Happy Thursday all!
The second after I after booked our trip to Paris, I immediately purchased tickets to the Eiffel Tower. No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to one of the most iconic monuments in the world. If you ever visit the Eiffel Tower, I highly recommend buying your ticket in advance. It will save you hours waiting on a massive line for a ticket.
As I’ve gotten older, being in high places make me nervous but I had to make an exception for the Eiffel Tower. Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t go all the way to the top. I was quite comfortable being on the second level (which is really high too!) Kim being the daredevil she is, went all the way up to the summit (God bless her!) while I hung out on the second level. It was a clear, beautiful Saturday morning and the views of Paris were stunning!
After our visit to the Eiffel Tower, Kim & I caught the Hop On/Hop Off bus and headed to the Champs-Elysees. We spent the afternoon visiting the Arc de Triomphe, strolling the avenue, stopping by Laudree for macarons, dining al fresco and shopping (as much as I wanted to get another Louis Vuitton bag, I was a good girl and resisted temptation!)
On our final day, Kim & I decided to explore the area around our hotel (the Latin Quarter). We started our walk at the Pantheon and then had breakfast al fresco (seeing a pattern here huh?! LOL). We took advantage of the warm morning and took a stroll through the AMAZING Jardin du Luxembourg which is home to the French Senate at Luxembourg Palace. I instantly felt transported back into time walking through the lush garden. I would’ve stayed in the garden all day but we had to head over to Notre Dame for a Discover Walks tour of the Cathedral. Kim & I first encountered Discover Walks back in 2010 when we went to Rome. Our walking tour back then was so fantastic we had to do another one in Paris. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Notre Dame and very friendly. I find walking tours are a great way for me to learn about the history of the places I visit. After wrapping up the tour, Kim and I headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap before we headed out to the Sacre-Coeur Bascillica and the Moulin Rouge.
During my vacation, I was informed that Troy who I grew up with had died suddenly earlier in the week. My heart was heavy after hearing this news because I knew him since I was a little girl. Visiting the Sacre-Coeur Basilica was a comfort for me because I could feel the Lord’s presence. I knelt and prayed for Troy and his family during this difficult time. I know his death was tragic but I know without a doubt he is in a better place.
I want to end this post by saying that I’m SO happy my friend Andrea introduced Kim to me back in 2007. She is my travel soul mate and we have such a great time when we’re together. Without Kim this trip to Paris would’ve never been possible. Love ya Kimmie Pie!
Have a wonderful weekend!