Started packing and Opera House revisit

Remember we had to re-pack our luggage due to over weight before our departure in San Francisco? I got a new luggage in town, but I was still a bit paranoid about fitting everything in our luggage. So, as soon as I got up, I started packing and throwing most of our stuff into all the available luggage. By the time everything looked fine to me, it's about lunch time. 4 pieces of luggage were pretty much filled up the hotel room.

Opera Palais Garnier (Opera House) has been in my mind since my first visit. Spencer and I were there a few weeks ago, but it was closed due to some performance and we didn't get to visit it inside. So, I got myself ready and took Metro to see the Opera House. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect.

The Opera House was founded by Louis XIV in 1669 and was built on the orders of Napoleon III. The project was put out for competition and won by Charles Garnier who was an unknown 35-year-old architect. The project started in 1860, lasted 15 years and finished in 1875.

One word to describe my impression of the Opera House: BREATHTAKING!!



The Opera House is unbelievably grand! The most amazing fact is that it is a live opera house. There are performances in this particular location, and the performance tonight was completely sold out. Haha, it's not hard to believe that! If I have looked into their performance schedule, I would have booked a performance or two myself. It is simply speechless....

Luckily, I got in one of the boxes to see some performers rehearsing for about 5 minutes, and once again I got to see the incredible stage design shortly. Wow, it's definitely a great end note for my Paris trip....

Jardin/Palais du Luxembourg

It's another sunny day today, and I decided to go outdoor again.

A friend has recommended me visiting Luxembourg. Due to the weather condition, I waited till today to pay my visit to Luxembourg.

The Palace was built for Louis XIII's mother in 1615, but she didn't stay long. The weather was very pleasant and lots of people were out, the garden and the palace were simply magnificent!

Relaxing stroll along with the bank...

So, the weather turned out to be sunny and I walked along with the quiet part of River Seine bank. It's so peaceful and quiet, and I got to enjoy the local Parisians' life instead of some busy tourist spots.


There were some kids in the small play ground by the bank. I haven't seen many kids in Paris, and it's quite a nice surprise to catch some kids playing outdoor during the day time.


This photo put a smile on my face. I saw this small group of people playing bocce ball. What caught my eyes were that they played it so seriously that one guy had to bring out his measure tape to see who actually won the game. Just as I was laughing and about to click on my camera, one of the guys saw me and waving to say hi. I thought it was a fun memory photo.


As I continued walking, I got to a local traditional outdoor market. They pretty much sell everything that you need: fresh meat, veggies, fruit, bakery, flowers, clothes, jewelery, cheese and others.



So, my destination of the day was this gorgeous building called Hotel de Ville. It now houses the office of the mayor. Such a gorgeous building, and a great end note after my 8-hour walk today.

What is this?

So, we are home. As promised, I will finish up the last few days of our trip to Paris with correct dates.

Take a guess what this building is for.



1. New building under construction
2. Convention/Exhibition Center
3. Museum
4. Abandoned building
5. Cement company

Lack of Internet Access

Therefore, I will have to finish up my blog upon my return. Thank you, everyone. xoxoxoxox