“People travel because it teaches them things they could learn no other way.” – Lance Morrow
After our time in Volendam we hopped a bus to the metro and over to Amsterdam Central train station. From there we took the train into Paris.Checking in to our home for the next three nights.We love this hotel because it’s very close to the Place Monge metro stop.Of course, we had to go see the Eiffel Tower. This is an obligatory pic when talking about Paris. As you know the Olympics took place here this summer so the Tower was appropriately “dressed”.We stayed there until it got dark to see it lit and in all it’s glory!
Okay, we’ve all moved at one point in our life and we know it’s a miserable job. But check out this process in Paris.
Narrow homes & several stories up add a wholenew dimension for this move.
We walked over to a bike shop to rent bikes and I spotted this encouraging sign hanging on the wall there.
So, the plan was to ONLY ride along the River Seine – right Murph?
Yup, next thing I know we’re up on the street and riding along side the traffic!
We did go through this cool bike/pedestrian tunnel though.It really was a kick to ride along the Seine with views like this!Just can’t get away from the Eiffel Tower! ☺️ Nice piece of Lego art.We biked up to Notre Dame to check out the progress after the horrific fire in 2019. I have to say they are really moving along and plan to open this December.My absolute favorite site at Notre Dame though was a huge exhibit, around the base of the Cathedral that is entirely dedicated to all of the people who have and are working to restore it. The lighting was very tough for Murphto get very clear pictures. But I still wanted to include a few. These photographs gave credit toengineers and architects but also to the stone masons, crane operators and scaffold builders. They applauded approximately 500 workers, no matter their status – and I loved that!Ok, we were back on our bikes. It was a warm day and I spotted a mister. I could not resist cooling off and making a new friend at the same time!
Is it just me or do you think this is pretty cute, too?
Saw this sign in the Metro advertising the movie “Inside Out” – or at least that’s what it’s called in English…🤷🏾♀️
By the time we arrived in Paris the Olympics were over BUT not the Paralympics.
I guess I was in a hurry because I took such a quick shot of this pic that it turned out blurry. But this poster tells the story of just one of the many athletes that competed this year in the Paralympics. This child, Yana, 13 years old had both of her legs blown off TWO years ago in the war in Ukraine and she’s running this year!!! I can’t even wrap my mind around that.
While walking around the city we stopped to listen to these street performers – so reminiscent of when our kids (and more recently, our neighbor Madi) were in the marching band. Very cute ☺️Another “must see” – Sacre Coeur at the top of Montmartre. But I loved this vignette – a teen guitar student playing for his instructor at a small park – oblivious to all of the tourists on the Monte.Okay we need to think bigger. Check out this 1890’s, seven story shopping mall in Paris, complete with a roof top terrace for all to enjoy the view. The domed ceiling is dramatic and beautiful.A closer look at the detail of the dome.
And, French food IS so tasty – Murph’s pigeon – what now?
We have heard about all the bike improvements in Paris. It looks fantastic! Had you ever dared to bike there before?
A friend told me there is stadium seating at Notre Dame for watching the reconstruction. How strange. Did you see that? It must be literally like watching paint dry :<)
Never biked in Paris before – it was great. They do have some bleachers at ND – we had seen them even before the fire – for their 800th anniversary I think. Yes, Murph ate pigeon in Paris – not me, of course.
Bienvenu en France! You are so brave cycling in Paris… but what a great time to be there. That young Ukranian paralympian is so inspiring. And great weather too (it’s turned much cooler here in the south west now). Beautiful photos of some really interesting places and observations. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!! xxx
Such gorgeous stuff! The band was so cute! And the people working on Notre Dame– imagine being in a line of craftspeople dating back so many centuries!
Murphys on the Move 
OMG, I didn’t know they had a 7 storey mall in Paris! I need to go book a flight to Paris 🤣
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Haha!
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We have heard about all the bike improvements in Paris. It looks fantastic! Had you ever dared to bike there before?
A friend told me there is stadium seating at Notre Dame for watching the reconstruction. How strange. Did you see that? It must be literally like watching paint dry :<)
Were you serious about eating pigeon?
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Never biked in Paris before – it was great. They do have some bleachers at ND – we had seen them even before the fire – for their 800th anniversary I think. Yes, Murph ate pigeon in Paris – not me, of course.
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You are finding some interesting spots
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Bienvenu en France! You are so brave cycling in Paris… but what a great time to be there. That young Ukranian paralympian is so inspiring. And great weather too (it’s turned much cooler here in the south west now). Beautiful photos of some really interesting places and observations. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!! xxx
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Thank you! We’re sad that we won’t see you this trip but Michigan calls! Take care xoxo
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Love the update on the cathedral!!
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Amazing photos!!
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Wow! Another amazing trip! Love your photos, and yes, the bathroom one made me laugh.
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Hey there! Looks like a gre
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Again, thanks for sharing your trip. You definitely find the nuggets most tourists miss.
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😉❤️
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Such gorgeous stuff! The band was so cute! And the people working on Notre Dame– imagine being in a line of craftspeople dating back so many centuries!
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