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A Birthday In Paris

November 17th, 2001

Posted in Europe, France, Paris |

Tour Eiffel as if you were looking up when being close

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My 20th In Paris!

A fun weekend with new friends

From a sip of the wine, I knew I was not in London anymore. The food was amazing and the people were very nice. We arrived safely into Paris on the Eurostar and situated ourselves into the 3-star hotel in Marais. It was quite a first night out as we met the Council representative for Paris and was treated to a traditional night out to the cafe’ for the Beaujolais de Noveau (the wine that comes out during November and is traditionally and culturally celebrated) and some froghmaghree, olives, and hors d’vours. Afterwards, the group decided to split up and eat dinner to suit their tastes. Sasha, Kit, Silvia, Alan (for a short period of time before he decided to leave us), and I had cruised Bastille in search for the perfect place to eat. After ten minutes of selecting the finest restaurants to fit our budget we discovered Bistrot Les Sans Culottes, a nice small and cheap, but really damn good French cuisine located in Bastille on 27 rue de Lappe. I highly recommend it if you are on a budget but need to eat a good 3-5 course meal.

On Saturday, we were guided around the Marais district and toured the historic buildings. These buildings included: Archives Nationales, Musee de la Chasse, Musee de Picasso, Centre Pompidou, Place de la Bastille, Opera Bastille, Musee Carnavalet, Place des Vosges, and other main attractions within the Marais district. After the tour ended we split at the Seine and discovered the main attractions of Paris.

Naima, Nancy, Anna, Andy and I made our way to the Musee de Louvre and experienced really long lines. So Naima used her “VIP” technique of getting us into the Louvre by going through the metro. I highly recommend this route especially if you see a long line such as the one in my pictures. But we got into the Louvre quickly and entered Danon, the portion of the museum in which Leonardo Di Vinci’s Mona Lisa is located. Mona was quite smaller than expected and really dark inside the glass box. It was nice to actually experience the painting, having only seen or heard about it. Now actually seeing it in real life…..What a difference!

After the Louvre we went on Tuileries, the Ferris wheel in the middle of the Jardin du Carrousel and the Jardin Des Tuileries. Naima was very militant about going on this so we really had no choice. Actually we all really wanted to but gave her a bad time about it anyway. It was the best decision we made because it was memorable. Naima, after making it a life or death situation about going on this thing, started freaking out as if our cabin was going to come loose and fall. It was quite funny.

After the Tuileries, we went for a stroll down Avenue Des Champs Elysees where we saw ‘the most beautiful avenue in Europe’. Stores such as Virgin, and many American companies, which are far and few in France (a wonderful thing), were located on this avenue.

At the end of Champs Elysees we saw the Arc de Triomphe and then walked to the Tour Eiffel. After seeing Tour Eiffel and finally ending our long and tiring day, we all went shopping in the Gallerie La Fayette on Boulevard Haussman . It was a department store, larger than any other one I have ever seen including very expensive brand labels. So, I went to H&M to buy myself a present and clothes for the night of festivities. Although, Naima, Andy, and Nancy all shopped for purses deciding to, at one point buy 5 for everyone they knew, to deciding they didn’t want anything at all.

After we split, they went to the Pompidou and I went running around the Marais getting lost every which direction I turned, with a faulty map, new shoes, and beads of sweat perspiring in my newly bought clothing outside in the 50-60 degree weather, looking for the Pompidou and my friend John & Colin who were taking me out for my birthday. After showing up my notorious 45 minutes late, we enjoyed a night out of restaurants, bars, and ‘the’ club of Paris. It was a good old time not to be forgotten.

The next day.. I joined John and Colin in making a trip up the Eiffel. Although it was a cloudy and nippy day, it was allot of fun. I finally made my way up to the top and made one of my many dreams possible. There are so many more to come, and this trip to Paris is just the beginning of it all.

After Eiffel we walked across the Parc du Champ de Mars over to Ecole Militaire to Hotel Des Invalidades. Inside Invalidades we saw the memorial and casket of Napolean Bonaparte including the other heroic figures of the French Revolution.

After John, Colin and I split, I had extra time to eat and fulfill my aspiration of trying Fioe Grias and Tarte Tarte. If you like these meals than you are an open minded individual and also my perfect traveling buddy.

Basically, Fioe Grais is a pate that is created by overfeeding a goose and having the goose throw up its liver. Its pretty inhumane if you ask me but it tastes damn good. Tarte Tarte is basically uncooked ground beef mixed with a raw egg and some spices. These two together were absolutely delicious. After eating those two meals, I really got the impression of the French culture and tasted some of the best delicatessens France offers. It was delicious. Afterwards I had a good workout catching up with Rex running after the Eurostar. If there is anything theme for my time in Europe it has to be “late”.

My trip was enjoyed and will be one of many to Paris.

The Metro arriving into Voltaire, the location of our hotel.New Candide Hotel in Voltaire District, walking distance to the Marais District, very central to the nightlife and great restaurants. Accommodation, Breakfast, and Transportation from London Waterloo to Paris Gare de Nord to Voltaire was all included. Thanks to Council.Friday Night dinner at Bistrot Les Sans Culottes. Our dinner was delicious and well spent over two hours. Each of us loved the entire dinner starting with the Escargot to tasty desserts.Place de la Bastille. In this landmark located directly in the middle of a large turnabout is a memorial commemorating Bastille, the war and the soldiers lost during one of the battles during the French Revolution. It is said that the bodies are barried under this area.In front of the Opera Bastille there was a demonstration led by the working class. Basically the protest was fighting the regiment law that was going to be enacted or already was, concerning the treatment of sick people in the workplace. In essence, the people argued that the law forces hospitalization and takes away from the rights of the individual.During our walking tour we were escorted to Place des Vosges, a square in which many of the kings and queens lived once upon a time and where the more important visitors of France stayed.Place Des Vosges, with a view of the Mansion of Victor Hugo (author) and Deborah Chock.Hotel de Bethune-Sully.Side view of the Hotel de Bethune-SullyWith Sasha in the courtyard of Hotel de Bethune-Sully.Sasha, Kit, and Silvia in the courtyard of Hotel de Bethune-SullyCourtyard of Hotel de Bethune-SullyMusee de Picasso and the King Henry statue located near the entrance of the museum.On Rue Des Archives there is a Jewish school in which the French-Jewish children were evacuated during World War II and placed into internment camps. This plaque on the school commemorates and describes the dedication and events that took place.On Rue Payenne looking down the street to Rue Mahler with St. Paul’s in the far distance.This is a picture of the institute in which many French-Jewish children were taken from during World War II.Time to Rest?, Andy waits by the road before crossing over to the Centre Pompidou.Some may praise the modern architecture of this building and some may be a critic. Apparently, the red lines are a symbol of communication with our society and illustrate some sort of flow of that communication.The Centre Pompidou is apparently one of Paris’ visited and popular museums. Due to time constraints I was unable to enter the Centre Pompidou and see the art that is appreciated inside this magnificent piece of architecture.St. Eustache and Les HallesLes Halles with St. Eustache in the distant. Les Halles is a shopping center in which I had been previously told about before visiting Paris. Unfortunately, I was unable to realize that this was a shopping center because it doesn’t look like one.The ‘Survivors’ of the tour make it to Seine. The last time before we all split up and do our own things.Naima, Nancy, Andy, and Anna looking at the long line at the Louvre.Line at the Louvre.Another view of what you can see while be inside the main atrium of the Louvre.So Naima comes up with a great idea to get inside “VIP” from the metro. It seemed to work although we got taxed 8.30 francs. This picture is what it looks like inside the atrium of the Louvre.(Actual Size) Why we came here… MONA! She took all our energy just getting to her, it was the largest magnificent underrated piece of artwork I have ever seen in my entire life. If you have been to Louvre you known what I am taking about. Its really hard to understand… who dictates art and why do people find certain pieces more attractive than the others.Musee de LourveAlthough, this artist seems to have a really good imitation. Artists try to imitate the artwork on the walls in the Danon section. As you can see there is nothing like the original.Naima studies the art with finesse and gives her synopsis on the portrait. She is studying art history at Goldsmiths in New Cross, London and has a greater understanding.Nancy in Danon, patiently await the most exciting painting of the journey….. Mona!Danon and the hall with the most incredible pieces of religious works.Jesus carrying his cross and other religious paintings are quite common in the Danon tier.In the upper section of Danon, we entered the ancient civilization (stolen) artifacts mainly from Asia.The paintings and stories of the bible illuminate the halls of Danon in the Louvre.Before entering the core of Danon you will find a marble walkway in which sculptures and famous historical artifacts are locatedPlace du Carrousel, outside the Musee de LouvreOne thing we will all remember about the Louvre was the great tasting International food. For a museum it was quite comparable and not overpriced. It was delicious especially this gelato I had following my entree.We Are Dorks.. Naima, Andy, Nancy and I having a good old stroll in Jardin du Carrousel.So, Naima convinces us to on Tuileries.. yeah!Tuileries taken from Jardin du CarrouselSo we get in Tuileries, but at this point I couldn’t find my ticket in my clothing so the attendant let me on after making a one franc scalp offer before he let me on.Naima starts freaking out. Tuileries was rocking back and forth and she finally admits she is scared and we wondered why she wanted to go on this in the first place.Grand Palias taken from the peak of TuileriesParis skyline taken from the peak of TuileriesTuileries was a great time. Naima had calmed down (and so did I cause I was freaking out also) and we all got our moment of enjoyment.Avenue Des Champs Elysees taken from the peak of TuileriesArc de Triomphe at the end of Avenue Des Champs ElyseesTour Eiffel taken from the walkway into Palias de ChaillotTour Eiffel with Andy and Naima.The crepes these two made were fast and good. I think it was because I was so tired from walking to the Tour Eiffel both times that finding a place to eat, especially on a Sunday, made it even better. The guy wanted to retake the picture holding the French bread in his hands, (trying to use it as weapon towards her???….not sure) and so I thought it was cute and took it.On Sunday, Tour Eiffel had a different appearance, but still looked great. It added more emotion to the tower when you looked at it under a cloud.Tour Eiffel as if you were looking up when being closeThe transportation and elevator located inside Tour Eiffel that takes you to the second level. This rope operated cab takes you up the leg and into the 2nd Floor where you take a regular elevator up to the top.Tour Eiffel in an artistic taste.Tour Eiffel taken from underneath the arches looking upward.Sometimes you just want to jump! The people look like ants and the busses look like maggots. This picture was difficult enough to maneuver and if I had dropped my camera, I would never hear the end of it.Another picture of Tour Eiffel taken using the same technique of risking my camera. Tour Eiffel taken sticking the camera outside the safety bars over the ledge and downward. What I discovered is the best photograph of Tour Eiffel.Colin taking a break on top of Tour Eiffel.Being myself on Tour Eiffel. Obviously it was so cloudy you couldn’t see anything.Tour Guide JohnBut I did manage to get a nice picture of Tour Eiffel Parc du Champ de Mars which is in between Ecole Militaire and Tour EiffelA view of the Seine from the top of the EiffelPalias de Chaillot and Siene take from the the top of Tour EiffelTour Eiffel behind the memorial, La Motte Picquet. The memorial includes the names of people who fought in World War II.Tour Eiffel sitting on the grass in Parc du Champ de Mars and looking up.Ecole Militaire, the former facility for the French military.Inside Hotel Des Invalides, Napoleon Bonaparte is displayed in the center inside his casket. France honors him with this excessive memorial and also many other heroic figures inside this building.The actual battle weapons and cannons that were used during the French Revolution. The canons were artistically created itself with a detailed sculpture of designs on the sides. I guess the war was more than just a battle, it was an artistic revolution.These Frenchmen are mascots, wearing the clothing Napoleon and other men wore during the time of the French Revolution.The casket of another heroic figure of France.This is what Napoleon looks up to inside Hotel Des Invalides a sign of heaven and the clouds looking upward into the sky painting.How Open-minded Are You? Tarte Tarte the very delicious and healthy plate. It is raw meat with some some spices and a raw egg. It was damn good and I am having it everytime I go to France. Including, Foie Grais and Fromaghree, wine , bread, pastries, all of it…. etc. Its all damn good!On the Eurostar Anna was tired.Carol was dreaming of eating Tarte Tarte…. She was tired. She had a busy weekend herself and rests for another busy week in London.Paris was a great time for the Council kids to get to know each other.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, November 17th, 2001 at 2:32 pm and is filed under Europe, France, Paris. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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