Paris Isn't Paris Without You

Paris isn't Paris without you.

Harry was at the Batman Grand Opening. We had no idea what was happening back at home in Denver. The opening was cancelled.

Lulu's class in front of the Eiffel Tower on the Seine River boat.

Today Lulu took her class of 12 students to Paris for the day. With a well-planned day - great weather - a beautiful surroundings - it was a day for the ages.


We woke at 4 AM London time. We had to be at the St Pancras Station at 5:00 for the 5:40 Eurostar to Paris. This train must be the smoothest in the world. In 2 hours and 35 minutes we went from downtown London to downtown Paris.


London to Paris is 280 miles. It took 2.5 hours - making that 118 miles per hour average! 


Due to a time zone change - we got into Paris at 9:15. A quick subway ride got us directly to the Arch of Triumph. We had pre-paid tickets so we went right to the top and picture taking commenced. 


Next we had time to walk the Champs Elysees - the most expensive mile of real estate in the world. After that - it was time for a 3 course lunch - pre-arranged with a view of the Eiffel Tower. After way too much food and fun - we walked to the Eiffel Tower - another picture taking session. The crowds were slight compared to the past.- with very few hucksters.


After the tower - we took a subway to the Ile de France - where we caught our boat excursion at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The best weather of the day was during the during hour cruise up and down the Seine River. It was heightened by champagne on the boat - right in front of the Eiffel Tower.


After the cruise - it was a walk to the Louvre Museum. If there was a flaw in the day -  Lulu's favorite pastry shop was closed for vacation. The students were then turned loose in this world class museum.


At 8 PM - we met up by the Pyramid in the Louvre. Only 3 of the 12 students were going back to London with us. At 9 PM - we were in the Paris North Train Station waiting for our Eurostar to embark - whisking us through the tunnel under the English Channel. At 11 PM - as everyone slept - we pulled into London. A quick cab and 15 minutes had us home. 11:30 had us showered - in bed - and typing on our computers.

Grandson Jack was in Paris and came up with this logo.

Inside the top of the Arch of Triumph is a museum.

Under the Arch of Triumph is buried the Unknown Soldier.

Harry loved the bomb proof waste cans in Paris. 

Lunch in Paris in view of the Tower.

The sun came out bright as our boat passed the Tower.

This little Citroen 2CV was giving tours. It has a 2 cylinder air cooled engine and front wheels drive - way ahead of its time.

The Eiffel Tower is over 120 years old.

These steps lead to the Notre Dame Cathedral from the Seine River. there are walkways along the Seine on both sides - both at water level - and up at street level.

Lulu's class on the gang plank leaving their boat.

Notre Dame Cathedral is covered with gargoyles. It took 200 years to build - around 1200 AD. It is on the island in the middle of the river.