Today was "see as many tourist sights as we can" day. First on the list was the Louvre.
We were welcomed by the glass pyramids which you see on movies all the time. The cues into the Louvre were almost non-existent when we go there. It is hard to imagine how large this museum actually is until you get here. The first thing we headed for was the Mona Lisa. However, by the time you actually walk there 45 minutes have passed by as you admire all the other works along the way.
It is worth the walk. There is a lot of talk about the majesticness and eerieness of this piece of work. It is a lot smaller than you imagine as you approach it. Its probably only the size of a typical household bathroom mirror. The greatest thing about this work of art is when you walk around it, it appears as if Mona is watching you. Meeting Mona in "person" is definitely a lot better than buying those cheap $10 poster replicas at uni.
We saw as much more as we could before our legs were about to fall off before lunch. By this time we were really hungry and were desperate for lunch. As we walked past a cafferteria along the way we were asked to come in for lunch by what seemed to be the cafe owner. The prices for food are ridiculous here in Paris. I had a tiny lasagne for $10 AUD, Asher a spaggehtti for $10 AUD and Pettsy a plate of about 15 "freedom" fries for $7.50 AUD.
After lunch we made our way to the Eiffel Tower. Along the way I redeemed my home made gift voucher gift voucher given to me by Asher back in Australia. This voucher entitled me to a pair of nice warm gloves. Very fitting for the situation.
As we approached the tower it appeared really ugly. However, as you walk around it to the main side (as seen on television) the grandness of this landmark is breath-taking. Around the base of the tower were 5 groups of 3 policemen who were there on patrol. A lot of security compared to what we have back at home for our landmarks. We made our way across the bridge to a viewing platform where we took awesome photos of the Eiffel Tower. At this same place we saw a soccer professional balance balls from his nose and a pencil that protruded from his bottom. Weird by wonderful!
Next stop was Sacre Coeur. Sacre Coeur is a huge Catholic church perched on a hill in Paris. Before we went in to experience a Catholic service we watched a massive 200 piece euphonium orchestra play Christmas songs and French tunes.
The architecture of the churches in Paris are amazing. As you walk in to the Sacre Coeur you can't help but see the wonderful painted roof above the alter. I managed to get a photo of it but its not very clear as I had to do it secretly. I am sure God knew I was doing it.
The order of service we were given said we weren't able to take part in communion if we had not been baptised in a catholic church. Much to Asher's disbelief we left the church to find outside a pair of busking singers. We watched and sang along for a while as they were actually really good.
We finished the night with a set dinner in a restaurant near the Sacre Coeur. It was a nice 3 course dinner for $24 AUD.
Just as we were arriving at the hostel we saw a sticker on a car. It was a KEVIN 07 sticker. Who would have thought.
Tim
The glass Pyramid at the Louvre
At the base of the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower from the viewing platform
Kevin Dudd pitching in Paris
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