Embedded Files
It was hard to believe that today was technically our last day on tour! We had a busy morning planned at the Louvre, followed by a free afternoon, and then our final dinner together. It was surreal to think that this incredible journey would be coming to a close tonight. I was ready to go home but I wasn't quite ready for the fun to end!
Our tour at the Louvre was self guided this morning with the help of the ever handy Rick Steves app. There were a few pieces I had missed on my last visit so I had a good idea of the things I really wanted to see. There were also a few pieces I was hoping to see again (here's looking at you Mona!)
I was joined by Barbie, Andie, and Kaysie on our scavenger hunt around the museum. We saw ancient Greek sculptures, Renaissance works, and countless masterpieces. We arrived early so the crush of crowds wasn't too bad. By the time we left around lunchtime, though, it was a different story. You gotta love Rick Steves' planning!
We popped by a local cafe to get a bite to eat before heading our separate ways for the afternoon.
For my afternoon, I planned on visiting the Cluny Museum in the fifth arrondissement. I hadn't gotten a chance to visit the last time I was in Paris. I have a fascination with the Middle Ages so this was a must do for me. I enjoyed my walk to the museum and was glad I bought my tickets ahead so I could dive right in to exploring.
There were many religious artifacts and a beautiful courtyard but the highlight was the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries. I had seen these on one of Rick's Paris programs and couldn't wait to see them in person. I had the whole room almost all to myself to appreciate these works of art.
When I wrapped up at the museum, I decided to walk back to the hotel to see more of Paris on foot.
Pro tip: don't be afraid to walk! Yes it takes time, but you get to see so much more of a city. If you aren't pressed for time, I say try to walk as much as possible!
After my walk I plopped myself down at a cafe on the Rue Cler.
Bonus pro tip: don't schedule yourself so much that you have no time to slow down and enjoy your time. That's what vacation is all about!
Before I knew it, it was time for our final group dinner, which was just around the corner from our hotel. We sat together, people who were once strangers but now friends. We swapped memories and stories and exchanged information so we could all stay in touch.
The food, as was at every group dinner, was delicious and it was hard to say what we enjoyed more, the food or the company! Although this was techically our final goodbye, Paul surprised us with one last stop: the Eiffel Tower lit up in its Olympic splendor!
At the base of the Eiffel Tower we toasted our new friends, our countless adventures, and our fond memories. This turned out to be the trip of a lifetime and I was grateful for every last second of it. Even though it was late and my flight was early, I was so glad I went to this last hurrah.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse