Chocolat, Chocolat, Chocolat!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Today was our first day in Paris all on our own. Rich successfully ordered breakfast all in French, even though the waiter spoke very good English…still, it was fun.

So, let’s talk about food since we’re on the subject. The French really know how to eat, and you know what they say, “When in Paris…” (or something like that…LOL). You have to love a country where you can have chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner! We started the day with hot chocolate, had a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) mid morning, a crepe au chocolat for lunch and finished dinner off with chocolate ice cream with, of course, chocolate sauce. And their chocolate…Mon Dieu!! We’re not too sure we’ll be home any time soon.

After breakfast we took the Metro up to the Tracadero, a huge building that houses several museums and overlooks the Eiffel Tower. We walked down to the tower, taking plenty of photos on the way, only to find very long lines. We figured we would spend several hours just in line. We were just about to give up when Rich had the idea to pull out the trusty Rick Steve’s travel guide. He recommends the line for the stairs as it is usually much shorter. After tracking lines and figuring out which was which, we discovered he was right! It was only about 15 minutes and we were on our way up the Eiffel Tower. Now, remember that exercise course in London? They have it in Paris as well. There are 360 steps to the first level (and a short break for that pain au chocolat and café au lait), then another 360 steps to the second level for breathtaking views of Paris. Well, no trip to Paris if you don’t go all the way to the top, 1,063 feet above the city. WOW! What a view. Fortunately, although you have to pay for the elevator on the way for the first two levels, going down is free. We spared our feet rode the lift back to terra firma.

After a lunch of crepe au chocolat, we hiked back of the hill and toured the Cité de L’Architecture, or Architecture Museum. It has amazing pieces of art from medieval cathedrals, chateaus, and hotels that were destroyed during the revolution. They have reconstructed entire ceilings, doorways, and murals in the museum. It was quite amazing. What was even more amazing is that Rick Steve’s does not mention it in his list of museums. If you enjoy architecture as we do, it’s a must see.

One more Metro romp took us back to the Arc de Triomphe. This time we pulled out our gym membership card, cleverly disguised as a Paris Museum Pass, and climbed to the 284 steps up to the top of the arch for another 360 degree view of Paris. Arriving back on the ground, we discovered a ceremony going on around the eternal flame. There were dignitaries, military, veterans and school children all assembled to honor those fallen in battle. The group singing at the end (the French national anthem?) was moving.
Remember that fondue pot stuck at the back of your cupboard? Well, the French still use theirs. We had a delicious dinner of two fondues, beef and beer cheese, followed by chocolate sundaes and café au lait. Magnifique!

Bonsoir et au revoir!
Rich & Will