The much awaited pictures from Paris!!! In October, Scott, Sydney and I had the opportunity to go to Paris for five days, while the boys stayed home with grandparents and greatgrandparents. This was our first international trip together and Sydneys first flight! She was a great travel companion and people remarked about how good she was- we were such proud parents! We did not have much time together so we would love to go back again or travel other places- we'd love to see more of France one day.
Things that surprised me about Paris- Many people spoke enough English for everyday purposes, everything was easy to find and I felt comfortable strolling the streets with Sydney, and the Parisians were very friendly... i think a baby always brings out the best in everyone!
A red eye flight got us to Paris at lunchtime- we were able to checkin early and go exploring. First stop was a nearby grocery- one of my favorite ways to explore the culture- we bought stinky cheeses, crackers, baby foods and Coca Light. Then off to explore the city... Scott was only going to have one evening and morning to explore with us, so we did the most touristy things first!
First night- Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise (Bateaux-Mouches) and Trocadero (similar to NYC streets but best views of the tower)
Arc de Triomphe- overlooking Champs-Elysees and great view of the city at night- 284 steps to top
Headed home on the metro- so easy to get around! Sydney was a trooper, but slept through most of the best attractions!
Monday morning we set out for Notre Dame and brunch before Scott headed off to start his work meeting and activities. We were able to go inside the grande cathedral and explored the surrounding gardens. We then went to a leisurely brunch before Scott headed off. Highlights from brunch- I didn't know how to tip (fyi- not at all or very little- its already built into the price); the waiter did not speak english but happily brought Sydney teething biscuits- we let her try anything the French gave her including croissants; and I couldn't figure out how to use the toilets as it took a coin but I didn't know which one... so i didn't use the bathroom for four more hours when I found the next bathroom.
After brunch, Sydney and I went back to Notre Dame to climb to the top for a tour of the towers... my favorite activity! 387 steps- a hard narrow climb with sore legs from the Arc climb and carrying Sydney and a daypack. But a great view of the city and the gargoyles and the bell used for special occasions.
Sydney and I explored Ile St. Louis, the island by Notre Dame, enjoying Berthillon icecream and then made our way to Place De La Concorde with its spectacular water fountains (after a walking tour to Bastille, just to find out its now just a traffic circle). We then slowly made our way through Jardin Des Tuileries towards Louvre, taking a lunch break by a pond watching the ducks. Sydney loved watching all the birds around town and laughed if I pretended to chase the pigeons. While looking at the statues and watching for a place to buy croissants, I saw the ultimate in romance- a gentleman on one knee proposing and she said YES! After a long day of strolling through town, we made our way back to the hotel for the night, eating croissants the entire way.
