Life of More Crepes: Paris Part 2

Alrighty so post lock bridge, we took a slight break to plan out our night on the Champs Élysées. We were going to see it all: Place de la Concorde, Christmas markets galore, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel tower, just like a typical tourist should.

We took pictures in front of the Eiffel tower that night but because of the rain, we decided to climb the 700-something stairs to the top on a clearer day.  Note to self: there are many people selling illegal items on the streets.  Before you make any assumptions, many of these illegal items were cheap trinkets that only seem like a good idea the moment you buy it.  After that it spends its life in the back of your closet collecting dust bunnies with the Furbies.  So anyway, once while visiting Versailles, the police came, and all of these vendors scattered.  And by scattered I mean sprinted.  This one man had an elaborate table set up and in one swift motion had gathered his things and swiftly sped towards a park, ninja-like with table in hand.  Anyway, if you have no interest in buying an item, DO NOT ask the price.  We had forgotten to bring our umbrellas that rainy evening, so Olivia asked how much the vendor was selling it for.  Well, this determined salesman wasn’t going to leave until that umbrella was sold.  After attempting to leave, failing and being followed for a quarter of a mile, bargaining ensued. Successful salesman he was, this soon to be realized very cheap umbrella was now in Olivia’s possession (for half of the original price of course).

All of a sudden we wander up to, drum roll please, the EIFFEL TOWER! A must see.  Every hour for ten minutes, strobe lights located all around the Eiffel tower start to sparkle, making a fantastic show. 

GEOGRAPHY TIME!  So look at the map below.  It’s pretty simple actually.  Road with red "A" pin=Champs Élysées: a street full of Christmas Markets during this time of year with hot wine, plenty of crepes and waffles, and trinkets galore.  On one side of the street there is the Place de la Concorde, a square which holds an Egyptian obelisk (bottom right on map). On the other side you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe (top left on map).

Me, Liz, and Olivia on the Champs.  Yep we're on a first
name basis now with Madame Élysées.

Place de la Concorde, pictured below.  In the middle you can see the Eiffel tower out in the distance and on the right you will see a structure resembling the George Washington monument.  This structure is standing on the spot where Marie Antionette and Louis XVI were beheaded during the “Reign of Terror” in 1794.  Previously called, the Place de la Révolution, the name was changed to Place de la Concorde (meaning agreement) to put the history of violence behind them.  The structure standing there now was a gift from the Egyptians (hence hieroglyphics on the structure) representing a symbol of peace. 

Crew minus Olivia.  Note: hieroglyphics 

As I mentioned before, the Champs Elysees is a long street capped by the Place de Condorde and the Arc de Triomphe.

Champs Elysees and small Arc at end.  The Arc is not small i.e.
the street is quite long.

We stopped for dinner halfway down the street at the Hippopotamous.  Did we pick the restaurant simply because of the name?  Yes.  Did our waitress slightly resemble Dobby? Yes...bless her heart.

We made it!  The Arc de Triomphe.  It’s hard to imagine the size of this structure but look at the small people directly under the arc, not the ones in the foreground.  Huge.  The pictures simply to do not it justice. 

Remember that Napoleon guy?  So after a great military victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, celebrations were in order so Napoleon decided to have an enormous arch built.  He, however, did not stop at one arch.  While the Arc de Triomphe is the largest, other arches are scattered around France, representing Napoleon's military power.  Napoleon did not see the finished Arc de Triomphe, as it was not completed until 15 years postmortem.  The Arc has military written all over it including names of French generals inscribed on the interior and statues showing scenes of battles.

Some other tid bits: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is underneath the Arc, installed post WWI.  Each night the memorial flame is lit and new flowers are put on the tomb in remembrance of those who died.

A little look back from our original spot. You can
barely see the ferris wheel on the other end of
the Champs Élysées.

 Sneak peak for next time:  Featuring a not so humble friend Louis, an oh so famous friend Mona, and a mostly armless goddess of love, not to be confused with nearly headless nick.  British blogs coming later...

 

Life of Crepes: Paris Part 1

After dinner in Amsterdam, we were on our way to Paris via an overnight bus.  It felt as if I had been with these girls forever but in actuality, the amount of time I had been traveling with them was shorter than the time since my last shower.  It was a long and fun day but I was looking forward to sleeping in a bed, since my last two nights had been on a plane and bus.

Bus arrived at 6am in the middle of NOWHERE Paris, hence taxi needed.  First order of business, shower.  One of the best showers I had ever taken.  Then, a change of clothes.  Then, none other than Nutella crepes.  Great beginning to a great day.  Also, I was able to get some GORGEOUS pictures that morning since the sun doesn’t rise until around 8am. 

We trekked over to the Notre Dame, which was the church of all churches.  Time for some history***(please read footnote).  Hokay so, the parts of Notre dame I remember most is when Liz would dig out “Rick Steve’s Pocket Paris” and become the tour guide, telling us in detail about a particular entrance.  Outside of the Notre Dame there was a gate, ominously called, the Portal of the Last Judgment.  

 

Inside the Notre Dame was BEAUTIFUL as one would expect. 

Jesus visiting the Holy Mary

Pictures simply do not do the Notre Dame justice.  If I had to give one word to describe the Notre Dame, it would be elaborate.  There was thought put into every single inch of that building.  It’s reaching its 850 year anniversary and it’s still magnificent.

Alright, get ready for some National Treasure-esque history time. 

Portal of the Last Judgement

People located under the descending arches are of the
heavenly court. 

Close up.  As you can see there is a scale between the archangel, Michael, and the devil.
The direction the scale leans, depending on the good and bad deeds one has done
throughout life, determines the destiny of the individual.  The statues lining behind the
angel and devil have already met their fate.  Behind the angel, the chosen are looking up
and those behind the devil are condemned to hell therefore not in the happiest state.
There was also a story about the heads of a few statues getting lost during the French
Revolution, found by a school teacher, buried by said school teacher, found again,
and re-administered back to their original necks.  I could not find this story anywhere
on the internet but thought it was interesting so take it as you will.
Learn more: Last Judgment (after all these years of writing papers with citations, it seemed
necessary to put a few)

One last look.  I was expecting to see more gargoyles or at least the bigger/scary looking ones like you see in the Hunchback of Notre Dame but unfortunately I didn’t see any of those sorts.  This could be because of one of two reasons.  1. I wasn’t looking in the right place and 2. As much as I hate to say this, Disney movies do not always represent reality.

Meet the Disney Gargoyles from Hunchback of Notre Dame

Meet the actual gargoyles.  Seems those three
gargoyles have been on a diet since they
appeared in the movie.

Now, before we go any further, I’d like to mention some other important facts regarding the Notre Dame.  This past Christmas, a great film was released called, Les Miserables.  Listening to those songs as a child, I really had no idea what it was about.  However, after aging a few years and hearing the songs again via the movie, I understood the meaning and depth of the story.  If you saw Les Mis, imagine the revolutionaries pillaging this cathedral and destroying many statues within it.  Interestingly enough, Victor Hugo, the author of the novel in which Les Miserables was based, also wrote Hunchback of Notre Dame (maybe that is common knowledge but I just discovered this).  Victor Hugo was upset about the state of the church post French Revolution and wrote the novel in hopes that it would spark a desire to restore the church.

Faux Kodak moment of Olivia

Next adventure was the infamous lock bridge.  Somewhere on there, the 4 of us have a lock.

Props to Liz for this Panorama

After Walking past the lock bridge we looked a little lost and this older gentleman asked if we needed help with directions.  His name was Peter and he was the kindest person we had met so far.  A former resident of the UK, he moved to Paris for the architecure although he didn’t care too much for the people.  I got an inkling that his move was also because he wasn't keen on royalty and the idea behind it but that’s neither here nor there.  Anyway, he gave us some great advice on places to visit during our stay in Paris and he even gave us his card in case we got into a bind.  

I love this picture. Have no idea what the building
is.  Faith Pix ®.  Feel free to print it, hang it on
your wall, whatever you please.

I wish I could claim this picture as my own but, alas, the filters of vivid colour
out-due me once again.  Michelle's AWESOME CAMERA took this lovely
photo of this unknown yet picturesque building (inception much?).  I would
like to emphasize the greatness that is Michelle's camera.

More Paris adventures to come!

***I take no responsibility for the accuracy of said material.  If it’s not true, I apologize, but at least it sounds interesting.  If you don’t think it’s true, think of it as a good fiction story. Play along and enjoy.

More Than Wooden Shoes: Amsterdam

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. And that new beginning starts in Amsterdam.

Dec 27

Day 1: Welp, I was on my way.  The great adventure started out in the quaint little Knoxville airport. I had said my difficult goodbyes and was sitting there 2 hours early for my flight, not quite sure what to do.  When asked what I wanted for Christmas, I listed a couple things I wanted for my trip, including a photo album on a jump drive. Something meaningful to take with me but wouldn't hinder my ability to pack under 50 lbs in my suitcase, an already difficult talk for a 6 month trip abroad.

I had just stopped crying from my goodbyes when I read the letter and clicked through the pictures and tears welled up in my eyes again.  I was so excited yet nervous as anyone would be.  I think it really hit me that morning that I was actually leaving.  I was confident though that I had thought of everything three times over so I just needed to wait.  I could imagine things that could go wrong but I have always believed that things are what you make of them.  This trip will be the adventure I imagined as long as I made it that way.  Yes, things will not go as planned but I wasn't going to get my panties in a wad.  "The happiest people do not have the best of everything.  They make the best of everything they have." -someone pretty great.  Aaaaaaaaand here we go!

Already I’m having a good time.  I met the most wonderful older woman in the Knoxville airport.  I think it’s beneficial to try and have a conversation with who ever is around you because 1. It makes the time pass quickly 2. You may learn something new and 3. You may make a new friend.  Worst that can happen, they are rude.  So seeing a Lee Child book sitting in her lap, I struck up a conversation about books.  This led to talking about the holidays and her plans for New Years.  Her description of a collard green and black eyed pea filled New Year’s Day made me wish a little that I’d be a part of that southern tradition.  This was until I realized I’d be sleeping in after a New Year’s Eve adventure in Paris, full of sparkling wine (not to be called champagne in Paris) and fireworks under the Eiffel Tower.  

Started my travels off with a 6 hour layover in Houston and remembered that this was the last time I would be able to call anyone for another 6 months.  Made a few calls, then looked around and tried to find things that I would no longer be seeing in Europe.  I didn't find much in an airport but I decided the neon shoe laces in Nike sneakers and an overweight man playing on his iPad with a Venti Starbucks by his side screamed America.  Guess I'll have to wait to see that again until June...

All of a sudden it was time for my flight to Amsterdam.  Seated close to the back of the plane, I scooted my way toward my seat where a black woman was standing in a cute top, fur hat, fur scarf, fur boots, and a short mini pleaded plaid skirt, which did not fit with the temperature whatsoever.  She greeted me immediately in what I can describe as a British/Scottish/with a touch of southern accent.  We started talking as if we had been friends forever.  As I came to realize throughout my trip, saying I am from Tennessee brings up a few subjects.  1. Jack Daniels.  I have seen more Jack Daniels ads in Europe than I ever have in Tennessee.  2. Elvis. and 3. Country music stars from Nashville.  Other than that it is just a state somewhere in America.  This woman emphasized that on her trip back to Amsterdam, she made sure to bring back plenty of American food.  Not sure if she was exaggerating, she claimed she had 57 lbs of food and drink in one of her suitcases, including a handle of Jack Daniels.  Apparently, it was worth paying the extra for her bag.  Our flight took off, she took her horse size pill of Vicodin, and that was the last of our conversation until the 8 hour flight ended.  She was quite a character that made at least the beginning of my journey extremely enjoyable.  Fortunately, a guy coming home to Amsterdam from grad school in Canada accompanied me to baggage claim, through customs (which consisted of walking through an oversize metal detector), and helped me find the correct train.  People here have been extremely nice every step of the way and it reminds me of the southern hospitality I find at home.

My first test of whether I could handle Europe alone was when I first arrived at central station.  I came to find out that the texts I could send over wifi weren’t working and after 15 minutes, my free wifi had expired.  Hoping that at least one of my texts/emails went through, I decided to stay in the same spot.  I had read some of my mystery novel, with the oh so clever character Jack Reacher and thought, ok what would Jack Reacher do.  Ridiculous, yes.  Worth it, yes.  As much as I didn’t want to just sit there and wait, I decided it was the best decision, and after sitting just over an hour without wifi, I was right.  My friend had gotten one of the texts and had been searching for me.  So far, I think that is the most nervous I have been on this trip.  In a foreign country, everyone speaking a different language around me, not knowing where their hostel was, and no wifi to check directions.  On this trip I realized that in the US, I am extremely dependent on my phone, not only as a source of communication but directions and other information as well.  Many sources of “free” wifi are not actually free so that has been a little bit of a challenge but a bit of a relief as well.  I’m sure my parents were more worried than I was because once I finally got wifi, a text came through from my dad, “please give me a small indication that you are alive.”  I did and all was well.

After stashing my luggage at the hostel we meandered around Amsterdam.  This was my first sight of Europe so my first impression was how beautiful the buildings were!  It made me realize really how young America is.  There are wonderful canals everywhere.  It is simply a picturesque city and I learned quickly that much of Europe is the same.  

Believe it or not, this is a mall

There are 165 canals all around Amsterdam

From left: Liz, Michelle, Olivia, and moi

My traveling buddies for this trip consisted of Michelle, a friend from college, and Liz and Olivia, who I had just met on this trip and were friends of Michelle’s from home.  They turned out to be the most chill agreeable and positive people one could ask for hence making great travel companions. 

The line for the Anne Frank museum was way too long and considering we only had a day in Amsterdam, we adventured on.  We saw churches, prostitues in windows, coffee shops, the canals, and beautiful architecture for any and every building, including the McDonalds.  

My favorite part might have been simply walking through the streets. During some parts you were completely surrounded my buildings so it felt as if I was either in Disney world in a section with cobblestone streets and buildings close enough they seemed to make tunnels, or somewhere in the movie inception. 

Amsterdam

Disney World

Inception

Maybe you had to be there.

To give another image, many of the buildings seemed as if they could be drawn by Dr. Seuss.  The edges where one building met another were not always straight and gave a cartoonish feel to them; it was as if they were leaning.

Dinner! Pancakes with ham and cheese.
Absolutely wonderful.   Much thinner than
pancakes but not quite as thin as crepes.  Pancakes
were the start to an adventurous day! I think
Laura Numeroff would say the same regarding a
certain pig... If You Give a Pig a Pancake

The clock tower of Westerkerk.  The
tower can be seen from Anne Frank's
hiding place and the sound of the bells
are frequently mentioned in her diary.

AND of course we had to be typical tourists and get a picture with the "I amsterdam" sign.  Ignore the people in between the "I" and the "amsterdam."  The important four people you're looking for are scattered around the "m," "s," and "t."

Aaaaaaand... we found a Bulldog reference.  Therefore,
picture necessary. Go Dawgs!

Our one and only day in Amsterdam.  Definitely a city I would like to visit again when I have more time, especially to see the Anne Frank museum and the Jordaan area.  Off to Paris!