Bastille Day

France's Independence day was this past Saturday, July 14. Mom and the Weeds set off to try to catch a parade in the morning. Kody, Jason, and me set off to explore the streets of Paris (which we do a lot, but this time we had no plan). Before we left, I could hear really loud planes, so I looked out the window of our room and saw a bunch of planes flying over the Pantheon. I've been meaning to take a picture out of our window to show you the view and this was as good a time as any I suppose.




First, we headed to look for food. We found the best breakfast I've had since I got here. Mine was the Big New York. So. Good. Between the three of us, we finished every single plate they brought us. I think we confused and/or amused the French by eating it all.



Then we started off on what turned into a very long walk. We ran across Les Deux Magots. This is where French intellectuals and elite (such as Hemingway and Picasso) used to gather. It still is referenced in literature, art, and film today.



The French National Assembly


A whole bunch of French military vehicles


And helicopters




Marine Musicians



Army acapella choir



An interesting military attack dog presentation



And found Invalides


Where we played on canons



And went to the Musèe de l'Armèe which featured lots of armor, swords, and guns from prehistory to WWII. A very Bastille (boy) day thing to do if you ask me.






Gun with three barrels (sorry about the quality-no flash allowed inside)



We also ran across Napoleon's tomb -he's buried inside six coffins, one inside the other.



Under this dome



We finally made it back to the decorated Pantheon and home


Then headed back to the Eiffel Tower for a really great firework show.



Unfortunately, we didn't know the fireworks shot behind the Eiffel tower, so we were to the side of it for the show.


This picture isn't very good, but we could see the sparkling tower and fireworks at the same time. The tower also featured a disco ball ( which you can kind off see below) and strobe light at times.


After a very long day, all we wanted to do was get home - especially because we had to leave to get Kody to the airport at 7:45 am. It took us a lot of walking, closed down train stations, a million people, a taxi ride, and over 2 hours to get home. Paris transportation sure can put a damper on a day (more about that later), but I think we had an appropriate day in Paris for Bastille Day.

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Location:Rue Lhomond,Paris,France