No trip to Europe is complete without some time in Paris. This was my second time in Paris and much has changed since my last trip. The first time I was here I marveled at how rude the natives were. This time around I was overwhelmed by their kindness. Sure they get a bit put off when you can't speak the language, but hey so do we. It's the home court advantage I suppose. Perhaps I'm just more open minded in my old age.

We made the mistake of attempting to do the Eiffel Tower mid day on a beautiful summer afternoon. It took several hours to get up top, and just as long (if not longer) to get back down. If you go during peak season expect to spend the better part of an entire day on the Eiffel Tower.

The train system in France is superb, so we stayed in a very nice Americanized hotel near the airport and just rode the train in and out of the city each day. It worked well and allowed us to avoid the very expensive lower quality hotels in the midtown areas.

If you go to Paris, make sure you know what you're in for before hand. The city itself is overwhelming and the last thing you want to find yourself doing is standing around asking eachother "what should we do ? " sounds like obvious advice right... been there done it.

It has been said that "all roads lead to Rome" but somewhere along the way they all pass through Paris. Check out the pictures HERE >

Chateau de Versailles

Having spent an entire day at Versailles on a previous trip, I was really up for just a refresher this time around. The Royal Residence of King Louis XIV is the most opulent place on earth. It is painful to see the amount of extravagance heaped into every corner of this massive complex. If you go plan to spend an entire day or two here. The lines are long to get in during peak seasons, but it is certainly worth it. Come, see what fueled the French Revolution !

Check out Versailles