Charming Paris

Paris. Oh sweet Paris, what an unexpected surprise and a city that has stolen my heart. I adore the architecture and vibe that Paris has to offer. 

Now getting to Paris that was quite the endeavor. We had a flight booked but we left for the airport a little later than anticipated. Couple that with some London Tube delays and we missed our flight by literally two minutes. Apparently British Airways doesn't allow people to check into flights unless they get there a minimum of 30 min. prior and well folks 28 min. just wasn't cutting it for them. So we booked a train ticket, plan B commenced and enchanting Paris awaited.

Fun fact: all buildings in Paris are required to be built using Haussmann architecture.

Starting off our Parisian adventures with a bike tour was definitely a plus and SO enjoyable. It helped us get our bearings on where everything was located and away we went! 

           
           Eiffel Tower                                 Fat Tire Bike Tours

Arc de Triomphe is impressive in size and pictures simply don’t seem to do it justice and who wouldn’t love a windy walk down Champs-Élysées? Very touristy, yet charming at the same time. 

Arc de Triomphe

The View from the Top

Next we braved the 669 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower (or second platform before everyone takes a lift to the top). We decided to take our time at the top and experience the light show actually on the tower....it is much more fun from a distance!

At the top

The Views

Next we found some delicious food...authentic European dinner time I might add... it was late! I was so surprised by how exquisite our food was and I dare say it was inspiring.

Onion Soup

Crème brûlée

-Danielle

Woke up in London yesterday...

Backpacking through Europe... a decision I don’t think I will ever regret! How wonderful is it that you can TRAVEL and learn all at once!

First Stop London. If Stephen ever works overseas London is on my list. All of the museums there are free…not so sure about the taxes to keep those beauties open though.

Day one our friend Chris gave us the basic tour and we soaked in the Olympic spirit. I’m sure you’re thinking it must have been crazy that time of year but oddly enough all the locals stayed home that week leaving all of the explorations London has to offer wide open.

The next morning we headed straight to the tower of London to see the amazing crown jewels and I must say they did NOT disappoint. Unfortunately pictures are not allowed. 

Tower of London Home of the Crown Jewels. 

This guy is in charge of protecting them...caught in the act he scratched his side.

Tower Bridge

We also enjoyed views of The Gherkin, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, Trafalgar Square home of the National Art Gallery, Piccadilly Circus, The British Library home of the Magna Carta before doing the obvious.....

King's Cross Station Platform 9 3/4. 

We've read the books but aren't die hard so we thought it was pretty funny there was a queue.

We ended the night in a Newtown market, popular with the young crowd. The next morning we enjoyed more of the sights London has to offer before hitting the tour at Westminster Abbey... worth every penny if you are a history nerd like me.

Parliament Building with the astonishing Big Ben.

              Westminster Abbey                     An inside peek

               Just Because                         Barclay Bikes 

How could I forget...riding Barclay Bikes around London was one of my favorite experiences! It was an enjoyable, relaxing and economical way to get around while giving those tourist feet a much needed rest.

Next stop Paris....well eventually!

-Danielle