We barely made it in time, but the first thing today was our hostels free walking tour.
The tour covered a lot of the basics. A view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, bridges, statues, the louvre courtyard and more. It went about 2 hours long.
Remember the Disney movie "The hunchback of Notre Dame"? Well, the story that movie is based off is the only reason the Notre dame is still standing.
Another fun fact. Ever seen a picture of or been to a lock bridge? The most famous one is right here in Paris. People come from all over with the person they love, attach a lock to the sides of the bridge and throw the lock in the river. It's supposed to symbolize their eternal love. Apparently this little trend started after the series finale of Sex and the City where Mr. Big and Carrie meet on this particular bridge and are reunited. Cute, huh?
After the walking tour came more walking. Down the never ending road to a massive, insane traffic circle and the Arc de Triomphe.
Snap, snap, snap
More walking.
Back at the Louvre for tour #2 of the day, through the inside of the Louvre.
If you have never been to it seen the Louvre, it is massive. We were told that if you aren't doing a tour that you should know specifically what you want to see before you go in. Prime piece of advice. No way could you see the whole museum in one go.
We of course saw all the famous important pieces. Mona Lisa, whom is very small. Venus de Milo who is stunningly beautiful and an incredible sculpture. The painting of Napoleons coronation which is a lie....
So much to see.
The building itself is quite special as well. When you take the time to look up or around instead of just at the actual art, you can find plenty of beauty.
For me, one of my favorite parts was Napoleon III 's part of the museum. His Salon, dining room and a bed chamber. All elaborately decorated and overly lavish.
Something our guide shared with us that would likely otherwise go unknown is that the rooms are "fake." Not in the sense that they are recreated though. He told us the gold is all paint, no value, not real and the moulding is paper mâché. Apparently Napoleon III felt that if it looked good, who cares if its real.
I like that attitude! I'm going to DIY myself a palace apartment when I go home!!!
When the tour finished Chad and I chose to stay in the museum and see more of the Egypt wing since it wasn't really covered in the tour. I SAW ANOTHER MUMMY!!!! It never gets old! Except that it is of course ancient...
Anyway..
By the time we finished in the museum it was late and we were both fall down tired so we had to call it a night. We have a few more days here and they will be VERY busy!
See you tomorrow!
xoxo
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