Day 3, 4 and 5

August 5

Hampton Court

Friday, Wayne and I took off on our own. We took a train to zone 6 to see Hampton Court. We learned a lot about Henry VIII. He was a very selfish man. He worked with Parliament, however, he only used it to change laws that benefited him. He had six wives. Several of them were beheaded because they didn't bear him a son.

This is the main court of Hampton Court. The front approach was being restored so it had scaffolding around it.

I believe this was the window in the chapel. I'm fascinated with all the stain glass in England and France.

This particular room was decorated with different kinds of weapons. They were decoration only until they need to be used to defend and protect the palace.

The staircase was very elegant.

The gardens were very pretty. I could have spent more time enjoying them.

At the Greenwich underground station there is a building called the O2. It is a huge building that houses an arena, movie theatres, shops and restaurants. It will be used for the Olympics next year. I know basketball will be played there and maybe other events. It is a strange looking building. The ceiling is canvas, just like the Denver airport.

We met Tim again after work. This time our destination was Harrods. It is always a fun store to walk around. We didn't stay until it was dark to see it all lit up. It was okay because the outside was having work done so part of it was covered up. We had hoped to get a treat in the ice cream area, but we were too late. The store had closed before we got to that section of the food area. We then thought we would walk around the London Eye and find ice cream there. There was a McDonald's, but it too was closing as we got there. We finally found a shop that was open. It closed as we were finishing our ice cream. Before we went home we spent time at a playground in the lights of London Eye. Another fun day.

August 6
Paris

The day we have been anticipating finally arrived. The only problem was the train didn't leave until the afternoon. Tanya has told us about Borough Market so off we went Saturday morning. It is really an exciting place. There are lots of fresh produce stands. The breads looked especially good.

I think all the food looked delicious.

This building when finished will be the tallest building in London. I know Tim told me its name but I have already forgotten.

After this little side trip we went back to Tanya and Tim's place to get ready to depart for Paris. We were going to take the underground but decided to crowd into a large taxi and let the drivers drive us. He took us through some very interesting neighborhoods. The train station has been updated and look like it is ready for the Olympics. It even has the Olympic rings displayed. The Eurostar was a great way to travel. When we arrived in the train station in Paris, it was raining. We ended taking two taxis to 47 Rue Berger. Our adventure had begun.

August 7

The Musee Du Louvre

Sunday was the day we decided to spend some time at the Louvre. We knew there would be a line, but we were not prepared for the line that we found. It wrapped around the outside of the building. I really didn't want to wait for 5 hours to get in. Fortunately one of the workers saw that we had a little one in a stroller (buggie) and told us, "No line for you." She told us which way to go to find the entrance we could use. We walked right in and even took a special elevator down to where we should start. Our first stop was to see the Mona Lisa. I have been told it is small, but I was still surprised at how small it is. Tanya took some great pictures. I couldn't get close enough. I didn't like the crowded feeling I was getting. All my pictures have other peoples heads. I still glad I got to see the painting.

Wayne said he doesn't remember seeing The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Here is proof that we saw it.

When we walked into this court area we could believe how calm and peaceful it made us feel. I think all of us could have stayed a lot longer. Maybe we could have found a place to sit down and read a book or take a nap.

I thought this staircase was amazing.

Dinner anyone?

In the Napoleon III apartments we found this dining room. We thought it would be a perfect place for a Sunday dinner.

The outside of the Louvre is just as nice as the inside. The architecture is really gorgeous.

Our next stop was St. Michel Notre Dame. Wayne and I saw this last year. It was just as great to see it this year. It is located on an island in the middle of the river. The island is called Ile de la Cite.

Can you find St. Denis? He is the one who is holding his head. I think I need to find out why he is holding his head. I wouldn't be surprised if he was beheaded.

To end our first day in Paris we took a scenic boat ride on the River Seine. It was good to see the different sights.

This adorns a bridge. If I remember right, it is the most expensive bridge in Paris and there are a lot of bridges.

A view of Notre Dame from the river.

This is the ornaments on another bridge.

We had a great view of Notre Dame's Rose Window. The boat also took us past the Eiffel Tour. The French call it Tour Eiffel. Wayne and I had purchased a four day travel pass, so after the boat ride we thought we should try out Paris' underground. We found our way to the Eiffel Tower. It is very pretty with its lights on. So this ends our first day in Paris, France.