Paris was quite an interesting adventure for the Duffy Family. After waking up at the crack of dawn and being on the road at half 5, we really didn't have much time to second guess what we had packed the night before. Mini van was quite snug with the two littles in the back Cathy and I in the middle and Kevin and Pappy up front...allowing just enough room for our suitcases, snacks, and travel bags. But with a lack of air circulation, the snug fit and bumpy rides lead to a sick little Sophie. Thus it was not a good start to a long drive in a smelly car, but we survived.
Because France is just across the English Channel, we decided driving was our best bet, and we took the eurotunnel across the channel. Basically we drove our cars onto a SMALL train, remained in our vehicle for 3o minutes while it drove us under water to the other side. The idea is quite impressive, but i attempted to sleep the whole while and not think about the possibility of the tunnel caving in with water. But once again, we survived.
Once on the other side we finished our drive to Paris where we found the change of driving to be a challenge. Kevin was able to keep us on to Correct side of the road (the right side) while navigating. We found our hotel as I continued to stay caught up in the sights. Unloaded and headed out on our adventure.
In order to get around Paris we took the Metropolitan and learned that the doors close after the train has been stopped for about 3o seconds, and if you want to get off you actually have to turn a handle to get the door to open otherwise you are trapped until the next stop. I think we gave the regulars a laugh because we were definitely obvious with out tourist stunts. The girls loved the ride and Sophie has found a new profession as a pole dancer and she refused to sit and swung around as long as she could keep her balance.
Once off of the Metro, we headed to see some sights. First main attraction was the famous roundabout that Chevy Chase gets stuck on in the movie, National Lampoon's European Vacation. One more check on my list of things to do before i die...Next we walked through beautiful gardens to get to the Louvre. This is the museum (as i call it) that is known for housing an enormous amount of artwork including the Mona Lisa. I was quite impressed with all of the art, and least impressed with the Mona Lisa, but once again it is another check on the list. The girls got bored and tired of walking after about...2 minutes...so they found entertainment in complaining and playing everywhere they could. the guards were not impressed, but we found great photo opportunities when they would stand over air vents to watch their dresses and hair fly up. Sophie also enjoyed napping on the floor and playing in the fireplaces that were there as artwork but her entertainment as well.
We then headed to get ice cream (amazing) and play at the Paris Carnival...this was a big hit with the kids and a nice break from their complaining. Although short-lived, my energy outlasted everyones as i carried Sophie for about 3 miles of walking as we headed to the Eiffel Tower. On the way she decided to add a little to her baby book by making it possible for her to say that she peed in a bush on the streets of Paris. That is something to be proud of. But once we got to the Tower everyone was dead and I searched for my long lost Chi Omega Love Laura Tepich who happened to be in Paris at the same time as I was. I hopelessly searched and searched among the thousands of people below the Tower and after about 30 minutes of walking and looking i was about to give up. But Brittney and I took one more walk around the tower when we were about to head back to the Family resting on the benches and there, as the crowds parted, was my XO Sister. And I screamed and ran to her in disbelief, hugged her, introduced her to the family, took 'Dad's' money and headed off with Laura and her friends to adventure on our own as the Duffy's headed back to the hotel. And as dramatic and movie like as that all sounds, it is quite true and i am still trying to believe it myself.
We spent 3 hours in line and on the Eiffel Tower together. After waiting for a Lift forever and having it breakdown only to send us to another line, we decided to walk up the stairs. This means 57 flights of stairs were climbed, about 700 up and then 700 down again) just to get to the second level of the tower. Exhausted and sore, we then took a lift to the summit where we had a breathtaking view. the Tower was lit up the whole time we were on it due to the nightfall and we took as many pictures as possibly and then rushed down the stairs so that we could watch the tower sparkle at midnight. I must say that this would have been incredible at anytime, but the fact that i was with one of my beloved sorority sisters at midnight in Paris at the Eiffel Tower is just something that one cannot forget. I believe my life is complete :o)
After this adventure, we wandered around, caught up on life, and then headed back to her hotel with her friends. She then called me a taxi so that i could find my way back home at 1 AM. Waking up my lovely Cathy, i managed to get a bit of sleep before headed out again on more adventures.
Our second day in Paris was quick but fulfilling. we went to Notre Dame which, although i don't believe in Catholicism, was remarkable. We then shopped, ate, wandered and took in more of Paris at the Playgrounds and such, and then loaded up the van only to get on the road once again. We drove for a few hours until the second half of our Holiday was about to begin.
The girls all set for our adventure.
my cup of coffee in France....little do the French know, it takes more than this to keep me going with the little ones all day long. but i made due
The Novotel Paris....our hotel
The Metropolitan
This is what i think of when someone says Europe
Just a big building to me, but if i knew French i might be able to tell you what it is.
National Lampoon's European Vacation roundabout
The Assemblee Nationale
Breathtaking
Precious....Kevin and Brittney walking hand in hand...i love my camera
Outside the Louvre
again
a cool statue inside
Proof that i saw the Mona Lisa
Me trying to make it more interesting for the girls while i took pictures of the mocking the paintings....haha once again, the guards were not impressed
Sophie in the fireplace
Sophie's hair blowing in the air
When Children (and Cathy) have had too much....
Brittney was given permission to sick her feet into the fountain, she however decided this meant to stand in it but fell and created a show for the hundreds of people surrounding it. I laughed and then disowned her.
After i claimed her again, we took a little ride on the Ferris Wheel so we could overlook all of Paris
The Eiffel Tower (and if you didn't know that then you should probably go back to school)
My family for the summer, and the rest of my life
beauty
my best friend, second mom, and sister all in one. And the girls trying to stay out of the picture after i yelled at them for always cutting in and not letting Cathy and I get a good shot. Stinkers
My Laura and I on the top of the Eiffel Tower
second level....it is beautiful
i want to go back
Brittney and I having a cuddle on a street in Paris. I love my mini me
a cool fountain that had the most disgusting water in it that i have ever seen.
a model of Notre Dame
The doors of Notre Dame.....creepy
looking across
the main service area.....church was going on and i was taking pictures like a bad girl
wow
It's going to be quite difficult to get me to leave this place....View from the Coronado Bridge
My favorite part....the soaking tub :o)
