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| Bonjour from Paris! This is
absolutely one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited! While my visit was
very brief, I saw firsthand how people come to love this city. I was very amused by
Parisians who understand English but pretend they don't, and by the outrageous antics of
cab drivers. Never before had I been in a car traveling in excess of 80 MPH
downtown!!! I had lunch in a nice downtown restaurant and ordered my steak cooked
medium. When it arrived rare, I sent it back for a little more time on the grill.
Apparently, this upset the chef who came out and let me have it...in loud French!
I guess I'm glad I don't know what he said....but for the first time in my life I
ate a rare steak!
I can't wait to visit Paris again when I have more
time to explore! |
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Arc de Triomphe Commissioned in 1806
by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, it was not finished until 1836.
There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These commemorate The
Triumph of 1810 (Cortot); Resistance , and Peace (both by
Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known by the name La
Marseillaise (Rude). Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and
eternal flame commemorating the dead of the two world wars.
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| The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
was built between 1806 and 1808 by Napoleon following the model of the Arc of
Constantine in Rome. It is composed of threes arches: a big one and two little ones.
The arc is 63 feet high, 75 feet wide, and 24 feet deep. The two small arches are 14 feet,
16 inches high and 9 feet wide. The big arch is 21 feet high and 9 feet wide. The arc is
surmounted by a group of men on horses underneath of which, one finds the names of the
battles and treaties of Napoleon. |
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Entrance to the Louvre
The origins of the Louvre date to 1200 when Philippe August began construction of a
fortress on the banks of the Seine. It first became the official royal residence
under Charles V who also constructed a new perimeter with a moat (part of the moat still
exists and can be seen from the rue de l'Amiral). In one of the towers he installed his
famous library which was eventually dispersed. |
| The Pyramid at the Louvre. This was opened in 1989. |
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| A few photos of Paris taken from the top of |
the Eiffel Tower. The view was breathtaking! |
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