DAY 12 Thursday
It was sad to realize my visit in Paris is almost over. I decided to start my day at the Panthéon. We will go to the Grande Arch later in the afternoon; and then to see the view from the Arc de Triomphe.
Panthéon
The Panthéon started initially as a little church, but with time the remains of important people were moved there. These people include Louis Braille, Jean Jacques Rousseaw, Soufflot (he designed the Panthéon), Marie and Pierre Curie (whose remains were moved there in 1995). Interestingly enough, Marie Curie was the first woman whose remains were moved to the Panthéon (I happen to be a big fan of this remarkable Noble price-winning woman!). I found it very interesting but also a bit scary to walk alone through the crypts.
The Foucault pendulum was also there, connected to the 220 foot dome. It shows that the earth rotates around it own axis as it turns with 273 degrees every day.
I went back to the Jardin Luxembourg, but it was quiet without any children playing.
Grande Arch
We went to the Grande Arch at the La Defense station later the afternoon. We watched the music fountain and enjoyed some Haägen-Daz ice cream in front of the arch. The delicious ice cream will be part of my Paris memories.
Arc de Triomphe
The next stop was the Arc de Triomphe. The view from the top was breathtaking and we could see far in the distance.
I couldn’t find a word to describe the traffic as they enter the circle… sometimes 12 cars next to one another and all that without any accidents! I will never complain about our traffic at home again (well, at least not soon!).
We went to a restaurant with some colleagues of my husband. My main course was duck with strawberry sauce. I like my meat well-done but didn’t want to disagree with the French and just kept quiet when they explained to me all the reasons why it should be medium. Of course they are right, but having my meat well-done is just my personal preference. I couldn’t eat all the very pink parts inside, but the potatoes and mushroom with the duck were very delicious. There was a great atmosphere in the restaurant and the company was good. It was really an enjoyable experience.
Do you also enjoy a good meal with good company or do you prefer being at your home?
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