Paris at Night in All its Glory

Germany meets the U.S. in Paris for a reunion of old friends. We take a super-speed elevator almost 700 feet up the Tour Montparnasse (the tallest building in Paris until 2011.) The view leaves us enamored by the Paris at night in all its glory.

Opera National de Paris: Rainbow Visions

Opera National de Paris is a breath of (cool) air!  Coming in from the heat to the cool and darkened marble floor and columns   refreshes the mind and should. Inside, we are astounded by the beauty of even just the lobby/stairwell alone. Commissioned once again by the renowned Louis XIV, the realness of building absolutely surprises us.

I discover an unlocked door to a box suite and peek inside. On stage, a dancer is led by her director and we watch, secretly from the sidelines. Her moves are perfect and delicate and in the empty theater appear like a dream. Above, the Marc Chagall mural on the ceiling casts a rainbow glow across the velvety, red cushions and it is a moment of perfection. More visitors sneak in to watch the rehearsal (which is only allowed behind glass in another resection of the theater.) Eventually, a staff members catches wind of our invasion and the door is closed.

But for that one moment, we witnessed a vision on Opera National de Paris stage.

Sacre Coeur and Monmarte.

What a hike to Sacre Coeur. Up, up, up and way. The view from historic Basilica does take your breath away.

Historic Monmarte (which in Latin means Mount on Mars) is known for this famous basilica but also a landmark for infamous artists such as Dali, Monet, Picasso and VanGogh. The streets truly trip with color and inspiration...

To witness the brilliance and creativity of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum was overwhelming--such an innovative and metaphoric view of life...one that reminds you to strive to look outside our narrow circle of life.

I unknowingly take the family through the Red Light District to get a glimpse of the infamous Moulin Rouge (and what an interesting trek it was!)  Up close, the cabaret is just as iconic and well-worth the jaunt--even in a hundred degree weather!

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Nova counting yet another "sexy" shop!  

Versailles: Homage to Louie XIV

Twelve hours of travel--planes, trains, automobiles and subways--plus 100 degree weather welcomed us into Paris.  My only mistake--booking a hotel without any air conditioning and in the heart of Paris nightlife (the "Lush Bar" was right next door!) As we checked in, we were told the room had ventilation, which meant a few windows that opened out into the street. yet the partiers screaming outside our room all night (except for 5:00am when the trash trucks arrived) made for a tough sleep so we switched hotels after the first night :0

The only quiet time...8:00am (The "lush" had all gone home to bed!)

A trip to Versailles--a place that makes the word "palace" truly an understatement. Once a king's hunting grounds was later transformed by Louie XIV into an astounding and ornate ode to royalty. The apartments to the King and Queen, the Hall of Mirrors, the Chapel and Opera --plus a later addition--the Museum of History of France highlight the splendor of French Art and the impressive reign of this iconic French king.

Long, long lines

Louie XIV in all his grandeur 

The endless gardens...with a hidden ice cream shop in the center. The only way to beat the heat!

The frescos were a sigh to behold

Trekking around Paris with my Pops

Awesome reflective mirrors made spectacular selfies

The town itself was charming...a fun place to shop and eat... my favorite: spinach quiche.