J'aime Paris !!!

The third stop of our trip was Paris.  After learning French in high school I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finally put it to use.  Needless to say I couldn't keep up and I only got the occational "merci" or "c'est combien?" across.  My teacher would be so bummed at me right now.......but on the flip-side we had a rock star sighting while walking from the Louvre to the Arc du Triomphe.  At first I just noticed this guy with black sunglasses, goatee, tattoos sitting with his family along the sidewalk and thought he looked familiar.  Then I realized he looked just like James Hetfield of Metallica.  Then I realized it was him (they were playing the next day) but I didn't have the guts to ask for an autograph or something since he looked pretty intimidating.  But it was a trip to see him just chilling right there....

As much as I see the Eiffel tower in movies and pictures nothing compares to the real thing.  It's a pretty impressive monument in real life.

Our friends Richard and Kim told us check out the Sacre-Coeur Basillica which is located on summit of Montmatre.  It had one of the best views of the city!

Since we went up on a weekend the crowds were in full effect and lots of people were listening to the street musicians while enjoying the weather.

So fresh and so clean....

These guys rocked the subway and was a treat to listen to.  Unfortunately every time we came to this section of the train line we would only catch their last tune. 

The Louvre!

My favorite pieces in the museum (besides the popular ones) were the Egyptian artwork.  I just really dig their style and hieroglyphics. 

They even had a display of their cat sculptures!  This reminded us of Kingsley at home.

The Mona Lisa was by far the most popular attraction in the place.  The Venus de Milo came in a close second.

Nutella with banana crepes rocks!

Back in French class our teacher made us watch these supplemental videos that always showed the Centre Pompidou in the opening credits so I had to check it out in person.  If you make it down there you can also get a portrait if you can sit still long enough.

Lots of historical goodness around town.....

The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is just across the street from the Louvre and it's also was home to a bunch of birds that made their nests inside the intricate details.

A couple of dogs enjoying a dip in the fountain. 

A bunch of skaters had a flat bar out and ripped it up right across the street from the Eiffel Tower.  I knew I should've brought my board on this trip. D'oh!

Gotta pay respect to Jim Morrison.........

And Frederic Chopin!

I'm glad we finally made it to Paris and had the chance to enjoy all the history and culture.  Next time I got to brush up on my French so I can order more than steak, fries, and nutella crepes....haha.  Au revoir!