FRANCE, Paris

  Friday, September 8, 2006

Last day in Paris. I strolled down the Seine River and visited Montmarte District where the Sacred Coeur Basilica is located. There are amazing views of Paris from the Basilica as it is the highest place in Paris. The Moulin Rouge is also located in Montmarte. I also visited the Picasso Museum but Monet is my favorite.  Late overnight train to Madrid to save hotel room expense. Saying that the recliner seat was uncomfortable would be an understatement.  Enjoyed Paris. Exciting beginning to this 2 month "whirlwind" adventure.

Houston to Amsterdam to Paris

September 5,  2006

I flew into Amsterdam but immediately took the high speed Thalys train to Paris. I wanted to start my journey in Paris and I will end it in Amsterdam. I have my passport, credit cards. a eurail pass and only the clothes that will fit in my small, carryon backpack. I will buy clothes if necessary. This is only my second time to go overseas with Kilimanjaro and Africa in March 2006 being the first.

Paris, France

 September 6, 2006

After arriving in Paris, I checked into my room, showered and went out to explore Paris. A breakfast croissants at a local bakery and my FIRST EVER subway experience. This country boy from Louisiana was very apprehensive and a little scared of the unknown but quickly figured out how to get to the Arc de Triomphe and climbed to the top. Construction began in 1806 by Napolean to celebrate his armies victories. The Arc de Triomphe is also connected to the Champs-Elysees which is one of the main streets in Paris. Then to the Eiffel Tower which is probably the most recognized monument in the world. It was originally built as a temporary, decorative centerpiece for the 1889 Universal Exhibition but was saved from demolition and used as a radio tower because it was the tallest structure in Europe. Today, it is the very symbol of Paris. It blinks the first 10 minutes of each hour at night.

Paris, France {The Louvre}

The Louvre. Once the largest palace in the world and now the largest museum in the world. Home of the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. It contains over 400,000 works of art, 35,000 of which are on permanent display.

Paris, France (Notre Dame Cathedral}

 September 6, 2006

Notre Dame Cathedral is the 3rd largest Gothic cathedral after Rome's St. Peter's and Canterbury Cathedreal and the first to use flying buttresses. It is known for its unrivaled stained-glass windows and sculptures. The beautiful stained glass windows were removed piece by piece during both world wars and put in a safe place. I paid the 7.50 euro to climb the 376 steps to the bell tower (No Quasimodo) for an amazing  view of Paris and up close view of  its famous gargoyles.  Later that evening I took the METRO back to the Eiffel Tower to see it lit up. The 1st 10 minutes every hour after 10 pm it blinks. Impressive. 

Versailles , France

September 7, 2006

The Chateau De Versailles was home of one of the most flamboyant courts and opulent palaces since the fall of the Roman Empire. It was constructed mostly by Louis XIV between 1661 to his death in 1715. Its most memorable room is the 236 foot long Hall of Mirrors. The renovations of the 800 hectare Gardens began in 1661 and lasted over 40 years. After visiting Versailles I spent the day walking along the Seine River and had a glass of wine on a "barge restaurant". Later that evening I visited the Latin Quarter and listened to some great jazz. (Felt like I was in New Orleans)

Madrid, Spain

September 9th and 10th, 2006

I arrived early Sunday morning. Madrid was beautiful and is supposedly the cleanest city in Europe.  Not as exciting as I had hoped but the fact that it rained both days and I was there on a Sunday and Monday may have been contributing factors. The Mayor Plaza, where my hotel was located, was especially nice and there were sidewalk cafes everywhere. It rained too much to take many pictures. After checking out Monday, I still had 10 hours until my late overnight train to Barcelona. It was still raining so I spent most of the day on the hop on hop off bus to see the sights and stay dry.