paris, day one

The first site we saw in Paris (not counting the crowds in the airport and the panhandlers on the train) was the Notre Dame. At first, it failed to impress me - I expected something much larger and more impressive. I have since changed my opinion, since we see that building several times a day. Yes, our hotel is literally down the block from N.D.

The hotel definitely deserves a mention. Without a doubt, it is THE best location in town, right on the Ile de la Cite. Just as surprising are the rates, which are very reasonable. The surprise wears off once you see the furniture - somewhat shabby - and realize that the bathroom is down the hall. Still, for our buck, it doesn't get any better.

We walked through the Louvre to les Invalides, got lost on the expansive subway, had dinner at Le Pot de Terre, and strolled through the Latin Quarter. Our next outing took us to the Eiffel Tower, where I gave Sue a gift she really enjoyed.