Bonjour mes amis!We had an exciting day yesterday seeing some of the most popular sites around the city. We got our musem pass which allows us entrance into virtually all of the museums and historic buildings.
We started our day in the historic Musee Rodin, which includes many of the famous Rodin sculptural pieces including the "Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker". This museum was very small compared to others, but definately worth the trip. We were amazed by the quality of the scultputal work and depth of emotion in the facial expressions and body posturing. (This is taken directly from my art history book)
Moving on to the Dome Church which was nearby, we saw one of the great 17th century churches located in the Invalades complex, which was intended to house disabled veterans. The church itself was massive and has a lovely guilded dome structure. The lower level of the church contains Napoleon's tomb.
Next was the Arc de
Triomphe located at the center of the rotary near the Ecole de Charles de Gaulle. This was massive and amazing to see decorated very ornately and towering above this area of the city. We climbed to the top which was 
exausting, as there were about 500 steps or 16 stores involved. However the view from the top was amazing
As a side note, apparently there are either no
speedos allowed or sunbathing at the top of the Arc de Triomphe according to the signs. This is good as Dave will know for next time not to wear his speedo... How were we supposed to know?
From there we went to the Moulin Rouge, which was fairly uneventful. there were basically a bunch of tourists taking pictures from across the street. The facade of the building is also much smaller than you would think, but very recognizable.
The Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) Cathedral was nearby in the Momartre district. We were unable to take pictures inside as this is a real functioning church. We were also required to ascend another 500 or so steps to get ot the top, but this was well worth it. The only annoying part was having to avoid these guys on the street that wanted to braid a friendship bracelet around your finger. They were very pushy, and we were not clear what their intent was.
The Musee d'Orsay was next, which is a converted train station that was repurposed about 10 years ago. T
he interior feels very modern compared to the other places we visited today, and the musem is home to some impressive works by artist that include Degas, Van Gough, and Monet. The Musee d'Orsay is also home to the original "Gates of Hell" by Rodin.
That was the extent of our day, we retired early (at about 6PM), and woke up this morning at about 5AM ready to face the day. I'm sure we will be used to the time difference right when we are ready to come back :).
Next was the Arc de
Triomphe located at the center of the rotary near the Ecole de Charles de Gaulle. This was massive and amazing to see decorated very ornately and towering above this area of the city. We climbed to the top which was 
exausting, as there were about 500 steps or 16 stores involved. However the view from the top was amazing
As a side note, apparently there are either no
speedos allowed or sunbathing at the top of the Arc de Triomphe according to the signs. This is good as Dave will know for next time not to wear his speedo... How were we supposed to know?
From there we went to the Moulin Rouge, which was fairly uneventful. there were basically a bunch of tourists taking pictures from across the street. The facade of the building is also much smaller than you would think, but very recognizable.
The Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) Cathedral was nearby in the Momartre district. We were unable to take pictures inside as this is a real functioning church. We were also required to ascend another 500 or so steps to get ot the top, but this was well worth it. The only annoying part was having to avoid these guys on the street that wanted to braid a friendship bracelet around your finger. They were very pushy, and we were not clear what their intent was.
The Musee d'Orsay was next, which is a converted train station that was repurposed about 10 years ago. T
he interior feels very modern compared to the other places we visited today, and the musem is home to some impressive works by artist that include Degas, Van Gough, and Monet. The Musee d'Orsay is also home to the original "Gates of Hell" by Rodin.That was the extent of our day, we retired early (at about 6PM), and woke up this morning at about 5AM ready to face the day. I'm sure we will be used to the time difference right when we are ready to come back :).
