The checklist continues...

Tuesday began our first full day in Paris. Kris and I woke up partially sore from both the springy bed and loads of walking the day before and partially refreshed. We had a busy day and needed all our energy. Our feet would hate us again but we had a checklist and were determined to see it all through.

The morning was to be Versailles for us. Versailles is the grand, enourmous palace and gardens just outside Paris that was home to Louis the 14th and Marie Antoinette, among others. But after making our way to the train station we came to find out that they had a surprise close day. So we immediately came up with a plan B, and decided to tour the whole of the Champs-Élysées (that’s Shaump-Say-La-Say, not Champ-Ee-lee-sees . Ask Kris how long I took getting this right…) which included the Arc de Triomphe and the Tuileries Gardens. Brian, we thought of you a lot, picturing the mad finish of bikers on the Tour De France. The road encompassing the Arc de Triomphe is a madhouse of converging intersections (12 to be exact) into one madhouse roundabout that surrounds the Arc. Suffice it to say there are special underground tunnels to reach it. After the Arc, you can walk the Champ and picture what it would be like to be filthy rich and actually be able to afford any of the stores you passed. We decided to continue walking instead, making our way past the Obelisk, which was especially special for Kris as she has gotten a chance to see its twin in Luxor. We, soon after, made our great debate on whether to purchase a 2 day Museum Pass or not. After retreating from the sidewalk stand to make quick calculations, we figured we save the whole of a half euro by buying the pass, so we got it, knowing we’d save time in lines and be able to see other unexpected places. That move payed off immediately as we decided to take a peek in the Musée d'Orsay, just across the Seine.

The Musée d'Orsay picks up where the Louvre leaves off, full off Monets, Manets, Renoirs, Van Goghs and countless others. We were glad for the trip, getting a chance to see some of Vince’s most famous works along with some spectacular other works. Feeling immediately satisfied with our pass purchase, we got to walking (AGAIN) to the Sainte-Chapelle, a church near the Notre Dame with stain glass like no other. I got us a Panini, actually confirmed said purchase with a si instead of we (dirty looks!) and we got a quick snack before the chapel. The Sainte-Chapelle is not to be missed. Small in size, it makes up for in gorgeous stain-glassed and building color. Despite the fact that there was construction going on and a good possibility everyone in there was getting second high, we were very glad for the visit.

After the church, we made another Metro jaunt to get up to Montemarte and the Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Coeur (the gorgeous cathedral on a hill). This Metro ride was a little more then we had asked for. What I can say is that at its worst, New York and Chicago have nothing on a jam-packed Paris train. We waited for three trains, each one approaching the station looking like a huge moving sardine jar. It was really comical, seeing peoples bodies absolutely smooshed against glass and body. Well comical the first time maybe. After a couple trains, we decided that we had no choice but to join the comedy and assume the sardine position. Wow! Plus side to the experience: An older local, apparently humored by the whole experience was trying to talk to me about it all in French. I thought I could get by with a few chuckles here and there, but he kept going. Eventually, in my best French action I just said, with arms up, “Paris!” followed by a hearty chuckle as if to say “You know, that’s Paris for you!” Yikes, I’m such a poser. But apparently it was more then a suitable response as I received a good laugh and nod in agreement in return. Phew! Local interaction: Check!

After surviving our latest train ordeal we got a chance to see the Moulin Rouge, take half successful pictures of the place before sauntering over to the hill and Sacré-Coeur. Thi s cathedral was a perfect backdrop for our second Parisian sunset, as it sports views of most the entire city. We first viewed the church, with accompanying service in play, before buying the necessary souvenir or two in local Montmarte. After munching on maybe the most delicious crepes we’ve had, we staked out our spot for sunset, sundown and the the giant seizure-firefly display of the Eiffel Tower. We were pleased with our second day in the city, well on track to see all the things we wanted. Tomorrow would be Versailles and the Louvre but the only thing on our minds at this point was getting back to the hotel and dying to the world for at least a handful of hours. When I think that Paris is so ridiculously exhausting all I have to do is chuckle, bust out my dreadful accent and say “Paris!”