3 Americans in Paris

Hey readers!

I deeply apologize for the lack of posts this trip. I have learned that blogging on an iPad is not the most successful endeavor. Please bear with me!

I figured I would just give you a review of the hostel we stayed in and some of the highlights of Paris.

First, we are staying in a hostel called BVJ Montmartre. This is in a neighborhood in Paris near the Sacre Ceour, which is a part of Paris that I have never stayed in. However, I have found this experience to be quite comfortable and the area to be residential,which allows for more interactions with Parisians and their daily lives. Would I rather have stayed in the Latin Quarter? Probably, but everyone should try different parts of each city and this was a great option.

Now, here is an overview of some of the things we have done.

The Louvre
This famous museum is home to over one million works of art. It houses two of the most famous works in art history. The Mona Lisa is one and I have always found her to be smaller than expected and underwhelming, however famous. The Venus de Milo is probably the 2nd most famous piece in the museum and different from the Mona Lisa, I find her to be stunning. The museum also covers a large portion of Renaissance art and apartments that display furniture once used by Napoleon. This was by far Elizabeth's favorite section.

Notre Dame
I absolutely love this cathedral. Not only does it have a long history, but the inside architecture and layout is stunning. We were also treated to a mini concert by the choir that was practicing while we toured the inside. Old churches always make me feel super blessed and close to God so this was a great experience.

Musee de la Orangerie 
This museum was by far my favorite! It is just off the Jardin du Tulleries and small in a lot of ways. However, it holds two rooms covered in panels of Monet's water lilies. Absolutely breathtaking. His use of color is so fantastic and I don't know how on earth he created these masterpieces. I actually much preferred this museum to the Orsay museum simply because of the Monet focus.

This is all an overview because there have been other museums, lots of wine, escargot and walking experiences to be sure. I will never get tired of this city.

Tomorrow, we leave Paris for Nice and the French Riviera. Our poor legs certainly deserve a rest we averaged 12 miles a day walking around Paris.

I shall holler from the beach!

AL