Although it was my first time in Paris, I deliberately skipped museums, reserving them for future return trips. My intention was mainly to get to know the city by focusing on outdoor Parisian sights as I walked around.
The Louvre. I started from the iconic Louvre, admiring it and the architecturally wonderful structures around. Took some photos as shown below.
From the Louvre, which is located on the right bank of the famous River Seine, I crossed over to the left bank and continued walking towards the Cathedral of the Notre Dame. Instead of proceeding to the cathedral, I decided to turn around and head for the Eiffel Tower which is still a bit far, walking by the river most of the time to avoid losing my direction.
Love-Lock Bridge and Gold Ring Scam. I stayed for a while at the love-lock bridge (sorry, I failed to note down its real name). There must be millions of padlocks on the bridge, all mute witnesses to the love wished to last 'til forever. Here happened my first encounter with one of the infamous Parisian scams - an old man picking up from the pavement what purports to be a gold ring and seemingly offering it to me for something. I was then taking photos of the love-lock bridge when he suddenly appeared from behind me with an impish smile, extending to me his hand that held the golden ring. I got a bit scared but after uttering a nervous "non, merci" I managed to run away from him.
The padlocks have apparently taken their toll on the
bridge by adversely affecting its structural integrity
but it seems that lovers can't be stopped.
Pont Alexandre III and Grand Palais. Still staying close by the river, I passed by these two Parisian landmarks on my way to the Eiffel Tower. Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that spans the River Seine and leads to the Grand Palais, a showcase for Beaux-Arts architecture. Both historic structures were constructed in the 19th century. The way Paris is able to preserve and maintain its old structures for subsequent generations to use and enjoy is simply amazing.
Eiffel Tower and "Do-you-speak-English Scam". After minutes of walking, I finally reached Eiffel Tower. As I was about to start admiring this great mass of steel, a couple of teen-looking sweet-smiling ladies walked up to me asking if I speak English. Nicely, I answered "yes" and that's when they started explaining about something while showing me some sheets of paper with names and signatures. From what I saw, it seemed like pledges to some charitable institution prompting me to figure it out as another scam. I quickly excused myself and moved about to start taking photos of the steely beauty that Eiffel Tower is.
After I took photos of the Eiffel Tower,
this Colombian family handed me over
their camera and requested me to
take their family picture.
Place de la Concorde and Jardins des Tuileries. Once done with Eiffel Tower, I returned to the right bank of the River Seine, strolled down Avenue of New York, and passed through Place de la Concorde and Jardins des Tuileries before reaching The Louvre.
Jardin des Tuileries - between Place de la Concorde
and The Louvre
Place de la Concorde - a huge square or open space with
an Egyptian obelisk standing at the center (though
not seen here)
Overall, it was a good Day 1 in Paris, and, there's more to come.
