Paris wanderings

Today is the full day in Paris, a rather tasty breakfast and then the bus dropped almost everyone off at the Eiffle Tower. Unfortunately the top (3rd floor?) was closed, but I walked up to the 2nd. That was 600 steps to the 2nd floor. It wasn't that bad of a walk, though I'd advise against it for anyone afraid of heights. 

(TODO insert photos 😝)

The view would have been good if it weren't so cloudy. Whilst it's probably great in the summer, the queues are longer, one person said it was usually 20min queue for the stairs, and 1.5hrs for the elevators in the summer(!!).

I then walked around Paris, down the river, through some beautiful parks. Paris really is beautiful (shame it's full of the French 😛).

I did of course visit the louvre, which is only slightly less required visiting for tourists in Paris. I did not see the Mona Lisa, because that's what everyone sees, and no one says it was worth the queues. I did try and see the oceanic exhibit, but, after an expedition rivalled only by Jules Vern, I found it, and it was closed.

They say it would take you over 70 days to view every piece of art there, due to the number. I have another theory; the maps of the place are so damn awful and seemingly deliberately confusing that it takes 70 days to find every section.

Whilst I'm exaggerating, it's not by nearly as much as it might seem. There were numerous signs pointing to dead ends, including one delightful "Exit" sign that pointed downward, with no stairs in sight. 

Speaking of exiting, I reveal to you the stairs to the exit in the main foyer;

Yes, the exit was closed. It was another expedition to find another exit, it really did feel like the place was designed to trap people in - I've found casinos easier to get out of.

Anyway, I continued my walking around Paris, and tonight is a burlesque show with the group.