A Hotel Study

It was impossible not to have my camera on even when we were just lounging at the hotel! With views from the windows like these, who could ask for more? Ocean view? Nah! Give me some windows with character and I am happy.






Even the hallways had irresistible character. Fabric covered walls and highly polished woods and brass. Those spiral stairs look enticing (especially since the elevator was no joy ride) but the steps pitched forward at such a steep angle from years of use they were not for the clumsy.

Last Views from the Seine: Bridges

Another benefit of taking the water taxi is that you see an angle of all the amazing bridges that you don't really get walking over them. Many of the best details (even on the Pont Alexandre III Bridge - which we know I love from above) are found tucked away on the underside. The sun did finally come out that day, and the gold gilding was as incredible as Versailles.
This fish almost escaped me, but I turned in my seat just in time.
I wish I knew the history of these figures, are they meant to be protectors?
I feel that I will always want to have a little bit of Paris in my daily life. Some day I will frame a few choice photographs from this trip and hang them in my "study." I know this image will be one of them.
And, I promise, the last photo of a golden Pegasus.

Views from the Seine

Another set of images taken from the Batobus. I became really fascinated with the different types of trees I was seeing along the river.
These trees just looked sad to me...
Just like I told you... any opportunity to take a picture of Notre Dame I seized. It only irritated me a little that I was so close that I couldn't get the whole cathedral in one shot.
I loved learning about the history of places that have become so famous. Victor Hugo was actually a major part in the restoration of Notre Dame. He wrote The Hunchback as a way of showing the people of the world how important a monument the cathedral is and that it needed to be taken care of.
Trees in sets of 3 or four...
My favorite of the set. I think these are cypresses. I love how they lean like they want to be swept up in the clouds.
Weeping willows that carry the familiarity of my childhood and the novelty of location.
All of them lovely. Especially accompanied with a spring breeze.

House Boats on the Seine

There are a few aspects of Parisian life that were surprising (and particularly delightful) to me. The entire view of life seems to be different. Maybe it is because I have not spent much time on the big rivers of the US, but all of the house boats docked along the Seine were captivating to me! People build their whole lives on these boats. The freedom which seems to be attached to this is what really got me.

Batobus - Pont Alexandre III Bridge

If you are ever in Paris I highly suggest you spend the 12 or 13 euros and take an hour to do the loop of the Seine on the Batobus. The dock is right near the base of the Eiffel Tower and it gives you a whole new sense of understanding of the city. Do it on day 1 or 2 and it will make navigation much easier. We actually rode the loop twice (you could ride all day if you wanted to for one price). I couldn't stop taking photos of the fabulous Pont Alexandre III Bridge. Against the dramatic broody sky (we rode so long on the second loop I got some shots of it with blue skies behind). I love the french because they love gold gilding. I feel like in the US we shy away from this type of embellishment because it looks showy (Oh just wait until Versailles!)

From the tower onward.

On the walk to the tower you pass lots of lovely buildings, including the golden dome of Napoleon's palace. Many of the buildings seem to shimmer like satin.

I don't think you can actually go to the Eiffel Tower and not take pictures of it from every possible angle...


Exhausted at this point instead of making the long trek back to the hotel on foot we decided to take the "Batobus." From this water taxi I took many many many photos. Here is a taste... lots to follow!

Eiffel Tower.

We did finally make it to the tower, and the day that had threatened to rain for hours suddenly cleared up.




I cannot say that my aunt is the pest portrait taker. Here is a shot of me looking a little uncomfortable in my rain jacket after mustering up the courage to even ask her to take my picture. I pretty much rely on self portraits from here on in.