Day 3: 14th April 2013 Sunday
This morning we gonna say goodbye to London. Taking Eurostar from London to Paris. It is a 2 hrs train ride.
This looks familiar to you ? Yup Harry Potter went through this platform to his school. But seriously this dont really look like the movie one. Only the sign. LOL. Yet, never forget to take a picture before we leave London.
We have a cabin of our own. The guys are helping everyone to pull up the heavy luggage.
Self taken pic before the train moves on .....
Yup, after a 2 hrs ride, we are at FRANCE - PARIS !
Random shots of some pictures at Paris. Cant stop snapping as the coach passes by the places.
See how beautiful the botak trees can be. Hope I can bring one back home.
This is the Moulin Rouge we can choose to come to watch a show here tomorrow.
Optional tour, not very cheap but dinner is inclusive.
Before we set off to our tour in Paris, here is our lunch. OMG is chinese food again. I am not a rice person and I thought I will be so happy that these 2 weeks I do not need to eat rice. But as our agenda is reverse itnerary, hence we will be keep eating Chinese food first.
We are not far from the Famous Eiffel Tower.
( Taken from Website : http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/eiffeltower.htm )
You couldn't possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure, you will see its top from all over Paris. The tower rises 300 meters tall (984 ft); when it was completed at the end of the 19th century it was twice as high as the Washington Monument, at the time the tallest structure in the world.
1889 World Exhibition
The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789.
The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists who feared the construction would be the advent of structures without 'individuality' and despite the many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris.Today, there is no such aversion anymore among the Parisians, and one could not imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, in fact it has become the symbol of the City of Light.
The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists who feared the construction would be the advent of structures without 'individuality' and despite the many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris.Today, there is no such aversion anymore among the Parisians, and one could not imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, in fact it has become the symbol of the City of Light.
Gustave Eiffel
The man behind the Eiffel Tower was Gustave Eiffel, known from his revolutionary bridge building techniques, as employed in the great viaduct at Garabit in 1884. These techniques would form the basis for the construction of the Eiffel Tower. He was also known for the construction of the Statue of Liberty's iron framework.
The structure took more than two years to complete. Each one of the about 12,000 iron pieces were designed
The Tallest
Inaugurated March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower would be the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930.
We pass by the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Copy this picture from google. We did pass by but I think we seat at that other side of the coach and didnt manage to take a good picture of this Cathedral.
Copy this picture from google. We did pass by but I think we seat at that other side of the coach and didnt manage to take a good picture of this Cathedral.
Next, we went to see the Famous Arc de Triomphe.
( Taken from website : arcdetriomphe )
Arc de Triomphe Paris
The Arc de Triomphe Paris, the most monumental of all triumphal arches, was built between 1806 and 1836. Even though there were many modifications from the original plans, reflecting political changes and power struggles, the Arch still retains the essence of the original concept which was a powerful, unified ensemble.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the "Place de l'Étoile". It’s located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The arches whole decorative style is entirely of the tradition of sculpture from the first half of the nineteenth century.
The triumphal arch is in honor of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought. There are inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch which include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I where the Memorial Flame burns and have made the Arc de Triomphe Paris a revered patriotic site.
The monument is considered the linchpin of the historic axis (L'Axe historique) — a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route which stretches from the courtyard of the Louvre Palace to the outskirts of Paris.
Groups, friezes, figures and bas-reliefs are the signature works of James Pradier, Antoine Etex and Jean-Pierre Cortot. But there is no question that the most celebrated sculpture is the work of Francois Rude: La Marseillaise.
The Arc de Triomphe stands 49.5 m (162 ft) tall, 45 m (150 ft) wide and 22 m (72 ft) deep. The vault is 29.19 m (95.8 ft) high and 14.62 m (48.0 ft) wide. The smaller vault is 18.68 m (61.3 ft) high and 8.44 m (27.7 ft) wide.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the "Place de l'Étoile". It’s located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The arches whole decorative style is entirely of the tradition of sculpture from the first half of the nineteenth century.
The triumphal arch is in honor of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought. There are inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch which include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I where the Memorial Flame burns and have made the Arc de Triomphe Paris a revered patriotic site.
The monument is considered the linchpin of the historic axis (L'Axe historique) — a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route which stretches from the courtyard of the Louvre Palace to the outskirts of Paris.
Groups, friezes, figures and bas-reliefs are the signature works of James Pradier, Antoine Etex and Jean-Pierre Cortot. But there is no question that the most celebrated sculpture is the work of Francois Rude: La Marseillaise.
The Arc de Triomphe stands 49.5 m (162 ft) tall, 45 m (150 ft) wide and 22 m (72 ft) deep. The vault is 29.19 m (95.8 ft) high and 14.62 m (48.0 ft) wide. The smaller vault is 18.68 m (61.3 ft) high and 8.44 m (27.7 ft) wide.
Taking sights of Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees Boulevard and Place de la Concorde.
To be honest, I really cant remember where is this place. I only remember is somewhere near Arc de Triomphe. You will be amazed to see so many people lying on the grass. They are sun tanning, picnic-ing and family gathering activities. Alvin told us that this is the first time after 5 MONTHS, the weather is so sunny. Usually it will drizzle or cloudy.
Trees !
Here are the random shots again... Haha !
Along the river, there are many bookstores.
You will be able to find old books that do not sell anymore in the big book store.
Optional tour: To take the rive cruise to tour around Paris .
We choose not to because I always have a dream of sitting down along the river cafe at Paris to have a good cup of coffee. By the way, you will be paying more for the same cups of coffee when you sit outside and watch passersby walk pass rather than sitting inside. Usually people will gossip about everything under the sky eg. how the passersby dress etc.
This is the place where they place their flowers to remember Princess Diana. She passed away in an accident right below this place in the tunnel. Hence they built a memorable stand to remember her.
Sweets store along the road.
Beautiful door architecture.
A special nuts and chocolate store along the river.
Nice Bike right ?
Most of the cafes are packed, and end up choosing this Rival Cafe . Their drinks are nice. Together with Gillian and Seth, we talk quite a number of stuffs throughout that afternoon.
After that we went to visit Fragonard Perfumery. One of the largest perfumeries in France and a great place to purchase exclusive French scents.We are not suppose to take any picture. You can find how the perfume is made and their history. Quite interesting.
Here is the link:
Next is our dinner time. Today we are having Thai Food. The food is amazing good !
Quite surprised to have such a good Thai food at Paris.
This is our hotel : Mercure La Villette, Paris
216 Avenue Jeans Jaures F-75019 Paris
Gonna stay here for 2 nights.
Quite a comfortable hotel. 4 stars.
Day 4: 15th April 2013 Monday
Today is our free and easy day. You may choose to visit the Palace of Versailles. But they are closed on Monday. Uncle Joe and Aunt Cecelia , with Jin lady, they went on Sunday and today they choose to take trains and trams to visit Eiffel Tower etc. Whereas Gillian who madly in love with rides and Disney land. She and her hubby take a train to the Disney Land in Paris. The next day, she tells me that the Disney Land in Paris is Awesome. Better than USA. Japan is kinda different feel because Japan has Disney sea. Guess one day I really should visit one of the Disney land.
Seriously for Paris, my only regret is that I didnt manage to see the Eiffel Tower at night. AT night Eiffel Tower should be the most beautiful outstanding structure in Paris. Night fall at 9pm during spring time. Heard from Gillian and Uncle Joe, there are many blacks hanging around at the train stations. They keep looking at you and keep walking pass you.Uncle Joe told me that they did not bring any bags and only bring their train tickets with 20 euro . The blacks people usually do not pay for the train rides and they just jump across the control gantries. Security guards warn Uncle Joe not to stare at them. You may also see many drunkards sleeping in the train or stations. Kinda scary.
Paris is the place where you can really shop for your branded. Big brands like LV, Pranda and Chanel are from here. Nevertheless, fav brand for Singaporean, the Longchamps. Tax rebates around 14 %. Heard from Gillian that if you really want to shop, you should go during their summer time. Where Longchamps and Swarovski are like 50% discount before tax rebates. Can you believe it ? Shoppesholic please take note. HAHA.
I greatly believe if you really wanna shop, you should go for factory outlets. We didnt go to any in this trip. Hence I cannot comment much. We shop at Galeries Lafayett and do not think that they have the stocks here. China people are like buying these branded for free....put in a better way, they are like grabbing them as if they are free of charge. Like Chanel, the classic one usually no stock. As for the prices after tax refunds, LV are like $400- $500 cheaper compare to singapore. Chanel is like $1500-$2000 cheaper.
Longchamps
It is a must to eat Macarons. They have so many flavors.
Perfectly match with a cup of tea or coffee.
For lunch, we go to nearby to have a bowl of beef or chicken noodle.
Nice but kinda super big portion. A big is enough for 2 small eaters like us.
After a simple lunch, is our free and easy time. You may choose to go back to Shop or any other programs. As for us, we head on to the " must go " museum in Paris -
The Louvre.
Website : http://www.louvre.fr/en
Our train tickets to and fro
We are given a map. There are 3 main things that it is a must to see.
There are super a lot of paintings and sculptures inside.
The wall and the ceiling paintings are outstanding as well.
Many students are sitting inside the museum to do their drawings.
Very relax and enjoying afternoon.
1. Winged Victory of Samothrace
The painting on the ceiling
After a 15 min walk, we are super tired. Take a break and take a picture.
2. Mona Lisa – Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo
That is how small Mona Lisa is . Haha
Dear I know you have tried your best. LOL
3. Aphrodite, known as the "Venus de Milo"
The big castle
The gift from Egypt
The transparent pyramid from inside view.
The inverted pyramid.
Never forget to have our coffee after the visit.
No matter where you go , Starbucks tastes the same and good everywhere.
I remember there was this old man who sitting near us and he was facing us,
he started to take out his paint box and paper to start drawing.
I even tell my hubby that maybe he was drawing us.
Keep smiling. HAHA.
By the time we back in our hotel, is already 8 plus.
The sun is setting. Beautiful sky colours from my room window.
I remember we had our cup noodle brought from Singapore that day.
The next day we are heading to Brussels and followed by Amsterdam.
Hence packed our luggage and have a good rest .
Looking forward to my Amsterdam.
Hotel: Mecure La Villette , Paris
216 Avenue Jean Jaures
F-75019 Paris
Hotel: Mecure La Villette , Paris
216 Avenue Jean Jaures
F-75019 Paris
Lookalike allot of fun at that day. :). pairs city is awesome and people really enjoy at there.
ReplyDeletemeet and greet heathrow