Paris Day 2

Well it is Monday morning in Paris and all of Dave's mojo can not stop the rain falling.  Even with five years of French in school, he is too rusty to clear the skies.  So we are going to walk to the subway and find a way to see some of Paris and stay somewhat dry.  It will probably be a day of eating and shopping.
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Okay we decided to not stay cooped in the apartment.  We are in Paris!  Out the door and to the subway.  Judith seems really excited  to show us the sights.

Diana and Cole look game too.

 We decided to start at Notre Dame.  Diana and Dave pose for a pic over the Seine River

 Another pic as the rains falls outside Notre Dame.  Diana refused to take here hoodie down.

 As we approached the entrance, the stone carving is incredible.

 Inside is even more spectacular

 Stature to St. Teresa

 A family vault

 The stunning stained glass windows in the extended wings

 This pic doesn't even come close to showing how high these ceilings are. 100 feet!!!   Remember these are made my men in the 12th century with few tools and equipment.  Just wood, glass, stone, rope, pulleys, and mortar. 

  the main hall

Dave and Diana take a photo by a stained glass window.

 we also toured the treasure and relic rooms.

 we think these are diamonds in this tabernacle piece. Wow!

 Diana looks over a collection of centurys old medallions

 leaving the treasure area

 a tribute to Pope John Paul

 An interred cardinal

 one of Notre Dame original candle chandeliers

 Mary and Jesus sculpture in the alter area.  This is as close as anyone can get except the Pope.

  leaving Notre Dame

and the rain starts again

 we head toward the fountain to St. Michel.

 But the Pizzeria and the thought of a dry lunch sounds better.

 Yep- this is much better and warmer.  We have a great Italian lunch.

 Now well fed, the rain had stopped.  Shopping seems in order for Diana and Judith.

 or maybe a sweet at the shop for dessert.

 Cole and Diana try a fresh macaroon.

 "Judith - do you like that purse??"

 Or let's go look at shoes.

 Finally back at the fountain for a picture after all the shopping

 Cole tells Mom she has to try a sweet crepe.

 "Thanks Cole - this is another great idea.!" 

But with rain again we duck into a nearby Irish Pub to wait it out.  Judith runs across the street to buy a deck of cards. 

Diana explains the rules of 10 point Pitch and the kids quickly get it.  Then Diana starts playing for blood!

 Now we are waiting out the rain in style.

 The girls win at Pitch.  We head to the subway and Eiffel Tower before the sun goes down. 

 Our first sighting

 No picture can describe what we see from the ground.  This structure is absolutely incredible.  Hard to believe how they built this steel and iron monument.  The line is long to go up and Diana tells us she will wait if we want to go.  We decide to stay together on the ground.  But I bet the view is spectacular from up there!

 One pose for Dave and Diana

 And one for the soon to be married couple

Did you know Gustave Eiffel designed and built the frame for Statue of Liberty before he did the tower?   Here is a bust of Eiffel under one of the four massive supports.  Most all agree that this is by far his finest erection.

 one final cameo

We walked, we shopped, we toured, we ate.  We walked, we shopped, we toured, we ate.  No dinner tonight.  Lets pickup some Parisian snacks and head home.  A  ride home by taxi.  The subway back is just too blase' today.  Our driver gave us quite the tour and pointed out many interesting landmarks.  It was a fun end of the night.

 Cole had his own idea how to end the evening.