Taking in the sights

While it seems that most of the world was anxiously awaiting the royal baby debut, we were out gallivanting around Paris!  Our first stop today was at the Notre Dame Catherdal.  First we visited the crypts and learned a lot about the historical area.  Next, we went inside the church and were in awe with all of the décor, stained glass, and shrines throughout.  The rose windows were spectacular in details.  Don't worry Sue - I took pictures of each of them for you!   Afterwards, we hopped in line to go up to the top of the towers.  After waiting in line for well over an hour and inching our way to the front few families, suddenly it got very windy and a few minutes later the skies opened up and there was a torrential downpour!  The monument was closed indefinitely.  When the rain tapered off, we got in line again but thunder and lightening still persisted so the towers were not reopened yet. After waiting it out for a bit, we decided to head to another location to try to salvage the rest of the day.  We hope to go back again, but if we don't make it, we'll be okay with that also.  Given that there is currently construction going on in one tower and the famous bell is not visible, it makes it slightly easier to say that we tried. 

Next, we headed to La Conciergerie, which was the former royal palace and the prison. Thousands of prisoners were taken here during the French Revolution.   One of the most notable was Queen Marie Antoinette.

We then continued our day by walking along the Seine River up to the Louvre.  While the building itself is closed on Tuesdays, the famous pyramid structure there as well as the outside grounds, including several fountains.   After dipping our feet into the fountains we went to go sail boats in the Jardin Des Tuileries.  Roman was beyond excited for this!  It was his "must do" for Paris. 

We then hopped the metro and headed over to the Arc de Triomphe and climbed some more spiral stairs (I wonder how many total I'll climb up and down during this summer!?!)  up to the top to get the most breathtaking view of the city!  The Arc is positioned right in the middle of the world's largest round about.  Looking down at the traffic below was a bit concerning.  I could NEVER drive there!  You'd find me with the car in park crying hysterically!    At the top of the Arc, Kayla had a grand old time trying to snap some fun pictures with the Eiffel Tower that was visible.  She was pretending to pinch it and lean on it.  I think she must have hacked into my Pinterest account.  (she also did this at the Louvre). 

After a long few days of sightseeing, we are hoping to sleep in tomorrow and head to Disney later on in the day.  Maybe we'll make it til the fireworks tomorrow night.  We have just a few more rides to check off before we've done them all.

I should also mention that we are anticipating our first visitor later on this week.  Stay tuned to see who meets us in Paris and then is brave enough to ride to Nijmegen in a VW Golf with us!  Did I mention, it's a 6 hour car ride!?!   This person is also bringing over more oatmeal for our Roman!!!!  WHEW!!!!

Outside Norte Dame

 

 Sitting with our feet in the fountain at the Louvre

 

 Sailing  boats at the Jardin Des Tuileries 

 

View from atop the Arc De Triomphe

 

 Can you spot Bill and Kayla at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?  Roman and I snapped this picture from the video feed at the top of the monument.  (Top right at the rope line...Kayla has on purple)

***While I was typing this entry Bill turned on the TV.  He found a bocce ball tournament being played!  Yup!  The sports channel is airing bocce ball. I'm not quite sure what to make of this!