Au revoir la France. Bonjour l'Italie.

We are now switching Christinash Blog Channels to Italy. Click here to go to www.CHRISTINASH.com and click on "Italy" to see the photos that follow those that are found below in this France Blog.

We left Paris this Monday morning (August 15, 2005) in what seemed to be a deserted community. Every shop was closed and there were very few people on the streets. We were told that this week is the pinnacle of weeks across many countries in Europe where people "take off for Holiday." For anyone with friends living in Europe, Australia, and England, you may be aware that these regions / countries take a different perspective to the term "vacation." In the States, it is common for businesses to allow at most a week at any one time. Most people may get between 4-6 weeks a year depending on how many days they have "built up" or how many years they have been working. Conversely, in European countries, it is common for individuals and families to take off for 5-7 weeks at a time to tour the world or travel throughout Europe. A novel concept and such is the case at this time in France... and as we were about to learn, in Milan!

Eiffel at Night

For the Year 2000 Celebration, Paris added flashing lights to the Eiffel Tower which had fireworks going for hours in the background. The various business leaders thought the blinking lights were a great addition to the tower which otherwise was only lit by spotlights. Now, beginng at dark and until 2 AM, every hour on the hour for ten minutes, these lights flash brightly and can be seen for miles (and they will wake you up if your room is near them!).

Tour Eiffel

The clouds broke for us in the afternoon to get a good shot at the Eiffel Tower. The lawn stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire is similar to that of the Washington Mall in Washington, D.C. but much better maintained (landscaping / clean). People were having picnics from end to end. Christina picked out these nifty shoes for Ash (click to see).

Notre-Dame

Artisans Throughout the City

Promises Kept ;-)

Christina was promised a fine French meal upon arriving to Paris. Quiche Lorraine it is!

An Arts Village Just Outside of Sacre-Coeur

Inside Sacre-Coeur

Sacre-Coeur

This beautiful church overlooking Paris means "Sacred Heart." It is said to be the spirit protecting the city. We arrived just in time for a mini-monsoon of rain.

A View of the City from Sacre-Coeur

Stormy Day

Americans in Paris

Masterpiece Interpretive Art
"Americans in Paris"
Circa 2005.. probably around 11:45 AM today.
Shadow on Stone
It would probably be more accurate if the shadow showed the woman on the left (Christina) slapping the tar out of the guy on the right (Ash).

Scale

Christina wanted to show our viewers how large the sculptures are. Ash was the Guinea Pig.

Sculpture: "Man on Toilet Circa 1542"

Louvre

Mona Mona

Musee du Louvre

We began our morning with breakfast under the Eiffel (from the hotel) and headed to the Louvre. Anyone that comes here should have their hotel concierge sell them the tickets. It prevents the long lines that can take hours and you get to enter from a side entrance (for only 1 Euro more!). This photo is in one of the main halls on the way to the Mona Mona Lisa.

Good Morning Paris

Peugeot: Like you have never seen it

We went to the Peugeot Concept Showroom and saw various machines - from bikes to 4-wheelers to race cars. This is not the Peugeot we see in the States. Here, Christina found her favorite.

Paris Top Ten

Christina: The most organized traveler (from packing to planning) I have ever met (Yes Karrie, Richard, Tim, and Dad - even moreso than Mom!) Wow. So when in doubt, hand her the remote... we have only 40 hours in Paris so she has it planned to see every top destination in that time frame!

Dinner Beneath the Arc de Triomphe

Avenue Des Champs Elysees

Avenue Des Champs Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe in the background. A large majority of streets in Paris are cobblestone. We walked a few miles in flip flops and our feet were barking by the time we reached this avenue. Definite Taxi back to the hotel after dinner!

Evening Stroll

We tried to get as much in as we could before sunset. Paris shops close early and are closed most of the day on Sundays. National museums and tourism destinatinations are often open, but shopping is mostly Mon-Sat. This building is a Military related facility facing the Eiffel Tower.

Paris Hilton: Room with a View

We are staying at the Paris Hilton (no not that one). This is the view from the room!

Ce voyage est la première fois de Christina à Paris !

(This trip is Christina's first time to Paris). Ash came here with TCU and twice on business (well kind of).

Arrived In Paris at 300 KM / Hour

The Eurostar may be the best way to get to Paris from London if you are not flying direct. It was less expensive than airfare (when transportation costs from DeGaul Airport to the city are factored) and also more time efficient as it delivers you right into central Paris. We came here via London. To see the photos prior to these, click here for www.christinash.com and click on "England." All blog photos are in chronological order with newest photos at the top and initial photos at the bottom.

SACRE COEUR

SACRE COEUR is a Paris favorite providing a panoramic view of the city. Looking forward to Christina seeing it!