The Highs and Lows of Paris

Yesterday was quite a day for us as we made our first trip into Paris.  Everyone says that the train and metro systems are easy to navigate, but somehow, we managed to run into difficulties with every turn.  We started by walking down the hill to the local station in Marly le Roi with plans to buy our tickets and head into the city.  Unfortunately, the machine did not work with our credit card and there was no attendant so Bobby and Jacob ran back up the hill to the house to get the car to drive us to another station.  At the next station, we were able to purchase tickets, but found out that this particular line was under construction and we would need to change trains and transfer to another.  As you can tell, the kids were absolutely thrilled with the transportation system and its lack of air conditioning!

Thank God for a lovely French woman who guided us in the right direction and somehow, 2 hours later, we arrived in Paris at the Eiffel Tower.  Wow--absolutely worth the trip--the kids are finally impressed:)

Of course, we are walkers and wouldn't dream of taking the elevator up, so we proceeded to climb the 670 steps to the second level.  (Brooke only needed to be carried the final 300 steps---thank God for my triathlete husband!)  Jacob and Bobby would have loved to go to the top, but the wait was a couple of hours to get the elevator (climbing is not allowed), so unfortunately, we did not ascend to the summit.

After the Eiffel tower, we walked a half mile to purchase tickets for a boat cruise on the Seine.  We figured this would be a relaxing way to beat the heat and see some of the highlights of the city.  Unfortunately, after we purchased our tickets, it started to rain and then it poured!  We got soaked and had to take cover in the metro to wait for the rain to clear.  Of course, at that point everyone got hungry and VERY cranky--food was needed immediately.  Unfortunately, all the street vendors were back by the Eiffel tower and none of us was in the mood to sit down in a cafe.  The kids had seen the Eiffel tower hot dogs and that is all they wanted.  So, we trekked back a half mile and spent an exorbitant amount of money on hot dogs, strawberries, and water.  Note to self, feed the kids and Bobby before they are starving!

With new energy and enthusiasm, we walked back to the boat cruise and enjoyed amazing views of the city from the River Seine.  Our cruise took off at 9pm and we were able to see the Eiffel tower "sparkle" at 10.  This was definitely the highlight of our day.

Once off the boat, we walked up to the Arc de Triomphe where we caught our train back toward home.  Finally home at 12:30 and kids showered and in bed by 1.  How are they ever going to adjust back to an 8:30 bedtime?

Arc de Triomphe

Kids slept in until noon today so I think we will be up late again tonight.  Hmmm....what should we do today?