Well I headed off to Paris for the festivities of Bastille Day. Having read some experiences on the net I wasn't sure what to expect - fireworks being thrown into crowds - fireworks placed in glass bottles to explode - It was all a bit concerning - but definiely an over exaggeration!!
So I took the Eurostar train from London to Paris - 3 hrs so not too bad and arrived in Paris Gard du Nord at about 23:30. Not too hard to find the hotel and of course the first person I meet is an Aussie chick - Tijana. Anyway I head down the street to see if anything is going on. Besides the big crowd up at the Sacre Coeur - not much was going on. So took a piccy and thought I would head to bed so I could get up for the early Military Parade tomorrow.
So met Tijana and another Aussie chick Estelle at breaky and we headed into town for the parade. Well there were lots of people and it was difficult to see but we as did everyone else. Some brought ther own ladders so they could see, others climbed trees, some stood on the baracades and some stood on fences. Well Tijana sat on my shoulders for a bit so we could get some piccys and then we stood on the seats. Still the atmosphere was great and it didn't really matter where you were when the planes and helicopters flew over.
So after the parade we headed to Invalides - the Military Museum which was free today.
At the back is where Napoleon's tomb is located so checked that out as well.
Well it had been a big morning and we still had a big night ahead of us so we searched for lunch and saw some of the Military exhibitions around the city. This one was at the Opera house. You could have photo's taken with the guys but there were no hot ones so I just had my own photo.
So next we headed back to the hotel for a little rest and to organise for tonight. We managed some cheap sangria, win and vodka and of course nibbles for our picnic by the Eiffel Tower. (We hoped anyway). So we headed down to look for teh perfect spot and I think we managed it.
Began our drinks in picnic style and took some fun piccy's.
Then the show started. I was interested to see if the reviews were correct "the world's best fireworks display on the world's best stage) I could agree with the Eiffel Tower being ONE of the world's best stages but not too sure about the fireworks display with the Sydney New Years fireworks being so great. Well I do have to say in all honesty that the fireworks themselves really didn't compare to Sydney! But it was a great atmosphere and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Oh and I took a few piccy's (excuse the blurriness I'd had a few sangria's by this time !!!)
Then after the fireworks we decided to stay for a while and just take it in (and we still had nibbles and alcohol to consume). Some local frenchies came and joined us and it was great mixing and trying to communicate. Such fun!!!
The one criticism I would make is no loo's - so what else can you do!!!!
So finally made it back to the hotel at about 4:30am with Tanya and Jonathan quite concerned that I was out on my own so late. No need to worry!!!
Well Saturday came and the sangria was reminding me of the previous night festivities - but I soldiered on and headed to the Arc de Triumphe - One of my favouite places in Paris. So after managing the trek up the little staircase (as you can see) I had a little rest and took in the view. Hope you enjoy the piccy's.
I especially like the black and white ones.
Then it was off to hunt for some lunch before going for a bit of a wander.
After wandering I REALLY needed to rest, so where else better than in the park accross from the Eiffel Tower. So we rested for a couple of hours and ate some yummy cherries.
Then we decided to go to the latin quarter for dinner then Montparnasse Tower. But not to leave before I did my arty photo thing of the Eiffel!!!!
So we sorted dinner and I ate some snails - YUM!!!!!!!
Then we rushed to the Tower for sunset but it was sunset when we arrived and a massive ine up - so missed out. Maybe another time.
So back to the Latin Quarter for some piccys.
Then accross the road to the Seine River where we listened to a busker for a while. And saw Notre Dame.
Eventually we headed back to the Arc de Triumphe so I could get the night piccy's but they didn't turn out as nice as I had hoped - ah well!!!
Then home to bed.
So Sunday was very casual. Wandered into town - no Metro so this took a while.
Then went on a river cruise. It was really hot today and the boat was packed so it was a littel uncomfortable but ah well gotta deal with it. Took lots of piccy's but with the sun and glare they are a bit bright.
So went and had a cold drink afterwards and said goodbye to Tanya and Jonathan. I had planned to go back to the Montparnasse Tower but ventured in to the Luxemburg Park along the way which was just full of interesting people to watch so I spent all my time in there taking some piccy's.
Then it was back to the Hotel to get ready to catch my train back to London. Well this trip has pushed France back to the top of the favourite places again - By far. I just love it and will miss being able to go when i have to come back to Australia!!!!!!
