Day 3: Paris, France

Day 3 (July 2, 2004) Paris, France

The majority of the people slept like rocks. It was a refreshing but short sleep. These were the people going on the trip from Saranac:

• William Poortenga 
• Ben Patton 
• Kayla Sherwood 
• Ann Newell
• Renee Reed 
• Katie Jourdan 
• Emily Smith 
• Lori Reynolds
• Jessica Newell 
• Lauren Simpson 
• Doug Abel 
• Terrie Abel
• Monty Jo Simpson 
• Laura Hayden 
• Ali Nink 
• Mike Cahoon
• Adam Tarrant 
• Laura Cochrun 
• Mike Lamphere
• Meggan Wiles

We came down for breakfast at 8:00. It was a little more than a typical continental breakfast, including bacon and eggs as well as cereal. We got on the bus at 9:00 and took off for the tour of Paris.

A speaker who knew her history of France and Paris got on board and spoke to us. Some things I learned was that the Latin quarter in Paris was so named because it was where the students and professors of the university lived and they spoke Latin to each other outside class. I also learned that Napoleon built buildings that copied similar building styles in Rome.

Adam Tarrant in front of Notre Dame Cathedral

Ali Nink and Mike Cahoon at the center of Paris, by Notre Dame Cathedral 

Mike Cahoon posing near The Eiffel tower

We got off at Notre Dame and looked around for a few minutes. We got back on the bus and finished the tour. Afterwards, the groups parted, with the majority going to see Verasilles.

The first place we visited was the Arc de Triomph, only because Mike C wanted to find the Harley Davidson bike shop. We found the shop, got a patch for his neighbor, and then looked around.That left Mike Lamphere, Mike Cahoon, Ali Nink, and Katie Jourdan with me, and so we explored Paris.

For lunch, I got them to try a Croque Monsieur, which is basically a hot ham and cheese sandwich covered with cheese.

Katie Jourdan, Mike Cahoon, Mike Lamphere, and Ali Nink trying the Croque Monsieur

Katie Jourdan at the Arc de Triomph

Afterwards, we went to Montmartre and visited the highest point in Paris, the church Sacred Heart. We rested after climbing all the stairs and saw the wonderful view. We looked in and saw a mass going on inside. Tourist were going inside, touring the building. They left the center of the church and the mass participants alone.

We stopped for a drink at one of the local restaurants to rest and watch some of the world go by us. It sprinkled rain a little bit, but we were dry under the little canopy.

The views of Paris from Sacred Heart

We leisurely walked down the hill, looking at touristy stuff to see what we wanted to buy. We had to meet Gigi and the rest of the group at 6:00 One of the students wanted to see the Moulin Rouge, and so luckily, we were within walking distance. It was my first time in this part of the district and I found out what kind of area it is. After looking around, we decided to go to the rendez-vous point to meet the others for supper. We were early so we explored the area.

We ate at the Esplade, and had a choice of chicken or beef. It's always interesting to see how the students react to their first cultural meal. After the meal, some of the group left to go on the Paris by night tour, where they would see the aforementioned boat tour, Eiffel tower, and the city of lights by night. The rest of us did some more shopping before going back to the hotel. Everyone was still tired and so it was not a problem to go to bed. The Paris by night group got home at 1:00 a.m. They said that the Paris night life was still going.