Last day in Paris

We began our day heading to the Louvre. This is one of the largest museums I have ever been to. It houses very famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa, Sphinx, and Aphrodite. We were already a little sluggish and sore, so we mapped out some exhibits we wanted to see and ventured for those. You could easily spend a couple days in this place. There were large amounts of people and you could tell where there was a really famous piece because it gathered lots of crowds. The Mona Lisa being one that everyone wanted to see and you got up there and were like, yep that's what I thought it would be, (kind of disappointing). After an hour or two, we left feeling very cultured and more knowledgeable of world history.

Right outside the Louvre, is the Champs Elysee's, which is a long pathway to the ArcD'Triumphe. We took a nice long stroll down the Champs Elysee's with the sun in our faces and very little wind, it was a great STROLL :) . While we were approaching the Arc we had a women yell, "excuse me, do you speak English?" Larry and I had already been warned not to let anyone know we are Americans near tourist sites in France because they will harass you until you give them money. So, Larry and I of course turned when we heard excuse me, as anyone would do, but then quickly realized that by doing this, we already acknowledged that we speak English. We were luckily able to avoid her. This is an unfortunate business that many of these women are in. Later, we saw their head boss that train them to prey on Americans. We pray that these women can escape this horrible life.

The Arc D'Triumphe is this grand Arc that Napoleon built after winning this famous battle. It was beautiful and large. You had to take an underground path to get to see directly under it.

Next, we headed to the Eiffel Tower. However, we were starving. We decided to have our lunch next to the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed our first crepes, Larry had his with strawberry jelly and mine with Nutella (chocolate and bananas). We were able to eat right under the Eiffel Tower. Then, we waited in line to ride up the Eiffel Tower. This was very very scary for me. I had a small anxiety attack at the top, but Larry reassured me that I will not fly off the building. You take an elevator to the first and second level and have to buy a third ticket to ride all the way to the top. IT was an enjoyable and memorable experience to be with the person you love, standing on top of the Eiffel Tower. After we took in the sights, enjoyed a few kisses and pictures, we headed back down.

We headed back to the hotel to regroup and change into nicer clothes. I was finally able to wear my Paris dress and we headed out for dinner. This became an hour and a half process due to choosing places that weren't open, then waiting around to find out that they only had one meal choice, so we decided to take the train back. Needless to say after a lot of running around, we came to a Rick Steve's recommended Mediterranean restaurant. Amanda was able to try White fish (delicious) and Larry had a risotto.

Now, we are trying to gather information for our last and final destination which is Rome. We are trying to pack up our belongings again and figuring out how to get to our next hotel. We are ready to learn about a new city and experience an even different culture.

Paris Notes~:

*Many homeless people

*Dirtier than London

*Very fashionable- I feel undressed all of the time, many clothing stores and ads

*Fancy foreign cars everyone and motorcycles rule all

*Some rude people, but overall pleasant

*People willing to speak English and help when able

* Beautiful sites, great place to visit

P.S. Rome is the city where internet is not so easily accessible. OF course it will be my mission every day to find a place where I can post on the blog, but please be patient if I am not able to everyday.

We are praying and thinking of everyone! I can't wait to be able to talk with everyone again soon. That's been the hardest is not being able to talk with the people I love.

Lots of love,