This semester is going way too fast. It's incredibly tough to keep up with Rome, classes, travel, and keeping in touch with everyone. Be aware if you're thinking of studying abroad. It can be exhausting. So I am a little behind with my entries. I have been traveling and seeing so much from the Rhineland to Paris in one trip; then back to Rome to head south to Naples, Pompeii and the fantastic Amalfi Coast for another.
But first things first: the City of Light. I arrived in Paris by train into the Gare du Nord on a Monday afternoon. I made my way into the Montmartre district so named for the high hill that looks over the city. The district lies along the Blvd. Rouchechart near the scandalous Pigalle district and Place de Clichy, but is also home to the religious Basilica de Sacra Coeur. Sacra Coeur was my first stop in Paris. Inside, the very white basilica is beautifully decorated with religious art. Unfortunately it cannot compare to the amazing view from the high Montmartre where the basilica is located. It was a clear day and I could see for miles. Blue skies as far as the eye could see and all of Paris south of Montmartre spread before me. The steps were crowded with tourists and typically bohemian residents of the Montmartre enjoying the clear weather and spectacular view.
After checking into the Avenir Hotel on Blvd Rouchechart I decided to take a walk near the Siene and get a feel for using the extensive Paris Metro and figuring out where the sights are located. As night fell, it began to get very cold. Using the metro was easy as I quickly went from my hotel to the Trocadero, Eiffel Tower, Champ du Mars, Ecole Militare, and Invalides, admiring all during my walk. The Eiffel Tower is an amazing work of engineering and is especially impressive lit up. On the hour the massive structure twinkles for around 10 minutes in addition to its dusk until 2am constant illumination. The lay out of Paris and architecture are also very appealing. There are wild Boulevards, large Placés, and massive lawns. The buildings are different but have a unique Parisian style. By the end of my walk it was way below freezing and it looked as if snow was in store the next day.
I awoke to a dusting of snow the next morning. After having breakfast delivered to my room (a perk of the Avenir) I again boarded the Metro, this time headed for Isle St. Louis where Notre Dame is located. The façade of Notre Dame and the huge rose windows were most impressive. Its location on an island in the Siene is also picturesque and pleasant. From Notre Dame I moved down the Siene to the Museum Orsay. One thing about Paris is that it is difficult to not stop every few blocks and take pictures. The whole city is a postcard.
The Museum Orsay has one of the largest collections of Impressionist artwork. I became acquainted with the masterpieces of Monet, Cezanne, Degas, Renoir, and Lautrec. Pardon to any of the masters I left out; there were just so many. These paintings depict the world in a whole different way with vibrant colors, quick brush strokes, and heavy coats of paint. They are a strong contrast to the Renaissance art of Italy. The sculptures at the Museum Orsay were also great. Particularly the Rodins convinced me to go to his museum the next day.
After the Museum Orsay I prepare myself to scale the Eiffel Tower. It is a lot bigger than I thought. The steps seemed never ending. Pisa's Tower was cake and Cologne's Cathederal was not much worse but Eiffel was pretty tough, but I am way too young for elevators. The climb was worth it. The view was spectacular, even better than Sacra Coeur. I had also timed it just right. The sun was shining its setting rays into the Siene.
paris
