And now, for Paris!
We got to Paris via the chunnel. Before the journey we were excited to be in the car on the train from England to Paris. During the journey it was much less exciting. Here's what the train looked like.
Our first morning in Paris was Sunday. Colin and I made our way to a local LDS sacrament meeting. We could pick out a few words when the non-native french missionary was speaking, but other than that were were completely lost. It still felt wonderful to be at church though! Meanwhile Rachel and Steve picked up some brunch items. Rachel put together a wonderfully French assortment. I would move to Paris for the food in a heartbeat.
This was the view from our window!
The city of Paris was everything Colin and I had hoped it would be. The architecture at every turn was beautiful, the summery sun warmed our skin, and the unabashed PDA that was EVERYWHERE made us feel right at home.
On our first day we visited the Arc de Triumph, which Napoleon built to celebrate a victory. Unfortunately it took quite a long time to build, and Napoleon did not live to see it finished.
The Arc
View from atop the Arc
Underneath the Arc
Le tourists
We walked through the gardens, and down to the Louvre. We drank what tasted like Evian water from the taps, and we had dinner in a quintessentially french bistro. I had a salad with toast topped with 4 different kinds of cheese that I could eat everyday for the rest of my life. Colin had confit duck, which he loved as well.
We passes a shop with some concept cars- these run on grass or tea bags or something
In the gardens
Some new statues for the plaza
Young love ;)
Beautiful city
When we actually went into the Louvre it was almost overwhelming. We paid our respects to the Mona Lisa, which was like being herded into a small pen like wild sheep, ahh summer crowds. We saw other paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that were amazing, but I think my favorite part was the building itself. Every ceiling, hallway and window seemed to be adorned with murals, gold leafing, and carvings.
Just one hall of the incredible ceilings
At the Louvre
A visit to the lovely lady (after we'd been pushed and herded to the front of the corral)
I learned about this one in an art history class and loved seeing it in real life
Another beautifully carved archway
Colin and a sphinx
That night we planned an official date night (yes, yes even though our summer has practically been an elongated honeymoon). Colin made reservations at a restaurant with seating on the patio of a grand building with gardens in the center. Then we went to the Eiffel Tower. Romance filled the air like a sweet and subtle perfume <3
On our last day in Paris we went into the city and had some mouth watering crepes. We tried to see the catacombs, but the 4 hour wait detoured us. On our way back to the apartment where we were staying (thank you Airbnb!) we walked over the seine for the last time with Rachel and Steve. The flowers were bright, the air was warm in spite of a soft rain. It was hard to believe that in less than 24 hours we'd be flying to Spain.
Bridge on the seine river
Paris was an amazing city. Wandering through the city with Steve and Rachel was loads of fun. Going on a date was especially romantic, and we felt more in love than ever. This summer has brought us together in more ways than we could have imagined. We are so grateful for the opportunity we've had to travel, and for all of the memories we've made along the way!
Now we are in Spain getting settled in, and while a daily routine has started to emerge, we think the best adventures are still around the corner :) Although, we always think the best adventures are yet to come, which is why we are always looking to find them.
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