PARIS!!: Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, my life is complete...

Paris has been absolutely amazing -- the people, the sights, the food, the champagne and the wine. In fact we've had a friendlier experience here in Paris than we did in Rome. Today we are going to ride a double-decker sight-seeing bus. Mason has been begging us since Rome to ride one and I can't think of a better city to ride around and see!!!

The ride was perfect!! Paris is gorgeously breathtaking!! On our route we stopped at the most triumphal arches, the Arc de Triomphe. It is enormous and beautiful. The detail is incredible.

The triumphal arch is in honor of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought. There are inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch which include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I where  the Memorial Flame burns and have made the Arc de Triomphe Paris a revered patriotic site (credit:http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/).

Names line the inside of the arch and the names that are underlined are those who died while fighting, that was humbling along with seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Solider who died in WWI.

From the Tomb we bought tickets to go up to the very top of the Arch. The tiny, narrow staircase seemed to go on forever but once we reached the top the wind and height took my breath away. The view was stunning. We could see for miles and miles and could also see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Paris, from every angle of the top of the Arch, is incredible.

Our double-decker ride was wonderful. The next day we ended up at the Eiffel Tower. Of all that I have seen or wanted to see, the Eiffel Tower is, absolutely, the number one thing I wanted to see on this trip. It is enormous. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. It was only meant to last 20 years but renovations and restoration keep it alive today.

Once we walked underneath it, I couldn't help but get giddy -- this was a dream come true! While we waited in line we took the opportunity to really look at it. Mike was most impressed by the iron detail -- spirals and curls make the tower beautifully ornate.

We got to the 2nd level and could see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance, that made me smile. We looked at the Parisian city and took-in its beauty once more. We all put on hands on the Tower and took a picture, WE WERE HERE!!

Paris is, without-a-doubt, brilliantly sensational. We have enjoyed Paris and will never forget our time here and our time spent in Spain and Italy, as well. This trip could not have have gone any better and will stay in my heart forever.  

We are now home in Indonesia and I can't help but feel that my life is complete -- I have so many blessings to be grateful for, especially grateful for my patient and loving husband and my healthy and happy children. I look forward to whatever adventure comes next and as always, to be continued...