Tour Eiffel

I have been trying to get Nolan to try a croque-madame while we've been here, but since we haven't had much luck finding a good place for one, this morning we settled for the American equivalent: an egg mcmuffin at McDonalds. After browsing some local markets for awhile, we hopped on the metro to go see Les Catacombes, a creepy place where the medieval bones of thousands line the walls far under the streets of Paris. However, due to graffiti, the place was closed...so on to Les Invalides! We wandered the esplanade and then made our way into the beautiful area, where the admission was a tad overpriced. So: Nolan had free admission because he is under 25 and a national of the EU. I sat in the cafe and had my daily coffee time and people-watched, and then eventually used his free ticket to run in and at least see Napoleon's Tomb. The man is buried like a god, with the largest tomb I have ever seen in my life--his body is encased in seven different caskets! Anyway. Then we walked over to the Rodin Museum and took pictures with the famous "The Thinker" statue, and admired the gardens, before walking over a gilded bridge to the Champs-Elysees. After wandering the famous walk, we arrived at the Arc de Triomphe, where again, it was overpriced for me but free for Nolan. So I stood at the base and read the tourbook while Nolan used his Dutch citizenship to climb to the top and take pictures. After that we were beat, and came back to our neighbourhood for a delicious dinner by the Moulin Rouge and a nap in our room. 2 hours later we came back to the Arc to see it all lit up at night, and then walked over to see the Eiffel Tower, which was all lit up and gorgeous. Even more so when they flipped a switch around 9 and what looked like a million flashbulbs or tiny fireworks went off all over the entire thing. It was incredible!

You know that feeling when you get salt water up your nose and down your throat and you want to die? The smoky nasty air in Paris has the same effect on me. It burrrrnnnnsss. Also, I'm getting a cold, so I am ready for more sleep. Tomorrow: on our way to Holland!