First Night in the City of Lights!

Our first night in Paris started roughly, we got to the hotel, only to spend the first half hour outside, because they didn't want us waiting in the lobby? We didn't even really know why, but it was COLD. Finally, we got inside, only to wait at least another hour while they figured out rooms. It was like they didn't even know we were coming (although knowing what I do about EF, thats totally possible). I finally got put with three other girls, in a smoking room with one bed, a couch, and a pull out. The room was meant for 2 adults, 2 kids, maximum. I felt bad for the rooms that had four large guys in them. It was miserable, and things were adding up quickly (lots of other annoyances becuase of EF) and I had a good 20 minute "I just want to go home" breakdown. But I bucked it up, and the fiercesome foursome went out to explore Paris while everyone else went out to dinner and clubbing.

Sadly, things didn't get much better. Our tour director told us to ask the front desk for directions to the metro, so we weren't exactly confident in getting there, but after a long walk and a hand gestured conversation with a frenchman later, we learn that the closest Metro to our hotel is a good 25 minute walk (at least) in the cold, and another 20 minute train ride into the city. So much for being close. But we figured out the tickets, got on, and road a long way in. Up the escalator in the train station, and as our heads rose above the pavement, we were greeted by this sight: It was amazing. A lot more massive than I was expecting for an arch, plus, people kept telling me that you couldn't go up in it. They were wrong. AND they are open til 10:30pm! But of course we couldn't pass up a photo shoot right outside the metro station.... But 183 some odd stairs later, we were at the top and gazing over the streets of Paris. It was gorgeous. The view of Champs de Elysses from the top, with the Christmas lights still on the trees, the tail lights, and the front headlights of cars, it was beautiful. I was paying so much attention to that view, that Tim kept trying to get me to look at some tower, and I kept shrugging him off, liking my view much better. And then I finally rounded the corner, only to realize that he meant to Eiffel Tower, and it was crazy. There I was, and my first view of the Eiffel Tower, ever, was from the top of the Arc Di Triumph. It was a rough start, but Paris was beginning to pay off!

After our lovely escapade at the top of the Arc, we traveled down the Champs de Elysses, looking at all the wonderful shops and stores. High end, low end, bright lights, city sounds. One of my favorite places of the trip, and we were only there for an hour or less. It reminded me of Boston, only with French people. Especially winter in Boston, with all the trees lit up down the sidewalks. Most stores were closed for the night, but we stopped in the Disney store, and a car dealership. By then, it was late, and we were starving. Most restaurants were super fancy, and we didn't feel like messing around with wandering, so we found the closest place that was do-able. McDonalds! It was actually kind of fun, Tim and I ordered via a machine, it was in English and had pictures! Meaning we didn't have to deal with any French misinterpretation. It was crazy how packed it was, we barely found a place to sit, and the people next to us kept laughing at us. Whatever, it was the most delicious Happy Meal I have ever had!

Afterwards, a few more blocks of the Champs, we headed back to the hotel, the LONG ride and the LONG walk. but we made it. And found out that when the tour director took everyone to dinner, they got lost on the way to the Metro and they walked around for over an hour. Mwahahaha, thats what you get when you follow the person who is the laziest and most irresponsible tour director who only wants to party. At least we got to see some part of Paris that night, no thanks to Omar!