We took the metro on Monday, Nov. 23. We got the system figured out pretty much. Mostly thanks to Seth and Jess who used it and the bus to get here from the airport. It was a fabulous day en Paris! Here's what Dave had to say about our first stop:

When I found out the family wanted to go to the Opera House, I thought it sounded boring. So once we had the picture outside of it, I was ready to move on.

But once we got inside, we were all completely blown away. We have seen some amazing places, but the Paris Opera House/Palais Garnier is equal to any palace or castle we have ever seen.

Family selfie!

Austin volunteered to be our tour guide! :) He listened to the audio and then told us about each area. It was fun to tour the Opera House that way.

Down in the grand entry, where the rich and famous would enter.

Family photo op 

The artist wanted to create these statues in light marble, like what was usual for the time, but the architect said he wanted them in these colorful marbles. I'm so glad that the architect prevailed. The end result is beautiful.

9 different marbles were used in the balisters!

Kids selfie shot (Josh in the background). Good thing Jess and Seth brought their selfie stick! :)

In the performance room. Box 5 (Phantom) is behind us on the left).

Listening to our "guide".

At Box 5, the Phantom's box. ;)

Cool pic of Brooke taken by Jess.

In the grand reception room, where the rich were invited to mingle and have refreshments during the intermission.

Even the floors are impressive, and Tyler's shoes, too.

Seth

The guys

One small square of the balcony ceiling

A set mock up. After drawing the sets, the set creators would make these models before creating it all in actual size, to work out where to put the entrances, etc.

An opera dress from 1989.

We found our way to the street Champs Elysees, unfortunately getting a little lost on the way. But, hey, we're in Paris, so that's okay! As we were walking around, we passed by the President's quarters. And guess what... as walked by it, someone very important was arriving with their entourage of security! There were many police on the streets, and a number of security cars that drove by! My Aunt Marian recently commented to me in an email that we seem to attract high security wherever we go. I think she's right!!!

Champs Elysees is a famous shopping street. Before we got onto it, we walked by the Christmas markets, which were fun. At the end of the Champs Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe. We were all surprised at how big it is! It's very impressive. I guess there's just no way to see that in pictures. 

Pastries after lunch. MMmmm.

Security at the President's quarters.

Brooke and Skybaby.

Security at the market, too. 

OOooooOOOooo a chocolate booth at the market!

Nice pose, Seth!

You can't tell too well, but we're standing in front of bike rickshaws in the picture below. We got a ride in them from the Arc to the Eiffel Tower. It was a fun ride, but CRAZY at first as they merged their way into the round-about at the Arc! The traffic was nuts, but the bike drivers just moseyed on into it without hardly even looking!!! 

The Eiffel Tower is so big, also! We were surprised. These first few pix are from pretty far away. We were there at the perfect time, late afternoon, sunset, and evening as the lights came on.

Josh was dared to fake kiss someone at the "Place to Kiss" sign! HAHA.

Austin said, "How much will someone pay me if I ask a foreign girl to kiss me at the 'Place to Kiss' sign?" I said, "I'll pay you 10 Euros!" He said "OK!" Shortly after, a couple of cute girls asked him if he would take their picture for them. He said sure and did it. And then he said, "Would one of you do me a favor?!" "Would one of you kiss me by this sign?" This girl's (see pic below) friend said, "She will", as she pointed to her friend! HAHA. It was so funny. A bunch of people heard what was going on and started watching and taking pictures! The girl said, "Just a peck? No more? Don't get carried away now!", in her English accent.

One bummer, but funny thing... we got separated coming down the Eiffel Tower. Me, Dave and Tyler were together, and the others were together. We couldn't find each other for an hour! That was frustrating, but we got over it. We are in Paris after all! :)

Brooke and Skyler went back to their apartment in the evening for Skyler to do some work. The rest of us went back to our apartment and watched "Phantom of the Opera". Perfect ending for this day!