Day 10 – Paris - Sunday, January 12th 2014

Today saw us in Paris. We used the day to visit some classic sites and take in the atmosphere of this great city. We first had to navigate the Metro system, the Parisians have a very efficient system designed to move a lot of people very quickly from one part of the city to other another part. Everyone was alert to the main “danger” of pick pockets and moving as a unified group decreases the possibility of a successful strike by a one. Many eyes makes robbery difficult. (and it was very successful)

Our first stop was the Louvre the past palace of the Bourbon Kings that Napoleon Bonaparte turned into the world’s biggest art gallery and Museum. It is said that to see each of the 35,000 art objects in the Louvre, taking 60 seconds for each, would take roughly 25 days if you viewed them for a full 24 hrs per day.

To get there we arrived at the Station located on the Place De Concorde. This is at the bottom of the Champs Elysees. This is where during the Christmas and New Year a Ferris Wheel is erected. This is far removed from the past use this place was put to. During the French Revolution the King Louis XVI was to have his head removed as an enemy of the revolution. To make sure that as many as possible could view this event the Guillotine was erected here. Seeing it was such a good viewing place they decided to leave it here. So many, many heads were removed in this place.

The Place De Concorde. The Obelisk marks the spot. (Photo S.Vial)

The center of the area is now marked by a large Egyptian Stele (obelisk) that was a gift from the people of Egypt.

We then walked up toward the Louvre from this point. As we approached we saw the famous glass pyramid that allows the public access to the Museum.

The Louvre and the Glass Pyramid that marks the entrance. (Photo S. Vial)

Once inside we were able to secure a student pass which allowed all of the students in to view the collection for free. This is a generous act by the French Government that allows us students from other countries to see their treasures without cost. It does show their commitment to education for all.

The first “port of call” was, of course the Mona Lisa. This famous painting has such a huge reputation that the actual viewing of it can often be a terrible anti-climax. I think that a number of our group, even though forewarned suffered exactly that. A number of comments along the line of “it’s not very big is it?” were heard. However we were able to take pictures today, which was unusual, as they usually want you to buy the postcards in the gift shop.

The Mona Lisa (Photo D. Biar)

After that the next point of interest was the Venus De Milo. However I was astounded by the number of boys who did not know anything about this famous work of art.

The Venus De Milo

The many Venus De Milos of our group! (Linda L, Linda V, T Vial and Danica B)

During our trip around the Museum we saw many things and were astounded by the artefacts in the various areas. The Egyptian section was especially good as was the things from the great Babylonian (Assyrian) empire.

Bryce exiting the Pharaoh funerary Chapel in the Louvre

Some of the grains and other food found inside the Tombs of the Pharaohs.

James looking a sphinx square in the eyes!

Emmanuele and Sebastian at the Gates of Babylon

David, Danielle and Jack looking at the Assyrian panels

We did suffer some disappointments in the Louvre. There were a number of sections that were under winter restoration. This would not have been a problem if only it was recorded on the map! This necessitated a number of back tracking moves as well as a lot of normally unrequired stairs. This nearly broke our spirits when we found that the up escalators had broken down on our way to Napoleon  the 3rds apartments, only then to find they had just shut them for 2 weeks.

Still we saw a lot despite the stairs and renovations. Once we had returned outside to the square with the pyramids the next thing on our agenda was lunch. To find some good food we walked along the banks of the Seine River. The sun had broken through and the wind was not as keen so the walk was quite pleasant.

Reece looking back to see if the others are coming as we walk along the Seine.

Eventually we reached Notre Dame the great cathedral of Paris. This was our lunch stop and several groups went in different directions to find sustenance. After a successful “hunting” trip we returned to the Cathedral.

The “Lads” in front of Notre Dame. Liam, James, Reece, Julius, Jack, Christian, Carey and Matthew.

It was soon time for the groups to separate. One group went to view the Cathedral and the nearby St Chappelle, while the other went to see the famous Catacombs. This second group was destined to experience disappointment. We arrived to find that it was closed on Mondays…even though it is “open every day, including Christmas Day”. Just to really set the mood, it rained on us at the same time. So we dejectedly went back to the station and rode the train to the Eiffel Tower. The weather had cleared to show both sun and blue sky. So we thought that a trip to the top would reward us with a great view. But the top was closed for maintenance. However we were able to go to the second floor and see Paris from there. It was still quite a view.

Brandon, Jack H, Jack M and Carey with Paris behind them. (despite lunch Brandon seemed to be low on Fuel!)

A panoramic view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower (Photo S. Vial)

Soon we returned to the ground, fought rush hour commuters on the train to return to our Hostel for the night. Tomorrow sees us at Versailles and the Western Front.