I had no trouble getting myself a subway day pass again, and found that I was quickly getting a feel for which lines took me to which stops. So, after boarding my first train I had a quick transfer and a longer ride to a station on an island, an island in a river, where the river is in the city...or Paris France. Sadly, I don't know the name of the island... but, it is most well known as the home of Notre Dame. That was however, not my first stop. At first I walked around the border of the island, relaxing at some views over the river, and taking some extra time at the west-most point. This is known as the Pont Neuf. Again, I don't know the translation and the french labels were all lost on me. But! I did appreciate that this little point sticking out into the river was a small walkway loop, with lush grass and beautiful gardens inside. I took some time to just sit on. A bench by the point, listen to the wind and water, and watch the ferries go by.
Having settled, I got up to visit dear ole Notre Dame. By this point, the sun was out, shining bright, and making this massive gothic exterior appear just a bit too cheerful. But, after a quick view of the front towers, I went inside for a more ominous and gothic effect. The cathedral is about as gothic in architecture a building can be. Dark stone, shaped in huge, vaulting ceilings. Every window an ornate, yet dark stained glass image. The frames around ever window and doorway was a series of arches on arches. Really... really beautiful. Perhaps this was a mistake, others can vote, but I chose not to climb the towers. Should my day go to plan, I would simply be spoiling my desire for an awesome view of the city.
I then left Notre Dame, at least the building, but took a walk around the outside. I've always enjoyed looking at the gargoyles and the flying buttresses. I always got the feeling that they were legs and the whole building was one day going to get up and leave. Should that ever happen... I told you so! On my route back to the front of the building, I stopped by a street vendor for lunch of a ham and cheese crepe. I then ate it in the square in front of the cathedral, and felt rather satisfied for the time being.
From there I walked to the other church on the island, and lesser known (at least to me). On Emmy's recommendation I found my way to Sainte Champelle. From the small amount of roof and spire I could see, it looked much like a miniature Notre Dame. Though, a few photos of the inside made it look pretty spectacular. More decorated and lit by the stains glass windows. Sadly, I arrived at the beginning of "closed for lunch". In addition to the unfortunately long wait, I was carrying a lot of things that I did not want to leave at the hostel. The entrance here is shared with a police facility, so they are very strict with what can be taken in, and I would just rather not risk the amount I had. So, this church will be saved for another day.
My next stop was a long subway trip away. I traveled to the western edge of the city, where I got out to walk north along the river. This route would take me directly to the foot of the Eiffel Tower. But, my path first took me past the Statue of Liberty, or the sister (little?) To the one we have back home in New York. It was not particularly stunning... it looked like the statue from back home... But it was funny to see something that felt so similar in a place that felt so foreign.
After a glimpse and a few pictures, I continued up the river. Sadly, this walk was not as peaceful as I'd hoped. Here there are a lot of ferry docks, so you cannot walk right along the river. Alas... But, before long I reached the Eiffel Tower. Its always nice navigating to the tallest thing around. Even if I didn't know what road to take there, its rather easy to identify. From its base, the tower gives a very... looming... feeling, as the way it curves I think exaggerates its height.
So, I then did what must be done... and got in the long, long line to go upwards. So, fast forwarding the next bit of time, I got to the first checkpoint, where they said my bag was fine. I then bought a ticket... and could not buy one to the very top! What!?!? Sigh... so, I got a ticket to the second floor, as it would still be the best view of Paris I was going to get. Fast forwarding again, I passed through/dealt with the metal detector, waited in line a bit more, and went up the elevator.
So, I emerged on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower just before 6. I should have waited a little longer, (I mean before getting in line...) so that I could catch the sun setting. That said, I enjoyed its location low on the horizon. I then proceeded to have spectacular views, with only whisks of clouds in all directions. I saw Montmartre to the north (where I'm staying), Notre Dame to the east, and other cool bits of city everywhere else. It was nice to just stand there and watch the sun work its way down also. But, before the sun set, hunger began to get the better of me, so I headed down.
Note, I never did find out why I could not go all the way up. There was another line on the second floor, but all I was told was that in 40 minutes there would be an announcement... ewe... I'll be back...
So, I headed to dinner, and was in a mood for something nice. So I returned to where I went the previous night with Connor's class, as I saw no need to be creative. For dinner I did an appetizer, enter, cheese, dessert special. I first got escargot for my first time ever. I was surprised at how good I thought they were, and found the little snail-shell-holder-utensil to be way more work than worth. I then had some duck over "fries", though really just potato slices. It was really good. I was then very glad to have saved my bread basket, as I needed it for the cheese. I know there was Brie and 2 others... though I'm hazy on details. It also came with a small bit of salad. Lastly, I had a creme brule... they are so good... All in all, I was very pleased.
I then took my last subway trip of the night and returned to my hostel. Bed time!
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