Tonight I wrap up 4 days in Paris.  And really what can I say about Paris that hasn’t already been said…it was as expected: Spectacular! My feet got a bit more wet than I would have liked the last 2 days…but I did come in November and my first 2 days here more than made up for the drenching I received yesterday and today.

How can I not start this post without a picture of the Paris’ “Iron Lady?”

She is more mesmerizing at night when she literally sparkles.

I took this picture at the end of a “free walking tour” I read about on Trip Advisor…it was kinda neat.  The guides work off tips only and are local Parisians with personalities :).  I did 2 of the 3 tours they offered.

My Parisian apartment!

I was so fortunate to stay at my friend’s brother’s apartment near the Arc de Triomphe.  It was quaint, cozy and a nice reprieve from hotel life. AND I got to do laundry!  Outside the building door is a 2 star Michelin Restaurant called Michel Rostang, fantastic patisseries and wonderful fresh fish, veggie and fruit markets.  The cheese stores and wine stores were all too much for me to handle as well. Frankly, I need more time here.  I am just now starting to get comfortable (you should see me operate the metro doors now!  Just like a real Parisian!)…plus there are way too many stores that I have yet to visit!

Speaking of stores!  I did get a pair of chaussures from this shop, Repetto….it is a 100% Parisian brand with its history dating back to 1947.  Rose Repetto made prima ballerina shoes for the dancers at the National Opera house (just down the street).  When Bridgette Bardot asked her to make her a pair of shoes, her brand took off.  Madame Repetto opened her first shop in 1959 on Rue de la Paix (where I got my shoes!….and the famous rue with the all the high end jewelry shops…Chopard, Cartier, Van Cliff & Arpels, etc).  If you chose, you can have your foot fitted and they will make you a custom pair.  It takes 3 weeks, but probably worth the wait!  The shoes are beautiful…and a piece of Paris history!

The Second Empire knew what it was doing when it created the National Opera house in Paris. A representation of the republic’s success and riches (it was finished in the Third Republic) it is an amazing accomplishment by a relatively unknown architect at the time, Charles Garnier. Next time I will attend a show there and wear my new Repetto shoes:)!

It had been 16 years since I went into the Louvre last…so I figured it was time I renewed acquaintance with Ms. Mona Lisa.  She hasn’t changed a bit…although apparently now she is too fragile to move.  Her eternal spot is in the Louvre (no more trips across the pond for an expedition in good ole USA).  The line wasn’t horrible when I got there…thankfully…and I made my 11am guided tour by the most french of french men.  He reveled in calling other tourists “barbarians” and wouldn’t tolerate any interruptions.  Those who did were cut off quickly with a, “Madame/Monsieur, if you WOULD let me finish….*huff*”.  I actually got more entertainment out of him than all the masterpieces I saw :).

It is said it takes 27 days to do the Louvre properly…I gave her 3 hours :).  Sufficient for another 16 years.

Napoleon III’s apartment in the Louvre.

French opulence is beyond compare…thanks to all of the inspiration from Louis XIV.  I was in awe as I walked through these retired living quarters…simply divine.  I could live in a land of gold gilded everything. 🙂  

Just proving that every 2 steps is a photo opp in Paris.  I have no clue as to the history or what this little statuette is all about…but I LOVED her (I actually think she was part of the 1900 expo)! And with the River Seine behind her it begged a picture!

The Latin Quarter!

I appreciated a break from the Hausmmann style architecture that is stereotypical of Paris…don’t get me wrong, I love the running balconies and the beautiful, uniform facades that create the Right Bank. But the uneven lines and cartoon like qualities of some of the medieval side streets on the Left Bank delighted me.

Hmmm, my little Asian friend who took this picture kinda cut out most of the Place de la Concorde…but here I am in the heart of Paris.  Also I am in the same plaza where Marie Antoinette was beheaded and 3000 or so others.  Today it is called “Harmony Square”… :).  Interesting fact:  The guillotine was used in Paris up until 1977…then the death penalty was abolished.

In my hand is my pain au chocolat for tomorrow’s train ride to Torino, Italy.  Although you can’t find these little dandies on any US or European commodity exchange, I swear they are more valuable than gold!  At least that is how I see them…oh, how I inhale those scrumptious delights.  Today, since it was my last day, I pretty much had one hourly :).

Ah, you can guess who this is!!!

First stop was veggies…cherry tomatoes, italian parsley and garlic. (actually the first stop was for a lovely Sancerre at well supplied wine shop….he even opened the bottle for me before leaving).

Second stop was for some wonderful fresh shrimp and clams.  If I understood correctly they came from Normandy.  Last stop was to the Monoprix for some pasta!

Small but sufficient kitchen!

Everything smelled wonderful…and it was incredibly simple meal!

Voila!

Rodin’s The Kiss 

I think this is pretty much the only way to spend time in Paris!Yet another romantic city to come back to…ah, Africa was easier in this respect :).

Au Revoir from my last French speaking country.  Only 2 more countries left on my tour of 8 over these 2 months….where does time go!?