Parigi Giorno Tre....

Our third and final day in Paris was probably one of the longest. We slept in a little bit so we could get over our food coma from the day before. As soon as we got up and ready for the day we headed to L'Arc de Triumph to actually explore the monument and take some pictures. First off let me tell you how we got to L'Arc de Triumph, this monument is in the middle of a giant round about. There are no cross walks to get there and no stop lights. So the smartest thing we did was run through traffic. We made it, then got stopped by some cops and were told about the underground passage way. Yes, true American tourists.

This monument is where the tomb of the unknown soldier is for the French. Which was extremely interesting to me because I am really into all the world wars and that boring history stuff.

After we exited the right way, we started down the Champs Elysee and noticed some street performers. It was kind of like French break dancing, but better. There dancing had actually meaning and depth to it. They were performing to promote their show for that upcoming week call Cie No Mad. It was really amazing. I talked to them afterwards and they were more than happy to take a picture with me.

After watching them for about 20 minutes we proceeded to flag down a cab and go to the Louvre. We thought we would actually find it if we took a cab. The Louvre was just what I expected, but a tiny different. To be completely honest I thought that the museum was only the triangular dome that is in the middle of the square, no, it is the entire building that surrounds it, the triangle is just the lobby.

As we went inside it was chaos. Tourists everywhere, about 10 different ticket booths, and 4 different entrances to multiple exhibits. You immediately knew where the Mona Lisa was as soon as you saw the mob of people go into that entrance. It was very overwhelming and I realized you really needed to conquer this entire museum in about two days, yes that is how big it was.

I was able to see everything that I wanted to see there, including the Mona Lisa. It was small, which is what I had been told so I didn't expect much. The Louvre didn't really have any sense of organization either. I thought you know maybe there would be a line of people to go and look at it and then pass buy but no, a giant ocean of people surrounded her like she was some artistic goddess (okay maybe she is), but still. I pushed my way through just to get a couple of pictures then immediately pushed back out. I would say it was worth it.

We left the Louvre and of course headed straight to the Eiffel Tower AGAIN. I mean we had to see it during the day. I don't think we had a sunny day the whole time we were there, which I guess was okay. The Eiffel Tower was just what I expected during the day.
People were gathered on the outskirts, sitting with their loved ones on the green patches. Children running around and playing right underneath it. It was like oh just another day at the Eiffel Tower to them. To me I wanted to cry cause this was my last time seeing it.

After the Eiffel Tower we took the boat cruise down the Siene river and were able to learn some history of Paris. Well I fell asleep. I was exhausted, the cruise was only 40 minutes but I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Finally our day was almost complete. We told ourselves we were not leaving with out some macaroons in our hands. Laduree was apparently very famous in Paris. Well let me tell you, the line of people definitely proved it was, but the cookie didn't. I was not impressed with the service nor the taste. Definitely interesting and a very cute concept but not up to par for me.

After a very long day we finally went back to the hotel and packed our Paris life away. It was bittersweet, but I am glad to say I made it to the one place I have been dreaming of my entire life.

Ciao!

Chelsea Lynn