Nov 7-9, Paris

After a long hiatus from travelling due to our short return visit to the US (which lasted 3 weeks on account of the interesting times in the financial markets), we set out again to make the avid readers of our blog happy. This weekend, it was off to Paris, France. Amy had already been with her parents, but Anthony hadn't been in years. We took the Eurostar train Friday morning and had a jam packed weekend planned by Amy (who, helpfully, also speaks some French so she could be a mini tour guide). Friday afternoon, we set out to Notre Dame, a beautiful church. There was a ceremony going on during our visit which happens the first Friday of every month - the church is said to own a piece of the crown of thorns and people can go up and kiss the crown during the service.




After Notre Dame, we headed to one of the highest points in Paris, Sacre Coeur which was another church. Stunning views of Paris from the entrance of the church.



Amy read about even better views by following a staircase to near the roof of the church. Of course, Anthony was not aware that this adventure would end 300 stairs later after a winding, skinny stairwell to the top. Oh boy.



But the views were great and worth the trek upstairs. We were even able to catch a sunset over Paris (and yes, that is the Eiffel Tower in the background).




After Sacre Coeur, we headed back to the Hotel George V. This is the place that Anthony stayed for 3 months back in 2004 when he was working on a deal for Apollo (and didnt see the light of day or any of the sights). It was good to return without having any work to do, but they remembered him and put a printer, fax machine, stapler and 3 hole punch in our room without even asking. Memories of the past! On Friday night, we went to what could be the best meal either of us have ever eaten - a 4 hour extravaganza at Taillevent which included the best risotto like dish, frogs legs, sea bass, duck, and some good wine.

We woke up early the next day (Saturday) and headed to the Musee de L'Orangerie which houses Monet's Les Nympheas (water lilies) which was great. Following that museum we strolled through a park and Amy was drawn to a Serra sculpture.



We next stopped at the Obelisk in the center of a square which was the place that Marie Antoinette lost her head. It is also a great spot to look down the Champs Des Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe in the background.




From the Obelisk, we headed to Les Invalides which was built as a hospital for french troops. Later, Napoleon's tomb was moved to the site.



We now fully understand the meaning of "Napoleon complex". Small man, but HUGE coffin.



We then went to another fancy French meal for lunch at Le Pre Catelan near Bois de Boulogne. Service was great, food was amazing - lobster, risotto, sea bass, shrimp, desserts. And, yet again, Amy found herself drawn to the frog legs (which were really quite good).



This time, lunch only took 2 1/2 hours, so we continued our sight seeing. On to the Eiffel Tower. Lines were absurd so we quickly decided to snap a photo for our demanding blog subscribers and that we would go back at night when fewer people were out.



From the Eiffel Tower, we went to the Arc de Triomphe. Took some good pictures, walked underground to the Arc itself. Amy wanted to go up to the top to get a better view of the surroundings, but this time, Anthony was on to her. A sign depicting 284 stairs stood firmly at the entrance to the Arc. Anthony put up a fit and refused to walk up the stairs. Amy left disappointed. Only one multi-hundred stair adventure a weekend is the new rule!



After heading back to the hotel for some relaxation before dinner, we had dinner at Kong. Anthony demanded to go to a place that didnt serve frogs legs. After dinner, we headed to the Eiffel Tower which was lit up in all blue. We waited in a much shorter line and headed right up to the top of the tower - despite Amy's protests (for fear of height). It was a windy night. Amy clung on to the side of the tower when we went outside, swearing that the tower was moving.



But the views were absolutely gorgeous, and the big blue ray of light moving around the top of the tower could even be seen in some photos.




After waking up early on Sunday and jumping in a car, we went to Versailles which was about 30 minutes away from Paris. There was a spectacular palace built by King Louis XIV. Ornate palaces are definitely Anthony's thing.



Anthony could be heard saying, "Now this is where the term King Bed comes from!"



The Versailles Palace also had acres and acres of gardens (although this picture didnt show any of it, trust us - they are there).



We then headed back into Paris to go to the giant Louvre museum. Cant go to Paris without going to the Louvre. We spent a few hours looking around, including seeing the Mona Lisa. Amidst all the ground breaking, beautiful art, Amy could be seen in deep thought about the historical significance of what surrounded her. Or, actually, brushing her hair.....



We packed up, went back to the train station, and made it through customs/immigration (a continuing challenge these days for Amy). It left Amy contemplating her next journey...



On our 3 hour train ride back to London, Amy decided to read up on the state of the world. "Aww, so that is what the credit crisis means....."



We've got two weekends of fun coming up - next weekend is sure to be a memorable and fun journey in Venice, Italy. The following weekend we are scheduled to be in London (a rarity these days) and then off to Istanbul, Turkey (if we cant be home for Thanksgiving, we thought, what better place than Turkey). Stay tuned.