American in Paris

Don't laugh - this was the best 9E I spent on the entire trip. Yes - I bought a coffee maker for our room. I love Paris - but I miss American coffee. I cannot live without my big mug of java in the mornings. The front desk clerk was pleased to inherit this used gift today when we checked out.

Farewell Paris

It is difficult saying goodbye to Paris! We have had a wonderful trip this year. Ten days of activities and memories. We are already making plans for our trip next year!

Sweet Paris

Art

This is the Pompidou Center - Paris' modern art gallery. It is a great space. We started our art walk from here.

Grace

This small Church is near our hotel in the Latin Quarter. It is often overlooked. Don't skip it - as it is very lovely.

Goodbye

All good things eventually come to an end. Today is our last day in the City of Lights. We are shopping for most of the day and then off to tour some art galleries tonight.

LOVE

It is easy to love Versailles. It is easy to love Paris. Best of all it is easy to love life. These journeys can renew the heart to take in life. I admit it does that for me. New Year's in Pairs may be for me the best renewing of spirit.

Frost Bite

Most of the day it has been -2 degrees in Versailles. Luckily these bronzes outside in the gardens don't care. We rushed to take a few quick shots and quickly found our way back indoors for the remainder of the day.

King's View

And yes - the views are just as amazing in the winters when you too can feel like a King.

Why Winter?

For those of you that believe we are crazy for visiting Paris during New Year's vacation - note this photo. When else can you see an attraction like Versailles without the crowds. Not only without them - but practically on your own!

Reflection

The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles has been restored. It is amazing. It was created to allow Louis XVI access to Marie Antoinette probably one of the most extreme remodels in history. The Kings sleeping quarters were moved to this location. The mirrors can be opened to allow the sunshine to enter his private sleeping quarters.

Old meets New

Versailles is undergoing some amazing renovations. The Hall of Mirrors, the roof (see the gold?), and the exterior stone. It is remarkable to see.

Also, Jeff Koons exhibit of modern art at this otherwise ancient location has stirred some raw emotions. I don't know if I like all of them. This one in the courtyard - works for me.

Renewed

The original second gates have been returned to Versailles. And- yes, they were gold.

Versailles Tip

So we shopped a little this morning - the sale have started in Paris! Oh me, Oh my! Good thing that we are off to Versailles today. Otherwise - I'd be in trouble.

This small bistro on the North side of Versailles may be (until now) the best kept secret. It sells one day passes into the palace. Not that we really needed it - the crowds have left Paris. We seem to have the city and surrounding areas to ourselves.

Wonderful, special and a rare luxury. I am enjoying it.

Perfect Morning

Seafood

Cavier

Sweets

Les Passages

Paris has several covered passages filled with nice shops. This one is located in St. Germain near our hotel. Next trip I have to plan a tour of see more of these covered passages in the city.

Classic

Sewers

Okay - it takes some strange folks to travel all the way to Paris just to end up touring the sewer system. I admit we missed it on our first 4 trips to the City of Lights. I don't know if I would recommended it for everyone - or anyone. But if you need another excuse to tour Paris underground then this is a tour for you.

Another cold day

Burr! It is freezing in Paris today. We are still having light snow flurries. Good news - the wind isn't blowing too hard. It is 19 degrees Fahrenheit today. The high should reach 26.

6,000,000

Spooky