Arrival in Paris

We’ve arrived safely in Paris. Though we have a minor issue with payment for the apartment (cash only, so I need to find a bank tomorrow) we had a good day.

We arrived here about 11:30 AM local time, and by the time we got through customs and took the train into Paris we got to the apartment at about 2:30 PM, where we discovered our little issue with payment, which we plan to resolve tomorrow.

En route to the apartment, as we emerged from the Metro, Kim got her first view of Paris. Being able to see the Eiffel Tower, Lez Invalides, and the ornate bridge at Pont Alexandre, her first comment was “I just got goosebumps.”

Once we got some initial unpacking done, we went on walkabout. Walking initially down the left bank, but crossing back and forth as the mood hit us.

We went down to the Latin Quarter for dinner. We were seated by the window, and people walking by naturally looked in at the table. Kim had to look twice when Mary-Kate Olson walked by. We watched as some young women going the opposite direction recognized her, and one grabbed paper and pen and headed after her for an autograph. We think she came back with something since they were looking at the paper when she returned.

We then walked back up past Notre Dame, the Concierge, Pont Neuf, and the Louvre, where we rested as the sun went down and the lights of the city came up, and we watched the Eiffel Tower light up her searchlights and put on her evening light show.

We then walked up the right bank as night fell, looking for a market (which we did not find) and making our way back to the apartment.

Kim says her initial day in Paris has been almost overwhelming… I hope tomorrow brings more amazement as we visit the Louvre and hopefully get into Notre Dame.