New Year in Paris

We had a great time in Paris over the New Year. Walked miles and miles and definitely made the most of the few days we were there.

Evan at the Arc de Triomphe



We were really lucky to get into the Louvre easily - we were able to side step a long queue thanks to our Rough Guide guide book, which told us about the side entrance - which was queue free.



The crowd around the Mona Lisa



We stayed into the New Year, and got to wander around Paris at night - really really pretty.

A bridge over the Seine



The Notre Dame Cathedral at night



The Eiffel Tower - you can see the rotating light at the top. Every fifteen minutes leading up to the New Year, the Tower was lit up with sparking lights like a bottle of champagne



Our hotel was minutes from the famous former royal palace of Versailles - the former home of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (before they were guillotined during the French Revolution)





Now getting ready to return to the USA next week. Lots to sort out when we get back, but we are still enjoying our time here. Spent a great day wandering around the East End of London yesterday. The weather has been great so we have been going on country hikes, lots of long beach and sea front walks, and spending time with friends and family.
Our Chinese visas have been approved and will be waiting for us when we get back to the USA. Our expected arrival in Shanghai has been set - February 16th!!!

We will update with more information soon.
Happy New Year to all.