Europe: Paris Edition

In addition to our anniversary trip to the winery, Darrell and I also planned a two-day getaway to Paris. Once we had paid for the flight and were in London, travel to other European cities was pretty easy--and considerably cheaper than planning another overseas trip--so we figured that since this might be the only time we are in Europe we might as well make the most of it. As we realized when we were in Paris, we aren't really sure whose idea it was to travel to Paris out of the available European cities, but it was certainly a great--albeit busy--addition to our time in London. With the help of Google maps, we estimated that we walked about fifteen miles in our two days there--and this was after a week of walking around London and winery!

Up at 4 AM to catch the train to Paris

Finally in Paris!

Apparently Darrell is a giant in Paris (or they just serve their espresso in really small cups...)

Place de Concord (obelisk), National Assembly (building with columns), Napoleon's Tomb (gold dome). And yes, this was as close as we got to all three of those. We just didn't have the time--there is soooo much to see in Paris 

The Louvre! We were probably there for close to four hours and *maybe* saw half of it. That place is seriously huge. Seriously.

But, of course, we made sure to see the Mona Lisa--as did, not surprisingly, everyone else in the museum

Apparently the French aren't as protective of their Crown Jewels as the British are

Darrell's cool shot of the inverted pyramid

The Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame self-portrait

A shot of the beautiful stained glass inside

Probably the coolest gargoyle ever

View from the top! (Not surprisingly, the hike to the top was very similar to that of St. Paul's. And unfortunately, it was a hazy morning so we couldn't get any really good shots of the city)

Does this monument even need a caption?

Kisses!

Getting ready to take the train through the Chunnel! (Which--for the record--not as cool as it seems. You can't even see the English channel when you enter or exit the tunnel, and--naturally--you can't see anything from inside the tunnel)

One. Post. Left--I promise!

Other Europe Posts:
London, Part I: The Iconic Images
London, Part II: The Royalty
Anniversary Trip to Denbies Wine Estate
London, Part III: The Museums
London, Part IV: The Fun!
London, Part V: The Leftovers