Yesterday we walked around the local area and it was just amazing. Cobbled streets, beautiful old buildings, churches, fountains, parks, cafe's .... are everywhere. It does highlight what a very young society we are over here in NZ. Not a bad thing just amazingly different. It seems that everyone smokes, that every second shop is dedicated to food in some way, and those that aren't; sell souviners!
Notre Dame is 5 minutes walk from the apartment
I got up early and went to the bakery and got croissants, pastries, breads and coffee. We all loved them and eventually after much digesting we decided to go out and explore. Ended up at a quintessential french sidewalk cafe for lunch where we sat out front and ate and drank and talked and watched. I thought it was a great idea to have a couple of wines while the girls had lunch; and as usual I grazed on the leftovers - hey, all parents do it - come admit it :). Continued our walk, then home for a wee snooze and while I went out again later in the afternoon, the girls stayed at home. Quiet night of chatting and telling stories - very relaxed and needed.
Grace and I were almost the first on the hop on hop off bus this morning ( a must for all first timers to the city ). I'd had wanted to to see the Arc de Triomphe for years so was fantastic to walk the 284 steps to the top and to look out at the city. It was still early so the traffic was light and we didn't get to see the chaos that others had commented on - but It was neat to be up there. We also went and had a sneaky we look at the Louis Vuitton shop on the Champs Élysées - that's and eye opener as the prices are displayed unlike the Sydney shop ! Finished the tour and back home for a wee snooze - just seems the natural thing to do ! Cheese, fresh breads and wine for a late lunch and now deciding what to do this evening. The girls want McDonald's !!!!
Arty shot of the Seine
Wendy here - Kate and i stayed home this morning while Andrew and Grace went touring. Kate has been struggling with a sore stomach for a couple of days. We had a lovely morning lying around reading and basically relaxing. The girls and I ventured out later this afternoon for a walk to the Lourve - whilst Andrew chilled out reading a book (we must be on holiday as he never reads books!!). The Lourve is only a 15 minute walk away - and it is such a beautiful walk long the river Seine. I think I could stay in Paris for a long time as it has such a beautiful feel to it. All being well we are off a the Fat Tyre Bike Tour tomorrow. Kate is desperate to feel better - but whatever happens we are in a beautiful city and there is always something new to see.
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