On Day 7, we had a local guide for the Paris city tour. He was more interested to reciting what he had in his script rather than engaging us in the commentary! Hm... lack the human touch. In fact, for a couple of times, he was rather impatient and shut people up, just like the teacher expecting the class to sit down quietly to listen (er... I think hear would be more appropriate here!). Well, not many of us have background knowledge of France... henceforth... most people were switched off ... His commentary? Gone with the wind...
Place de La Concorde
- It's the world's largest square, claimed the itinerary. Well, I thought Tiananmen is larger...
- Anyway, did not find this square impressive, except it has a few fountains (ok, the sculptures are beautiful) and an obelisk, which was a gift from Egypt.
- A ferriwheel was recently set up... not spectacular since we were going to see the London Eye and we have the Singapore Flyer at home.
- Erected by Napoleon in 1806 as a memorial to his victorious army which has since 1919 become a National Monument to the unknown soldiers of France.
- As the coach drove around the monument, it was pointed out to us that 12 main avenues extended from this central point.
- Yes, that reminded me when both Lee Choo and myself climbed up to the top to have the pananomic view of the city. Hm... The view was magnificent. So, it's really a pity that there wasn't any stop here this time.
Champs Elysees
- Among the 12 avenues, this is the most famous one. There wasn't much elaboration on this. In fact, some group members were asking whether they would be going to Chams Elysees. However, the guide did not point out that they were there!
- Well, it's really a road with lots of branded shops lined up on both sides. For a amateur shopper, one day is not enough!
Notre Dame
- It was a great disappointment that the coach did not stop at this significant cathedral. Not only because of its historical significance, but also its magnificent structure - the stain glass paintings (which are known to be the rose windows). Have been to several old cathedrals and churches (BTW, can't tell the difference)... This one stands out - in terms of the artwork found within. To date, none of those I visited could bit this one.
- Of course, there's also where we find the zero point (ie. the centre of Paris), right in front of the cathedral.
Alexandra Bridge
- Instead, there was a photo stop at the open area near the Alexandra Bridge. Not much info from the guide again. Of yes, vaguely recall he said the building facing the bridge is the Hospital for the Invalids and behind it was the tomb of Napolean. Well, well... so what's the significance? We were told that there's a high percentage of handicaps in France. Why? No answer.
Lourve Museum
- The coach only passed by... not making any stop, assuming that everybody would be coming back the next day for the optional tour. So presumptuous!
Eiffel Tower
- Eiffel Tower, built for the exhibition in 1889, using 7,000 tonnes of metal! Wow!
- This was the highlight for the day. We took the lift up to the 2nd storey... Click at the clip at the side bar to watch (uploaded in YouTube).
- Though we saw the awesome structure the previous night, The birdeye's view of the city was great. It was beautiful... with the River Seine flowing across the city.
- Well, did you notice how far it casts its shadow?
After that...
- Shopping was in the afternoon itinerary. What? Shopping? Yes, for those who have heard much about the Perfumes and LV bags. Yes, it was good harvest for some people... OK, people do research on everything, just like I would do research on places that I go to... there are also those who do research on the latest models of branded goods! No, did not buy another thing except a hat that cost me 7 euros at a 'pasa malam' store outside Lafayette.
- Instead, we roamed slightly further to the Opera House. Went there before... but it's something we don't find in Singapore... not tired admiring the structure and scultpures.
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