A Quiet Farewell

Today was my last day in Paris. It's hard to believe that it's already over. Next, Switzerland, and then I'm back home. Sort of crazy to think about, really.

Today was the least touristy day we've had in Paris thusfar. We did visit Saint-Chapel this morning (which was beautiful), but we sort of wandered around the streets of Paris and got a feel for the city. For breakfast, we stopped at a crepe stand by our hotel (there is seriously so much good food where we are!). I got a banana Nutella (because strawberry wasn't an option) crepe and it was the most delicious thing. Okay maybe not the most delicious thing, but it was pretty incredible. I can't believe I haven't gotten a banana crepe before! It's like banana bread in crepe form! So it's basically perfect.

Mary and I then wandered the streets some and dipped into stores that looked interesting. We found a vintage dress shop, and as soon as we walked in the American woman who owned the store positively gushed over the dress I was wearing  (it was my blue polka dotted one today). She asked several times where I'd gotten it, and was so excited to hear that it was homemade. She left, and the other lady in the store asked if I like vintage dresses. I nodded, and she then proceeded to pull out several beautiful, adorable, and very expensive vintage dresses. We walked out empty-handed, of course, but it was a pleasant experience.

We were actually heading towards the Eiffel Tower to meet a couple of Mary's friends, but it turned out to be a much longer walk than we'd anticipated. We eventually hopped on the Metro, went the wrong way and had to switch trains, and met up with her friends at a museum.

I actually don't remember what the name of this museum was called, but we were able to see Napoleon's tomb. It was incredibly ornate and had a statue of Christ, angels, and a lot of gold everywhere. It was impressive, but it was still a tomb. I don't know. . . Once you're dead it doesn't seem to matter all that much how impressive you wanted your tomb to be. I suppose (and this is just my opinion, I don't know because I've never died before) there are other things people do than worry about the situation of their resting places. But it was cool that I was able to see it.

It was so nice hanging out with this group. We had a lot of fun (though we were all a bit mueseumed out so. . . oops). The other two, Phil and Taylor, just finished a study abroad in Spain, and they had the same idea as us, and are travelling here while they can. This was their first day in Paris, so they had an itinerary they were more or less following, and Mary and I tagged along to the things we found interesting. We spent a lot of time sitting and talking on bridges and in parks, and it was quite lovely. I adore Paris, and today was a good day for its good-bye.

The walls of Sainte-Chapel's top floor are all stained-glass windows. It was exquisite.

The flooring was beautiful, too. Mary was taking a picture.

Also, the blue of my dress matched the blue on the floor.

In one of the stores we walked by. Unfortunately, it was closed, because it was lunchtime, but the window displays were lovely. I'm so excited to have my own home someday.

One of many flower shops we passed. I'm going to miss seeing so many of those.

There were so many plants on this building. It was wonderful to see.

Napoleon's Tomb

A WWI memorial

Outside the museum

To the left we see the the Musee d'Orsay. To the right, we see a bit of the Louvre. In the middle, the Seine. Oh how I love this place.

The view from behind.

From front to back: Taylor, Mary, Phil. we had a lot of fun together.

I don't actually know what this building is, but I found it pretty.

This is the oldest (or one of the oldest) square(s) in Paris. We stayed here and people-watched and chatted until it closed. It looks earlier than it is. . . I probably took this at nine or so. The sun sets really late here.

Good-bye Paris. I've loved every minute of you.