grammyandpopsgrandtour: 11th August 2010

11^th August, 2010

Left home in Hobart 8am and arrived in Melbourne 10.30am, left Melbourne 3pm arrived in Kuala Lumpa 21.10 change of plane and left again 23.40 and arrived Paris 3.35pm, which is 6.35am 12^th August Paris time.

12^th August, 2010

We were met by Jean (how French is that) who led us out of the airport and introduced us to our driver. Jean explained to us that he had told the driver that we were Australian so not to expect a tip. We just couldn’t believe that we were actually here in Paris and must have sounded like the very inexperienced travellers we were as we admired the beautiful buildings and saw the Sacre Couer for the first time….gorgeous.

We arrived at Hotel Le Vignon. We changed our watches to Paris time – it was now 7.45am. Do we sleep or see Paris – easy – a quick shower change of clothes and set off to explore Paris.

We bought a two day ticket on the ‘hop on hop off’ bus. A great way to get to k now a city. We were both struck with the beauty of the buildings. Hausman had designed the city in 19th century. Most are 4 storeys high with a 5^th set back with dormer style windows. Charming. Most of the streets are cobble stones set in a fan shape.

Our bus departed from La Madeleine a beautiful Cathedral which from the outside looks like the Parthenon. The inside is beautifully painted with many religious scenes. I bought some post cards – felt funny buying things in a church.

Our next stop was the Grand Opera – this is – words fail me – it has to be seen – it was designed so that Napolean III could arrive by coach directly to the dress circle.

Gardens of the Royal Palace was our next stop – long rows of trees and lawn all beautifully maintained.

This leads on to the grounds of the Louvre – a huge area. We will visit the Louvre another day as the queues were just too long today.

Pont Neuf – Bridge over the Seinne – river boats start cruises up and down the river from here.

Next stop – Notre Dame – it is the centre of the city – everything is measured from here. The queues waiting to go in here were even longer than the Louvre. We had been told to visit the old Roman ruins that were discovered when they built Notre Dame. It was amazing – everything is so old.

We stayed on the bus and drove past the Oblisque of the Concorde, Des Champs Elysees, Arc d’Triomphe, Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower. Back to the Madeleine and a short stroll home. Rest time then we went for a walk to get some tea. Finally decided upon a Pizza café not very French but homey and welcoming. It had been a huge day. We went to bed at 7.30pm which was 2.30am Hobart time. With very little sleep on the plane it was no wonder we decided on an early night.