Today was our day off from Roubaix. To relax we thought it would be great to try and get into Paris to see what it was like. Pastor A offered to drive us two hours towards Paris and then we could catch the Metro into downtown Paris. Rich was our tour guide and did awesome taking us around Paris. He had the metro map and the map of Paris figured out before we even got there.
Our Group after the Eiffel Tower
When we arrived in Paris we went directly to the Eiffel tower. There are four pillars (or legs) that you can go on to get up to the top. One of the legs was closed and the other two you had to take the elevator up. Unfortunately when we arrived the very top (3rd Stage) of the tower was closed. Us being the manly men that we are decided we could walk up the steps and didn’t need the elevator. It was also a bit cheaper so that was an additional bonus. 670 steps or so later we made it
all the way to the 2nd Stage. The blessing though came as we were walking up. Sometime between the time we left the bottom and got to the second stage they opened up the top level. Since we had only bought walking tickets we had to wait in a line to get tickets for the third stage. The line wasn’t bad and before long we were on our way up the elevator to the top.
It was really awesome to go all the way to the top of the tower and it is something we are all glad we did. We spent about two and a half hours all together getting to the top, looking around and then descending. When we had finished with the tower we walked back towards the center of town where we could take some more pictures of the tower.
Notre Dame
We proceeded to go to lunch in Paris. Needless to say, but we may have had the most expensive Coca-Cola’s ever sitting in the shadow of the Eiffel tower. The rest of the day was filled with more sightseeing, a little shopping and lots of walking! We visited the Arc-d’triomph (arch of triumph), which was built, by Napoleon and sits at the top of the Champs-Elysees, which is one of the most famous roads in Paris (think where the Tour de France finishes). After this we walked to the Louvre. Although we did not go in this is where the Mona Lisa is housed. Finally, we walked down to Notre Dame
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We would have loved to go inside but the line to get in was way to long and we would not have made it back to meet Ali in time. While we walked a lot and were all tired it was well worth it and it will be something that we remember forever.We got back to our apartment around 9:30 pm. Dan and I walked down to KFC which is about 10-15 minutes away and picked up two buckets of chicken, Ryan and Hun went and picked up some baguettes, soda and juice and we had a good old fashioned American dinner to finish off the day.
Before bed we got to have some more time sharing with one another and praying. All together it was a great day.
So glad that you guys fit a little sightseeing in on your busy trip! It’s been so awesome to follow along with your posts while you’re serving in Roubaix. But we will be happy to have you all back home soon! Have a safe trip back to the States!
so anxious to hear your voice Brock I am so thankful God allowed this opportunity for your group to reach out to others and show that God loves them Praying for your safe return.
Thanks for taking the time to do all these updates — they have been amazing! Glad you got to explore Paris and we can’t wait to see you guys in person tomorrow! Praising God for all he has done and will continue to do with your efforts in Roubaix.
Sounds like a fantastic day! Praying for traveling mercies on the whole group today
Thanks for coming over and spending this time with us. God bless you all as you return to your wives, families etc. Thank you to those back at home for releasing them for this time. They have been a blessing to us!
Love in Christ
Pete
It’s been so great to keep up with what you all are doing there step by step- thanks so much for the updates. Have been praying things go well and for your safe return- I’m sure Roubaix hasn’t been left the same since you were there!