Yesterday I survived the journey to Paris from San Francisco. After two exhausting flights, a confusing RER train ride and a subway ride with suitcases in tow, I arrived in the Montmartre district where I am at staying for a few days. Today was my big walking day and so far I have seen the La Tour Eiffel, The Arc de Triomphe and the Pont de l'Alma tunnel where Princess Diana died, which I found on complete accident. After two days of not eating I finally decided I'd have my first Parisian meal which consisted of cheese a fresh baguette from a pâtisserie. Today was beautiful and very warm so everybody and their entire family were out and about. My self-guided walking tour of Paris took my to some of the most crowded areas which was inconvienent but still exciting. I popped into some stores on The Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which is similiar to fifth avenue in New York. Avoiding the intimidating giant doors of Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and other upscale designers I decided to pop into the familiar H&M, Zara and Sephora. Oh the Euro... H&M was identical to the store in San Francisco except instead of a blouse priced at $15 it was 15 euros, so I promptly left and walked into Zara. As soon as I walked in I recognized the music blaring as toot it and boot it. It was the most ludicrous situation to watch the distinguished elderly Parisian women shop for overpriced casual wear while listening to the song. I kept walking and found myself across the seine from the Eiffel Tower, which is an amazing sight. I wasn't planning on going to the Eiffel Tower and when I saw the massive crowds my plan was reaffirmed. I wandered around until I found a nice grassy area and plopped down to just people and tower watch. But after ten minutes I got bored and hungry so I headed back along the river and towards Avenue George V. To get out of the heat I popped into a welcoming building which turned out to be American Cathedral, It was a beautiful building and I was all alone so it was that much more beautiful and relaxing. I began to read the history of the cathedral and then came across "Cathedral is open to the World's Christians of any denomination" so I felt unwelcome and left. Tonight I have plans to meet Henriette for dinner, last night she took me around Monmartre and then we had wine on top of the hill below Sacre-Coeur which was very touristy but really fun.
That is all for now! Au revoir
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