Paris - Day 2

First Full Day In Paris

Bonjour from Sunny Paris.

​After blogging early last evening we enjoyed the French Pastries that we purchased in the afternoon along with some wine.  We didn't have dinner as we intentionally had the late lunch.  We also finished organizing our items in the room.

It didn't take long to fall asleep as we were tired and a little wine is always helpful too.  Even the sugar from the pastries didn't offset any of this.  We didn't stay up late enough to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up in the evening.  We didn't hear any noise from our room either from inside or outside the hotel and the bed is very comfortable.  We each got a sufficient amount of sleep.  Keith was up first at about 4:15 AM followed by Anne Marie about twenty minutes later.  A view of the Eiffel Tower at 4:45 AM from the terrace of our room.
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Our room package includes breakfast either at the restaurant or in the room.  We thought we would enjoy breakfast on the terrace with such pleasant morning weather and we took in the beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.   We kept it simple with cereal, fruit and coffee.  The breakfasts do arrive with bread, croissants and other pastries.  We shared two of items.  We were looking up at the sun for the photos.  

We made our way from the hotel to the Seine River and walked along the river over to the Ile de Cite where Paris was established.  We had beautiful views of the river, landscape and numerous bridges and river boats.  We crossed the Port Neuf, the the oldest bridge in Paris. Our walk included many sites; Palais de Justice (former palace now complex of lower courts, Saitne-Chapelle with its magnificent stained windows, Marche aux Fleur (flower market), and we walked by several charming old restaurants, cafes and stores.  As we continued we visited Notre Dame and enjoyed views of tree lined quays and mansions. 

We proceeded over a small bridge over to the Ile St. Louis.  We walked this area for quite awhile and had lunch at Cafe St. Regis where we enjoyed delicious salads, bread, and wine (Keith).  

Our return included a stop at the Jardin des Tuileries (a beautiful park) and today marked the first day of a festival.    We proceeded to Avenue Des Champs Elysees and walked through a large park.  We made some stops along the way and then we walked on Avenue Montaigne.  This area is known for its high end designer shops.  We stopped at the Hotel Plaza Athenee where we stayed fourteen years ago with our children following a cruise Crystal Symphony.  The hotel is easily recognized by its red awnings and flower boxes outside each window of the front of the hotel.

As if this was not enough, after taking a short rest in our room, we went out on another walk.  In total, we walked close to 15 miles.

This evening we will dine at a restaurant called Les Marches.  We will post all about this tomorrow.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.....

Since the first of terrorist attacks took place in Paris a lot of the coverage we receive back home has been about this and other related attacks.  We are reminded that while we must all be vigilant in our efforts to stand-up to these  and all related attacks we can't give into these terrible acts by changing our habits and that includes tourism.  After all, giving into senseless and horrific acts of terrorism means that we are letting those who commit this war on humanity succeed.  We must stay united.

Anne Marie & Keith

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