jamie's "i heart paris"

arriving in paris!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:54:06 +0500

yay.... i've had so many opportunites to visit this special city but have been "saving myself" to come here with the man of my dreams... and it finally came true!

it truly is the city of romance, and we were so excited to be here. just to catch a glimpse of the eiffel tower from afar was exciting. my only wish was to have more than our mere 2 days to explore what paris has to offer.

hotel napoleon

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:59:10 +0500

ummm... this hotel was nice, decent, a little on the smaller side. but it's in a great location, very close to champs elysees for shopping!

luxembourg gardens

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:02:32 +0500

very pretty. a nice stroll with a yummy snack could be the perfect ending to a long day out!

tour bus

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:04:58 +0500

ahhh. an excellent way to see paris if you've got tired/sore feet (as we did). sit on the top deck, of course!

the louvre, sainte-chapelle

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:29:24 +0500

the louvre is a must for all paris visitors... even if you don't know much about art, there's something about seeing the mona lisa in person. it's heavily gaurded and always lots of people gathering around it. you are not allowed to take pictures of it, so if you absolutely have to have one (as i did), be quick and make sure you turn your flash OFF - very important to protect the painting.

my faves were the venus de milo statue (aphrodite, the greek goddess of love) and psyche and cupid (the one where psyche is revived by cupid's kiss) -- can you blame me, we were on our honeymoon... maybe i'll have new favorites next time.

and you can't leave the louvre without hanging out in the courtyard where the exterior of the famous glass pyramid stands. it's a picture perfect backdrop for anyone who's camera happy!

the saint-chapelle tour would be great for those who are into gothic architecture... best part is in the upper chapel where you will see the most amazing stained glass window

jules vernes

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:29:17 +0500

so romantic and definitely a once in a lifetime experience. if you feel like splurging, make a reservation well in advance (months... plural) for a sunset dinner. at 376 feet up within the eiffel tower, you will be escorted up a private elevator to the restaurant where they will ready to wait on you hand and foot. if you order the prix fixe meal, be prepared to dine for a long time (and pay big bucks) -- but so worth it! be sure you finish up with dinner in time to make the last elevator ride up to the top of the tower. we were waiting to go up there our entire trip and missed it. a real bummer.... sigh. next time! at least i got to have dessert.