Sightseeing begins....

Friday, September 14 was our first day to sightsee. Under Tom's expert guidance, we jumped on the metro at Odeon Station and changed trains at La Motte Picquet Grenelle, exiting at Bir-Hakeim. A short walk later and we were at Champ de Mars and la Tour Eiffel!

After a few minutes of marvelling at the sight, we were in line for about 40 minutes for the elevator. We opted for levels 2 and 3 and were not disappointed. It was a clear sky and the view was incroyable.

We sat at the foot of the tower for a short while and people watched. Then we headed up the hill to Trocadero to take additional pictures. Syd and Tom rode a small carousel located at the foot of the hill to Trocadero. She picked a plane and Tom rode a horse in front of her. The entire ride she was "chasing" Tom saying "I'm gonna get you, you meaner!"

Seeing lots of people in funny costumes doing a lot of drinking, we thought there must have been a rugby tournament; there was quite a party going on at Trocadero. Lots of cheering, flag waving, and drinking! Turns out it was the Rugby World Cup!

A group of breakdancers were attempting to entertain the crowd with their gyrations, spins and wild arm movements. Sydney made friends with another little girl and much to everyone's delight they tried to imitate the dancers moves! The two girls tried spins on their own and of course were unsuccessful. Syd told the other girl to stay down and she "spun" her by grabbing her foot and walking in a circle to imitate the spin. It was so cute!

Saturday, September 15 started off slow as we were pretty tired, still adjusting to the time change. We left the apartment around mid-day, picked up sandwiches, and headed to Jardin du Luxembourg. What a stunning place!

Turns out we are here over a great weekend. Sept 15 and 16 is the celebration of French heritage. Lots of places that are not usually open to the public are allowing visitors. We toured the Orchid Greenhouse and later Bertha and I toured Palais du Luxembourg. Dad and I picked up several gardening ideas in the Orchid Greenhouse and will see if we can implement in the backyard.

QUOTE OF THE DAY (Saturday): Tom, not as far today.... (Bertha, Ron, and Karen)