Au Revoir Fine City

Farewell Paris! Farewell Europe! Thanks for the hospitality!

rguontorguontorguontorguOur flight was early afternoon, so we had a little time to say goodbye. Goodbye Seine!

Goodbye funky old staircase.

Hello delicious pastries!

Goodbye lovely Parisian flat. We will miss you!

Versailles for the Finale

We've had great weather for most of our trip. This morning is was a little rainy, but that didn't stop us from going on our adventure the Palace of Versailles.

After an hour of trains, we arrived at Versailles. The main palace for many of the French monarchy until the revolution. 

It's a popular spot and we enjoyed touring the many many rooms. 

guontorguontorguontorguontorguontorguonThen we made it to the Hall of Mirrors which is a pretty sweet ballroom.

These two look just like the royalty that must have danced here.

The two dudes.

Walking through the various areas. 

Golf cart rental to explore the giant gardens? Yes, please.

One of the many walled gardens.

Fountain shot!

The crew on our last full day in Europe.

These guys.

More cuteness.

More lovely gardens on our wander back to entrance and the train.

In our last night in Paris, we found a spot to get Persian food in one of the neighborhoods. It was delicious. After that, on our way home, we were able to stop at Glace Bachir to get some Lebanese style ice cream coated in pistachios that we'd been admiring for the last couple days.

Yum!

Last night in Paris.

Opera, Crepes, and Fancy Food

Another eventful day. 

This morning we trekked over to the Palais Garnier Opera Paris which is inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera.

The grand staircase.

This place is a wee bit impressive.

A view of the theater. Also impressive.

The ceiling was replaced with from its original with the work of Chagall in 1964. It is quite impressive as well.  Also it was interesting to learn that there was an incident where a counterweight for the chandelier fell in the late 1800s and killed someone. The chandelier fall in the Phantom was inspired by this incident.

Dexter having too much fun.

Fun place.

This is the reserved seat for the Phantom.

Then Dexter died.

The wonders continue.

This place is insane.

Mimicking the art.

Crepes!!

How French!

He's got the whole Eiffel in his hand.

The Bastille!

The fam.

Keeping it weird.

Fancy macarons!!

Fancy pants dinner after our big day. This is Omar Dhaib, a fancy pants Michelin starred restaurant in gay Paris.

Amazing course...

...after amazing course.

Dinner companions.

Two asparagus dishes. Both delicious.

More amazing foods.

So good.

Happy customer.

Simple but lovely dessert.

Another great night in Paris.

Busy Day

Today we did a lot and it was amazing.

Our first stop was on the "food" street Rue de Nil. Where we got some produce, cheese, baguettes, and coffee. In the cheese shop we were harshly reminded not to touch the wrapped soft cheeses. Food is serious business.

After returning home we decided to go out for lunch, because...why not? Maya wanted these crazy burgers at a spot called Little Baobei.

Ramen Burger...sure!

Matcha Bun looks good!

We soon arrived at Sainte-Chapelle. A famous gothic chapel built for the king.

The stained glass is absolutely beautiful. 

The relics of Christ's crown are stored here, apparently.

Purdy.

After the chapel, we made our way across the bridge and over to our next destination.

Walking is quite pleasant in gay Paris.

Fountains galore.

And fun statues.

We made it to the impressive Musee d'Orsay, an art museum with a massive collection including many of the impressionists.

Renoir anyone? 

Nice.

Picasso. Yes!

Beautiful art everywhere.

The kiddos liked this one.

Dexter enjoyed pondering Manet's lemon.

Much to think about.

We're off again. 

On our way back to the apartment for a quick break.

Stopped for a moment to look in the local cathedral. 

Kids wanted Pho so we decided to find some in a nearby neighborhood. The Metro is awesome.

Mission accomplished.

Gee, it's 10:30pm and a clear night. Let's go walk up the Eiffel Towel!

Looking pretty!

Wow!

No line to walk up!

Up we go!

The inner workings.

We made it!

Dexter was so excited that we did this!

The view.

The fam.

More views.

A Titanic moment.

We walked up there.