Paris, Je t'aime

This past weekend we had off Monday and Tuesday because it was a holiday. It was carnival in Spain. While most of my friends stayed in Spain to enjoy the huge Carnivale parties, I took advantage of the long weekend and went to Paris. I was very fortunate to also have one of my best friends from home visit me-- my college roommate Nicholle. she arrived in Madrid on Friday Feb 12th and that same day we flew off to Paris.

On Saturday, we spent the day walking around to most of the outdoor sites in Paris. We started off by going to see the church Sacre Coeur, which is located in Montmatre. We did this first because this was the main thing I wanted to do in Paris since I did not make it there when I went to Paris 3 years ago. It was absolutely beautiful. It was snowing while we were there, so the view from the church was phenomenal. Paris was so lovely covered in a cap of white snow.

We walked around Montmatre a little more, but we were unable to find the Moulin Rouge, so we just headed to our next destination-- The Eiffel Tower. This was my favorite part of Paris the first time around, so I was excited to do it again. 3 years ago, we were only able to go up to the second floor, but this time, Nicholle and I were able to go up to the top level, in which you are right below the needle at the very top. The view was amazing. Paris was still snowy, so it was a great view. And, as Im sure you have deduced, if it was snowing, that means it was cold. And it was very very cold. Half the time I could not feel my toes.

After the Eiffel Tower we went to the Arc de Triumph and then started to walk down the Champs Elysses but decided to go back to the hotel to warm up for a little while and then to later return to the city center to see Paris at night.

We did return later that night and walked around the Champs Elysses, Place de Concorde and then on the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower. We picked up some nutella crepes and ate them as we walked. We got to a good spot and we were able to see the Eiffel Tower for when it is all sparkly at the start of the hour.

The second day in Paris, we went to Versailles. The first time I went, we took a paid excursion, but this time we took the train out there and waited in the very ling ticket line. Versailles was very interesting to see this go 'round because the gardens were covered in a thin layer of snow which gave them a completely different character.

When we got back to Paris from Versailles, we went straight to Musee d'Orsay. The line was very long because on Sundays there is a reduced entrance fee. I loved Musee d'Orsay. It was the perfect amount of paintings without being overwhelming and the building was gorgeous-- it used to be a train station and it maintains that charm.

Afterwards we walked around a little more before returning to our hostel and then to dinner at a Brasserie. We both tried the Beef borgeonon (sp??). And it was delicious and very filling!

Our last day, we started off the morning by going to Montmatre again to try and track down the Moulin Rouge and do a little tourist shoppin before heading back. We also got some crepes and wandered around the neighborhood a little more.

Then we headed to Notre Dame, and then we wandered around the Latin Quarter and headed to the Pantheon.

We flew back to Madrid that night, but after being delayed over an hour and a half. Im about to give up on flying. I dont think I have been on a single on-time flight in a very very long time.

We arrived in Madrid, and I was pleased to discover that Nicholle really liked Madrid.

We spent most of Monday wandering the streets of Madrid (when it wasnt raining that is) and just having a more relaxed day. Nicholle and I both happened to injure a foot, so we were not too speedy at walking.

We returned to Don Benito Tuesday night at 11:30pm. It was a very full weekend, but wonderful. I was so happy to go to Paris again. It is such a beautiful city. I dare say it is the most beautiful in Spain. However, in the end, I was ready to return to Don Benito, where it is much warmer. :)

Nicholle left today to go back to Madrid to catch her flight in the morning. It was sad to see her go. I enjoyed so much having her here. But I know it is not long till my parents come, so I cant be too upset.

It feels good to be back in Spain for awhile. In France I missed Spain, so its nice to be "home".