What a wonderful day in Paris. Bob and I slept 13 hours and took on this day with fervor. We began at the Tour Eiffel getting there using Le Metro. We two figured out how to get our NaviGo passes and put ourselves on the correct lines to arrive at the proper location. Of course the Eiffel Tower was mobbed even at the early hour but it was fantastic to see this awe inspiring structure up close. This is indeed a memorable place.
Afterwards we walked across the Pont des Invalides and towards the Champs Elysees. This is a street requiring no introduction. It gave us magnificent and bewildering sights at the same time. At one end was the Arc de Triomphe and the monster original home of Louis Vuitton. In between were the beggars. It is not something I ever get used to. One such image I have included here not because I find it so beautiful but because I think the fight to emancipate women should never stop. This young woman who was no more than possibly 15 or 16 laid on the street with her head bowed holding a cup out to strangers. It bothered me because I know full well much of the money she collects will not go to her but to her handlers. Still to see human beings putting themselves through this humiliation is difficult to see.
After walking the length of the Champs Elysees we came to the Tuilleries and the Louvre. Of course we followed the crowds to see Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. It was impossible to get close to her not only because there were hundreds trying to do the same but because she is protected from the public by bullet proof glass and a rope keeping folks a good 15 feet away. She is magnificent however. What a master her painter was! Could he have imagined this chaos those hundreds of years ago over his painting? I doubt it. We enjoyed the other treasures the Louvre had to offer but no one can do the grand museum in a day.
Next we met up with Kelsey at Le Printemps. We enjoyed tea at Laduree which is a French institution where they do tea and all things sweet particularly macaroons. This is a high end department store where we wandered about for a while and then we went to a bistro style supper at L'Ogres where the cote du bouef really is a side of beef! The serving was enormous. Oh and does any French meal end without dessert? I thought not.
We are now back in the hotel and going to sleep for the night.
Stay tuned for more of Paris tomorrow!
Bon nuit!
Tosca
Thanks for sharing Tosca. It is so sad about that young woman begging for money and the life she must lead. It makes me feel selfish for all that I have.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, it seems funny to see you in 'regular' clothes. lol We are so used to seeing you in skin hugging workout gear or gear for photoshoots/tv, etc.
Thanks for sharing. I so enjoy reading your blog.
Helen
Tosca
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your daily adventures in Paris with us. I have never been, so I am enjoying the pics and commentary. You and your husband look very rested now. Have fun. Lisa
Tosca! thank you for sharing these 'instant' mementos with us. As an Italian born and raised in a major town in Italy, and having been several times in Paris, I know exactly what you mean about the women beggars. it breaks my heart and at the same time it absolutely enrages me!!!
ReplyDeleteyou and Mr. Kennedy contnue to have a blast!!! Don't forget to hit Montparnasse! oh and right besides the Sorbonne, on Rue Mouffetard, there are awesome food stalls selling an abundance of fromages and great fresh veg!
Hi Tosca,
ReplyDeleteI just started to follow your blog, though I've read 2 of your books, which have significantly changed my life.
Just wanted to thank you for continuing to put yourself out there, it's clear that you're an inspiration to many.
You're beautiful! Hope you are having an amazing time in Paris :O)
Watch out for the cheese, it's the most delicious thing ever there!
ReplyDelete