Hola from España
Hey Guys!
Long time, no post. We had a good time in Paris, but are very glad to be out of the hussle and bussle of the city. The first day there we did a great walk of the historic city core. There was some kind of crazy music fesival going on, and bands of all kinds were setting up on corners all over the place. I never thought that I would hear moshing/headbanging music in Paris!
We did find a great little square called Place Dauphine on the Ile de la Cite. We ate gyros from the latin quarter and listened to a small symphony and another band that played cover songs. Very relaxing!
The next day we toured the Notre Dame Cathedral and climbed the tower. It is very awe-inspiring to think how people built something so massive so many centuries ago. The view (as well as the climb) was breathtaking at the top. You could see the whole city and I got my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower! We even got to get up close and personal with some gargoyles. We wanted to go to the St. Chapelle Cathedral, but the workers were on strike, no surprise there! So we headed to the Cluny Museum (no, not the hot actor) and saw a lot of old stuff. We did, however, see some stained glass from St. Chapell so that was good.
Then we went on to the Pompidou Center. I´m not sure that modern art is Jesse and my forte, we just don´t understand a smashed piano on a wall I guess. After that we took a quick break at the hotel, and then headed onto the Louvre. All I can say is Wow! I didn´t think it was that big! Those French really know how to build a palace. We saw the Winged Victory, Mona, and Michelangelo´s Slaves. I think that we would need a week to see the whole thing.
The next day, June 23, we hiked the Eiffel Tower. That made me feel as if I were really in France. I never imagined it to be so huge (with all these giant structures, it makes you wonder if the French are compensating for something...) and massive. The view from the top was awesome. Afterwards, we tried to sit in a park on the grass (as everyone does in Paris) and got almost run over by a lawnmower and what must be the most rude gardener in France. Then we went to the Rodin Museum, and it was beautiful. It was partially inside an old mansion, but the best parts were the great gardens where we saw the Thinker. After that we tried to go to Napoleon´s tomb, but got caught in a helacious rain and ended up hiding out inside of a breezeway of an apartment. It was fun trying to dry off everything we own, psych! We then had our best meal in Paris- couscous at the neighborhood cafe. It was so good, I might just plan a trip back for more!
Our last day in Paris was spent in the wonderland of Versailles. I have never seen so much gold in my life. The crowds inside were horrific, but the gardens were magnificent. If you thought the palace was big, the gardends are even bigger. We loved the gardens, until I slipped in the mud. That wasn´t so hot, but it washed off OK. Jesse and I had ham sandwiches on the royal drive (with cheese) and enjoyed people watching.
For our last night in Paris, we had a picnic (very French and totally tasty) in a park near the Louvre and fed the birds and played frisbee. Then we started our 24 hour trek to Salamanca, Spain. It was only supposed to be 14, but the train we wanted was full. So, we had a layover in a mountain town called Irun, pretty boring and foggy. Unfortunately we lost a sightseeing day, but we did get to see the beautiful Spanish country side. We went from very green mountains to golden fields. We arrived in Salamanca last night around midnight and got to our pension (rooms in private homes). The place is great, very clean and comfy. I think we had the best night´s sleep last night.
Today we woke up late (so great!) and went to the bar across the street for some pastries. Then we headed out to see the sights. We saw the University of Salamanca museum, which was pretty cool, and then saw the Cathedrals Nuevo and Vieja. They were both magnificent and we got to see a Spanish Catholic wedding. It was great, lots of singing and clapping (like they do for flamenco dancing). At the end of the ceremony some of the guests danced with the bride and groom around the alter like they do in Greek weddings. Very cool! We had a great lunch at a place by our room with gazpacho (so good!) and wine. Afterwards we went to the the Convent of San Esteban. The altar was amazing, it literally took my breath away! Now we are here writing to you and trying to download all of our pics. So check the other posts for new pics.
We miss you all so much, and the comforts of home, but we are still having a great time. Tomorrow we head out for Toledo, Spain and then to Madrid. We will try to publish again as soon as we can.
Love,
Meghan and JeSSe
posted by Meghan @ 1:47 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home