Tour de Paris

I was in Paris for a couple of days for a project meeting. Although official, I tried to get around the city as much as I can. I had half-a-day to spare to discover the beauty of the city. I reached Paris at around 1pm and was wondering how long it will take me to get thru immigration. Surprisingly, I was greeted with a Namaste and I passed thru the counter in less than 3 minutes. I knew Sortie means exit and RER means train station. I followed the signs and finally reached the station. There were ticket vending machines everywhere and a long queue to the human counter. I tried the vending machines. The tickets were confusing. Asked for help. Noone knew. They were all tourists. Dint want to take a chance. Followed the queue and got my tickets to the city - Ville de Paris. Boarded the train and was eagerly looking outside the window for a glimpse of Paris. The suburbs are not very attractive, but as we got in to the city I was amazed by the beautiful buildings. I had some trouble changing trains at Charles de Haulle. But I managed to reach the hotel at around 3pm. Dint want to waste my time. I started again on my tour de Paris. I wanted to visit all the places. I had a few in mind - Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc D'Triompe, Musee de Louvre and Sacre Coeur. Where do I go first? I wanted to really go to Notre Dame, for there are the most beautiful stained glass paintings. But what if cant visit Eiffel Tower then. So I was on and off on my plans to Notre Dame. But went first to Eiffel. I got down at the tube station and was wondering where the tower was. Being so tall, I wondered why it wasnt visible from where I was. It was round the corner. It was awesome. It was built in 1889. I cannot believe it. It was huge. I had elevators goin up and down carrying people. How could they have built it in 1889? It is really a wonder. Of all the pictures I took, I photographed the tower the most. Then I had to find a quick way to get to other places. I took the boat trip. I love ferry rides. I got a discount ticket, got on a ferry. I was taken along the Siene river and was shown the most beautiful buildings in the world. :) Almost all important places to visit are by the river. The trip took a U-turn at Notre Dame. But alas, you can only see from the ferry. It was an excellent ride. We got back to Eiffel. Then I walked opposite to the Eiffel to get it all covered in my camera. I took a few more snaps and then started walking along the river again. After a short walk, I reached the Grand Palace. It was indeed grand. But wasnt open to public at that time. Opposite to it was a smaller palace. It was grand too. Beautiful carvings on the walls and pillars. Then walked some more. I took a detour and walked in to the city. I saw the most beautiful buildings. Even the regular apartments looked splendid. Finally, I reached the most famous Louvre Museum, the Mona Lisa place. I didnt have the time to get in to it. So walked around a bit. It was so big and majestic. It looked like five times the size of the British Museum. Then I got a call asking me to return. :( On my way, I changed my mind yet again and went to Arc De Triomphe. I was there for a few minutes only. It was built to honour the martyrs of the Napoleanic wars. Now I had to really leave, but I promised myself - I will be back. album