Paris....Again!

Spring in Paris. Birds chirping gaily, artists working studiously at easels, kids squeal in delight as their sailboats make their way effortlessly across the fountain. Seated in front of one of the grand circular fountains in Jardin des Tuileries the warm sun shines brightly and I can't think of a more idyllic setting. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde the garden is another spectacular example of Europe's public spaces that allow pedestrians to enjoy the city without the intrusive car.   

Jardin des Tuileries

The garden's symmetrical layout and immaculately manicured trees are accented with fountains and sculptures providing a harmonious setting. Chestnut trees perfectly align either side of the park's central walkway guiding ones eyes down the Champs Elysees with a wonderful view of l'Arc de Triomphe in the distance. 

Invalides

It’s just past 10am and having dropped my parents off at the Louvre I sit hoping to lose myself reading about the French Revolution. Having never been to Paris and being so close, I figured it would be a shame for my parents to miss a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  So here I am accompanying my parents to Paris for a quick 2 and a half day visit. Poor me but someone's gotta do it!   :) 

The effects of the Louvre

After 12 days walking the streets of Rome, Naples and Positano I feel spent and have no interest in visiting Mona Lisa again. Apart from a quick visit to Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides I have no particular agenda other than to play tour guide to mom and dad. Arriving late in the day yesterday we headed straight to the Eiffel Tower and like anyone seeing it for the first time they were in awe seeing it in lights.

'Make sure you walk to the top like we did' the kids encouraged nonno and nonna before we left. Sensibly they took the elevator saving their energy for the exhausting days ahead. We agreed before getting here that the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay would be the only museums they would visit and we would get to some of the other highlights via the hop on, hop off sightseeing buses, which in hindsight was the best way to cover ground. 

With this trip to Paris coming immediately on the heels of our trip to Rome and Naples, the contrast could not have been more stark. No, I am not referring to French culinary capabilities which for me remain unaltered after 4 more uninspiring restaurant meals in Paris. I am referring to how clean and well-maintained Paris and most other French cities are relative to many Italian cities. Bravo France! Even removing Naples from the equation, it is regrettable how poorly maintained Italian cities are.

Rome, Italy's capital, and Florence with their collection of historical monuments and roman ruins are shamefully maintained with graffiti defacing many buildings and monuments something we rarely saw in Paris. I don't profess to understand why Italy with all its natural beauty and historical treasures can't do a better job at maintaining their cities and historical monuments but as one Italian suggested a few months back, Italy might be better off outsourcing the administration and maintenance of the country to the Germans or the French!!  

Sal