Paris Day 1

We most definintly have an angel watching over us. The entire ferry debacle was a blessing in disguise. We took the Chunnel into Brussles around 4pm. Apparently later that evening the 'accident' within the tunnle took place. There were three trains stuck under the English channel for up to 15 hours. Wow- we lucked out! Now getting back to  London is next to impossible. Thankfully were not scheduled to arrive back til Jan 4th.

Yesterday was another magical day. We slept in after getting our first night of 'normal' sleep. Experiencing a coffee and croissnt in Paris is a must. We did this in a quaint little cafe down the street from our hotel. Where they had free wifi- even better!

Europe's public transportation is amazing! With our map in hand and destinations in mind what could go wrong? With our travel luck... Everything. Suprizingly we made it with only one accidantal train ride in the wrong direction. Thankfully we realized this within one minute- that train in particular smelled like a male kitten had marked his territory ten times a day, every day for the past ten years. Add a roaming male handing out brochures (for what, I have no idea due to the language barrier) who smelled like he belonged on skid row and you have two very nauseous travelers. Not a pleasant aroma at all.  

Pictures can not describe the amazement you feel deep within your belly as you approach the Eiffel Tower. Built for one world fair, it's really just a waste of metal- but I have to say I'm glad they weren't so eco-friendly back in the day. Being adventitious, and with a marathon (or half in my case) under our belts, we opted to climb the staris. I haven't seen one gym since being here- now I know why. Climb to the second landing and you've burned enough calories to count for an entire cheesecake at the cheesecake factory. 
The view was breathtaking, to say the least. Very surreal. It was a cloudy day, with a slight drizzle- but the major sights were still quite visible. 

We had a light lunch accompanied by drinks in the resturant. Seated right by the window I must admit it might have been the most majestic lunch I have ever experienced. 

Christmas markets are big in Europe. Wooden booths line the streets/ sidewalks. Vendors selling everything from hot wine (very tasty) to the stackable Russian dolls. Almost like a street fair- but better.  

Sean has turned into a shutter-bug, so our trip is very well documented. Thanks to Annettes advice, he's trying not to 'hide behind the camera too much'. 

Rather than catch the subway to Notre Dame we chose to walk- didn't seem like too far... The exercise was great, and the sights even better. All structures in Paris are very ornate, buildings and churches, even bridges are decorated with figures- some even plated in gold. About two miles in we decided to be French for the moment and surrender- our feet were tired! It ended up being much closer than we had thought... Coulda made it walking, but who can resist the ambiance of the subway? Really.

Notre Dame is truely larger than life. Looking at it from afar it seems like just another church. Yet as you approach, it's towers loom over you, as if threatening you to convert, or parish. Inside is a sight to behold. The fading sunglight streamed in through stained glass windows, shining on stone pillars and statues of unknown saints.

As we were on our way out a mass was just starting. The organ started to play, my feet planted to the floor and I literally couldn't move. Every fiber in my being vibrated with the chords. What an experience. The priest then came out and started preaching in French. We promptly left as to not disrespect the church. 

Tuckered out and not feeling so well Sean plopped down on the bed for a nap as soon as we got 'home'. Our bodies are so confused, finally on a decent sleep schedule, but have lost the majority of our appetites. Knowing I'd eventually be hungry, I took a jaunt to the local market for a few staples. Armed with my passport/ debit card safely hidden, my gaurd up and 'butterfly sting' self defense knowledge, I set out. The nice gal at the pharmacy helped me find the right cough suryp right before they closed. Some strange stuff that really didn't help my congestion, but sure kicked my butt!  

Being 8pm on a Sunday most of the stores were closed already. Finding an open market, I went in to find the smallest store, ever. There was one isle, going in, around the center display and out on the opposite side. I grabbed a few essentials (including champagne, of course) and attempted to pay with my debit. The shop keeper spoke no English! It was an interesting transaction, to say the least.

I actually enjoy being in a foreign place, on my own (only for a short amount of time). It's a refreshing sense of independence. 

(side note) I know mom & nick are freaking out right about now... You have nothing to worry about, promise. My gaurdian angel enjoys globe trotting!