Day Twelve Paris

We moved to our new lodgings in the 16th arronidissement within walking distance from the Arc De Triomphe. I had done some research on chocolatiers in the area and Bob and I went to investigate to see if Patrick Roger on Rue Victor Hugo lived up to its reputation. The blue boxed hazelnut creams were not cheap but oh so worth it. Our friends OJ and Coco arrived late afternoon just in time for us to take in the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tour. Now I am not a big fan of heights but was so thrilled to gain a better perspective of the 12 rounds which converge at the Arc.
From here we could see that the Avenue des millionaires was greener, lusher and less travelled than any other road. I wonder if the trees have performance anxiety for their weathy inhabitants? Below the arc burns a flame for the unknown solider and we happened to arrive just when a marching band and children carrying bouquets met some very old decorated soldiers and placed them around the cenotaph.Clearly those young children marched with pride toward their destination. There were three different groups each wearing a different colored uniform. I could not determine if they were scouts or from different schools.
From here we walked over to the Eiffel Tour where we were accosted by Senegal hawkers selling metal replicas of the tour. Their aggressive sales pitch was impressive though we weren't interested. You have to appreciate they are just trying to make a living like the rest of us.
Again the line up did not take more than thirty minutes. We noticed a photographer was taking pictures of one couple in particular and learned later that the fellow had hired the photographer to document their ascent and his proposal of marriage. They were all smiles and full body embrace when we saw them later so I take it was a definitive yes.
The Eiffel Tour is the most recognizable landmark in the world. Built to commemorate the world's fair in 1889, it was quite a architertural feat for its time. Again going up the side elevator was challenging for my liver heart that doesn't like heights but the view from the top makes it worth it. Imagine our surprise when we saw Jen and Jason Stephan up there too. We had a lovely visit and caught up on all our news all the time my back was to the wall providing some stability.
We headed toward the Trocadero and looked back to see the Eiffel Tour illuminating the evening sky. Very romantic in a cheesy kind of way. Again we had to dodge those hawkers as we made our way to the metro.
Another great day. Another lemon tart. So so. I'm getting picky.