At the Top of Eiffel in Paris

Day 14
April 21, 2009
Paris

On April 21, we were back in Paris after an 11 hour overnight train ride from Munich. We chose the Freedom Class where, according to RailEurope.com, we would enjoy a 'couchette' in a shared compartment for up to 6. Couchette meant small bed and that was exactly what the cabin had - 2 triple decker beds cramped in a very tight space. The gap between the beds was unbelievably narrow, you cannot even sit on it, unless you are 3 feet tall. And there were barely space for our luggages.

We arrived in Paris at 9:30 AM and again, like the first time 2 weeks ago, had a grueling time using the metro system due to our heavy baggages, which after 2 weeks of travelling across Europe, were heavier. We arrived at hotel Saint-Honore way earlier than the very late check-in time. We used the time to rest in the lobby and eat lunch nearby. I also stupidly spent 22 euro to have my hair shaved.

Late in the afternoon, we went to Arc de Triomphe, built in 1806 by Napoleon I to glorify the Grande Armée. From the top there is a panoramic view of Paris and of the twelve major avenues leading to the arc.






We then walked through the Champs-Elysees avenue, known for its high-end store chains. This is where I bought a nice and pricey watch in Swatch store, but very cheap compared to what Mitch bought in Louis Vuitton store.




Later that night, Marlon treated us to a dinner near the Eiffel tower. We actually wanted to eat at Eiffel restaurant but apparently, you had to book a year in advance to get a reservation and get to eat their 200 USD dinner, which is more than what I spent for my meals in a month back in Manila.

The highlight of my whole trip was our last stop for the day - the Eiffel tower, the symbol of Paris. This was built for the World Exposition of 1889 and stood as the tallest building in the world until New York's Chrysler building in 1930. The way up to the top was exhilirating. Too bad, Rissa had to miss it and Marlon chickened out at the last minute and stayed at the lower level.