I travel and one of the places I love is Paris. Many people enjoy this exciting beautiful experience to share together in the historic streets of Paris. When we arrived the streets were bustling with people busy in their lives making their way to work and doing their every day activities. Just like any other place, it was filled with the sounds of a City.
I was anticipating seeing the museums, operas, and concert halls. As we approached the City we drove through the City Gates of Paris, and in the background I could see the Eifel Tower looming high up into the blue sky which was very exciting to see and be right there experiencing these moments. My great great grandfather was part of the construction of one of the gates in Paris, although I did not know which. It was quite an interesting quest.
The Eifel Tower is very impressive in structure. it was built in 1889 and it was the keystone of the Universal Exposition which celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution. The builder was Gustave Eiffel. You stand under it and look up into the iron works with its winding staircase reaching toward the heavens. It all seemed so surreal. After having a very luxurious lunch in the Jewel Restaurant, it started to rain, as it often does in Paris, but I didn't know when it rains the elevators no longer are in service, so we were up there for near to 45 minutes enjoying the view of this City and feeling that rain shower on your face. There is another alternative if you take on the venture of walking down a winding staircase that seems bottomless good for you, I waited. I felt very blessed for these special moments of Paris rain and the exquisite view. The elevator came in due time, but those moments will always be remembered. I also found the small cafés lining the streets charming. One thing you must do is always turn your chair facing the street while dining at a sidewalk table. I also like the fact that dogs were not discriminated against and people brought them into the restaurants. This was something new for me which I found very pleasing. The animals were treated special as they should.
Another place of interest to visit is Montmartre which is on a hill giving one a view of the surrounding district north of Paris. It is known for its white-domed Basilica of the Sacre' Coeur. The church of Saint Pierre de Montmartre claims to be the location at which the Jesuit order of priests was founded. Many well-known artists, such as Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh painted there in the community. It was fascinating to take a quiet time and sit among the towering walls of this church listening to the soft chanting of the monks and soaking in this environment of past history. The church has a stone staircase to the top if you can make it up, it is worth the energy when you see the view. There is very little room for two way traffic but once reaching the top it is an accomplishment. The market place there attracts artists from all over the world, and they love to sketch pretty woman. I brought these home with us. You can't help but pick up a few of their paintings too because of the beauty of the scenes they paint of the River Seine, monuments, people, and Paris in its beauty. I noticed that on this river by the bridges that cross it, there are smaller versions of our Statue of Liberty.
I loved visiting the famous night club spots. A little different from here in the States, but a part of history in Paris and shouldn't be missed. The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret which should not be overlooked while touring the City. It is the birthplace of the can can dance and attracts tourist from around the world. The romance can still be felt within the walls of the cabaret. Like everything else things have changed but still worth the trip.
Traveling by motor bus to Versailles was an experience of a lifetime. Being where kings walked and Marie Antoinette made history was more than delightful. To walk through the Hall of Mirrors and to look upon the paintings on the ceilings and surroundings and sculptures was enchanting. The outside gardens went on forever reigning in flowering beauty and greenery.
There is so much more to see: The Louvre, Notre Dame, St. Mont Michelle. The list goes on and on. I especially enjoyed Giverny and Monet's Gardens, one feels as if they were walking through his garden paintings right there with the water lilies and willow trees. Once again experiencing a surreal feeling of being enchanted in an older world lost to time. Many do not realize that Monet was near sighted and that is why his painting have a certain affect. He was a very interesting man. It was really nice walking through his cottage that he called home.
I've had many blessings, and I know that I will always travel this world with my wonderful family who shares this interest. I believe that travel is a necessity to broaden ones outlook and bring a higher approach to life and living. I feel all children should experience this with their families. This is my reason for sharing my adventure with others.