled at me. But I also went through the entire painting section and then to Napoleon apartments, which were extraordinary.
From the Louvre, I walked to Champs Elysees and to L'Arc de Triomphe. I also stopped at the Louis Vuiton store on the way. It is unbelievable what people are willing to spend on purses; but nonetheless, the store was like a designer museum and worth a look.From there, I made my way to the Eiffel Tower again, through the yards adjacent to it to the Ecole Militaire. Down the road I stumbled upon Hotel des Invalides, which is a beautiful looking compound with a gold plated cupola and a well kept garden, probably best known as the place that houses Napoleon's Tomb. Even though my legs were starting to get tired I decided to walk the rest of the way to Notre Dame.
A lot is said about this Church, and it is truly a nice looking Gothic style building.
However, after having seen the Köln Dom, Notre Dame doesn't quite live up to its potential. Nothing wrong with Notre Dame, it is just that Cologne's Cathedral is so great and mighty that one cannot help but admire it more.From Notre Dame I finally made it to the Pantheon, which is also a pleasing sight. I picked out a cafe a block away, sat down and had an espresso while enjoying the view. My legs were telling me that it was time to relax and call it a day. After having walked God only knows how many miles, I opted to take the subway back to the hotel. To reach the closest station, I walked through the Latin Quarters. This is a pedestrian only area filled with cafes and restaurants. Paris certainly grew on me fast; everything about it was great.
On my last day I took a train to Versailles, which is about 30 minute ride from Paris. The main purpose for visiting Versailles is the castle (Chateau du Versailles). This is by far the most popular attraction in and around Paris as the line to get into the castle was humongous. I opted for not going into the building itself due to the long wait and instead went straight into the gardens. 
The scenery as you can imagine was very nice. To enhance the visual experience, classical music is played throughout the gardens. The area is composed of interestingly trimmed trees and bushes, fountains, ponds, trees and statues. I walked around the whole campground, which took me about two hours. It was a workout. The end of the long pond (man made lake) seemed to never come to an end and once I reached ¾ length one way I realized that the darn thing expands sideways as well making it into a shape of a cross. People were all over, picnicking and enjoying the scenery. Some rented boats and were rowing away in this huge pond. The entire palace and its yard were very impressive indeed.
After having spent a few hours in Versailles I headed back to Paris. Once I was back in town, I took the subway to Pere Lachaise station and went to the most famous Parisian cemetery.
Quite a few famous people are buried here, including Jim Morrison. Interestingly enough, his grave is the most visited of all. It took me a while to find it but when I did I was taken aback at how simple it was. There used to be a small monument on top of his tomb that was vandalized and removed. Having listened to The Doors music and watched Oliver Stone’s movie a few times, it made the experience a bit more fulfilling. Even though Jim Morrison’s life was doomed by drug and alcohol abuse, one cannot help but notice the impact he is still having on our culture, whether is good or bad…So that was my last trip among many that I have undertaken while studying in Cologne. One more night in Cologne remains to say good-bye to friends. Look for it in the next post.
Au revoir
