My relationship with Paris

I have to admit, Paris didn't make a great first impression a few weeks ago.

When I was just passing through the city on my way from Brussels to Le Mans, I was surprised by all of the graffiti-covered walls I saw. I was also surprised by the lady at Information who I tried to ask for help; she couldn't have been more rude or less helpful. Not impressed.

But I'm happy to say that Paris and I are on good terms now. :)

I went by car with Yves & Liliane, which took about three hours. (It would have taken only two hours had the traffic not been so bad!) The main purpose of our visit to the capital city was to see an exhibition of Claude Monet's paintings. On the way to the Grand Palais--where the exhibition was--we passed by this café...

Indiana represent!!

After parking, we walked across the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, where I saw the Arc de Triomphe...

Not far away at all was the our destination, the Monet exhibition.

We spent three hours inside, looking at over 200 of Monet's paintings that have been gathered from different art museums all over the world (one was even from Indy!) for this special exhibition. I had no idea that Monet did so many paintings and such a variety of subjects, too.

During the afternoon, we had some time to walk around the city...

We walked around the Palais de l'Elysée--a.k.a. the French President's Residence.

And then...

The moment I'd been waiting for...

I got my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!!

I kind of felt starstruck. After all, I was meeting something super duper famous in real life! "The Iron Lady" herself...


Getting closer... :)

The line to go up the tower was really long, and we unfortunately didn't have much time. Some other time I guess.

Yet another shot of the tower, different angle. Nearby the tower base, there was an artist at work...

You know you're close to a popular tourist site when you see people selling trinkets, too.

A shot of the Grand Palais, where I was earlier in the day.

Walking back to the car, past the Christmas lights!?, to return to Le Mans.

I've decided that one day in Paris definitely isn't long enough, and I'd like to go back sometime within the next week to continue getting to know it. :)