Paris, the city of.....horrible weather.

I think the weather in Europe was terrible everywhere last weekend.  My flat-mates said it was bad in Milan too.  In fact, it is still raining as we speak.  Paris is a beautiful city, very clean and safe.  I have always been told that Paris is a dirty, smelly city but I found it the opposite.  I suppose it is pre-tourism season though.   

We stayed at Kristin, my cousin who I traveled with, and her husband, Dan, friend's sister's apartment.  Sounds like a stretch but it wasn't.  They were so nice and inviting.  We crashed in their living room for two nights.  Karena is the sister of the best man from Kristin and Dan's wedding and she and her French husband Laurent have an adorable 4 year old daughter named Zoe who is amazingly bilingual.  Many thanks to them if they happen to read this!!  Also, Laurent make's AMAZING Quiche!  

The photo's below were taken throughout the weekend at different parts of the city.  Unfortunately we did not have time to go inside Notre Dame but it is significantly smaller than I imagined it.  I suppose I'm used to the enormous Duomo in Milan.  Notice the threatening clouds.

Notre Dame is actually on an island in the middle of the Seine river.

Our second day, we went shopping!  The infamous Champs-Elysees.  The weather started out amazing, high 50's and sunny.

Then it started to rain, nothing terrible yet.

Then we sat and had crepes for a snack.  And by the time we left....

IT WAS HAILING!!!  The sky was falling, quite literally.

Half an hour later, with soaked feet, we were in the sun again in a different part of the city.

Later that night we went back to the apartment, put on different shoes, and went out for a really fantastic meal.  My parents are concerned about my eating habits here, and by habits I mean the Italy diet which has caused me to require new jeans because my others are too big.  They demanded that I get some protein so I ordered a fillet.  It was sooooo good.  If I was studying in France I would have the reverse effect of the Italy diet I think.  The photo below is of our first course, salads.  Food in Europe is much more simple.  They don't pack in as many spices as possible, they believe that fresh ingredients should be enough flavor.  I agree.  Even the pizza is amazing because of the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.  None of that frozen stuff from the US.

Then we went to see the Eiffel Tower at night.

We didn't have time to get close during the day to get good pictures so this will have to suffice for now until I can return some day.  It honestly would take a week to do everything in Paris.  Its unbelievable.

This photo is dedicated to Mrs. Busard, who I know is a dedicated reader.  This is a picture of the Princess Diana Memorial on the bridge that covers the tunnel where she was killed.

On our 3rd day we were rushed to the Train Station because of a planning mishap.  When we ordered our tickets the confirmation said one train station and when they arrived it said another.  Mass confusion.  Karena's husband, Laurent, drove us.  I got some of my best pics this way! 

The one above is my personal favorite.

This picture is dedicated to my sisters who are constantly wanting pictures of the trains and modes of transportation.  This is what a 6 person overnight couchette looks like.    The bottom two beds fold up to make chairs, there are 3 beds across from where Kristin is sitting too.  Its a tight space but not a bad way to travel.  The train kind of rocks you to sleep.  It was a fine experience except for the swiss guards that tromp through when you pass through Switzerland and the snoring Egyptian man.  1st class would have been worth the money maybe.  Also, it would be really easy to sleep through your stop.