Bonds Adventures: Paris 1

some quick photos of our time in Paris. more will follow

Entrance to our apartment in Paris

stairwell leading to our "first floor" unit. We learned that in France the floors start at "0" for the ground level and they are the numbered 1-2-3 etc. not a bad climb except in the rain, which we enjoyed a couple of days, then these can be slippery.

Most apts do not have dryers and so out the window on specially designed devices. Rain? not a problem that is why plastic bags were made.

As with many of our visited sites the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile was under renovation. This structure was built as a memorial to those who fought for France in the revolutionary wars and the Napoleonic wars and the tomb of the unknown soldier is at its center.

The view looking along one direction of the Champs-Elysees from the memorial

Proof I was there,

Tomb of the unknown soldier.

looking down the Champs-Elysee the other way toward the Louvre. At the far end there is obelisk that stands in the middle of the largest square in all Paris.

One of my "postcard" views. The weather started out rainy on this day but by noon it had cleared and offered blue sky and white clouds for photographic backgrounds. Gotta love mother nature.

Seine River as seen from second floor of Eiffel tower.

The myth of the sealed lock with lovers names written on it as a symbol of enduring affection rings its romantic chimes even on the tower guard fence.

Love this shot of the tower.

There is a recognition of the hazards of Parisian traffic. Pedestrians are given two attempts to get across some streets. there are two lights; the frist one will get you to the middle where you can stand as a target for on coming traffic from both directions, the second light will turn green to give you another space to flee the center for the relative safety of the sidewalk.

not sure if this is a joke or for real. street sign next to the Eiffel tower

obelisk at the end of Champs-Elysee

Strolling is a great afternoon activity. Stopping at a local cafe for espresso and cookie, a life so good.

your eyes are not wrong, there are over seven lanes of traffic all lined up and waiting for the starting gun.
Gentlemen, Start your engines...Pedestrians stand back.

Parking skills that cannot be taught in drivers education.

Everywhere, just everywhere.

Paris panorama from Eiffel Tower

we are walking along our aftrnoon stroll and I spy these people eating in a very small cafe along a side street. closer inspection shows that the above couscous meal is the menu du jour for this place. we haven't had lunch yet and so we step into a neighborhood Paris bar. lunch is this steaming vegetable broth seasoned with exotic spices, a large plate of couscous and some roasted lamb and chicken. This will be attempted once at home.

Our hosts at the couscous cafe lunch. the chef, when asked if I could take his photo, went into hiskitchen changed his apron and came back with the huge bowl of couscous. He and the bar tender/waiter are from Algeria. The chefs daughter is now in California studying cinema and the young guy has a promising neighborhood bar and a lot of good customers.