Departure to hotel arrival.
This year, due to work-related reasons, I canceled my flight to Morocco and rebooked a flight to Paris.
Regarding this flight, I tried to ask my usual contact person at HIS Shinjuku Main Branch, but she was busy, so I spoke to another staff member. However, that staff member was unprofessional and tried to sell me Korean tours and mystery tours that I hadn't asked about. I had come to buy a flight, but due to the poor service, I moved to JTB Travel Designer, which is nearby. I was able to successfully get the flight there.
This time, since I'm going to Paris, I wanted to see an opera, so I decided to watch "Platée" by Rameau at the Palais Garnier opera house and the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Bastille.
When I tried to book online, it seems that "The Nutcracker" is very popular, and I suddenly noticed that a day that was previously available for booking was no longer available. Since reservations are automatically canceled after 7 minutes, I waited for someone else to cancel, and I was able to successfully book it. I quickly proceeded with the payment. It was a close call. That night, it was completely sold out, and when I checked the next day, most of the days around the end of the year were also sold out. Although I booked it a week in advance, it was a very tight situation.
And then, the day of departure.
Aeroflot's flights have good departure and arrival times considering the price.
I left home normally and arrived at the airport. I departed for Moscow on a flight around noon. The flight time is 10 hours, which doesn't seem too long.
This year, due to work-related reasons, I canceled my flight to Morocco and rebooked a flight to Paris.
Regarding this flight, I tried to ask my usual contact person at HIS Shinjuku Main Branch, but she was busy, so I spoke to another staff member. However, that staff member was unprofessional and tried to sell me Korean tours and mystery tours that I hadn't asked about. I had come to buy a flight, but due to the poor service, I moved to JTB Travel Designer, which is nearby. I was able to successfully get the flight there.
This time, since I'm going to Paris, I wanted to see an opera, so I decided to watch "Platée" by Rameau at the Palais Garnier opera house and the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Bastille.
When I tried to book online, it seems that "The Nutcracker" is very popular, and I suddenly noticed that a day that was previously available for booking was no longer available. Since reservations are automatically canceled after 7 minutes, I waited for someone else to cancel, and I was able to successfully book it. I quickly proceeded with the payment. It was a close call. That night, it was completely sold out, and when I checked the next day, most of the days around the end of the year were also sold out. Although I booked it a week in advance, it was a very tight situation.
And then, the day of departure.
Aeroflot's flights have good departure and arrival times considering the price.
I left home normally and arrived at the airport. I departed for Moscow on a flight around noon. The flight time is 10 hours, which doesn't seem too long.
This year, due to work-related reasons, I canceled my flight to Morocco and rebooked a flight to Paris.
Regarding this flight, I tried to ask my usual contact person at HIS Shinjuku Main Branch, but she was busy, so I spoke to another staff member. However, that staff member was unprofessional and tried to sell me Korean tours and mystery tours that I hadn't asked about. I had come to buy a flight, but due to the poor service, I moved to JTB Travel Designer, which is nearby. I was able to successfully get the flight there.
This time, since I'm going to Paris, I wanted to see an opera, so I decided to watch "Platée" by Rameau at the Palais Garnier opera house and the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Bastille.
When I tried to book online, it seems that "The Nutcracker" is very popular, and I suddenly noticed that a day that was previously available for booking was no longer available. Since reservations are automatically canceled after 7 minutes, I waited for someone else to cancel, and I was able to successfully book it. I quickly proceeded with the payment. It was a close call. That night, it was completely sold out, and when I checked the next day, most of the days around the end of the year were also sold out. Although I booked it a week in advance, it was a very tight situation.
And then, the day of departure.
Aeroflot's flights have good departure and arrival times considering the price.
I left home normally and arrived at the airport. I departed for Moscow on a flight around noon. The flight time is 10 hours, which doesn't seem too long.
Regarding this flight, I tried to ask my usual contact person at HIS Shinjuku Main Branch, but she was busy, so I spoke to another staff member. However, that staff member was unprofessional and tried to sell me Korean tours and mystery tours that I hadn't asked about. I had come to buy a flight, but due to the poor service, I moved to JTB Travel Designer, which is nearby. I was able to successfully get the flight there.
This time, since I'm going to Paris, I wanted to see an opera, so I decided to watch "Platée" by Rameau at the Palais Garnier opera house and the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Bastille.
When I tried to book online, it seems that "The Nutcracker" is very popular, and I suddenly noticed that a day that was previously available for booking was no longer available. Since reservations are automatically canceled after 7 minutes, I waited for someone else to cancel, and I was able to successfully book it. I quickly proceeded with the payment. It was a close call. That night, it was completely sold out, and when I checked the next day, most of the days around the end of the year were also sold out. Although I booked it a week in advance, it was a very tight situation.
And then, the day of departure.
Aeroflot's flights have good departure and arrival times considering the price.
I left home normally and arrived at the airport. I departed for Moscow on a flight around noon. The flight time is 10 hours, which doesn't seem too long.
This year, due to work-related reasons, I canceled my flight to Morocco and rebooked a flight to Paris.
Regarding this flight, I tried to ask my usual contact person at HIS Shinjuku Main Branch, but she was busy, so I spoke to another staff member. However, that staff member was unprofessional and tried to sell me Korean tours and mystery tours that I hadn't asked about. I had come to buy a flight, but due to the poor service, I moved to JTB Travel Designer, which is nearby. I was able to successfully get the flight there.
This time, since I'm going to Paris, I wanted to see an opera, so I decided to watch "Platée" by Rameau at the Palais Garnier opera house and the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Bastille.
When I tried to book online, it seems that "The Nutcracker" is very popular, and I suddenly noticed that a day that was previously available for booking was no longer available. Since reservations are automatically canceled after 7 minutes, I waited for someone else to cancel, and I was able to successfully book it. I quickly proceeded with the payment. It was a close call. That night, it was completely sold out, and when I checked the next day, most of the days around the end of the year were also sold out. Although I booked it a week in advance, it was a very tight situation.
And then, the day of departure.
Aeroflot's flights have good departure and arrival times considering the price.
I left home normally and arrived at the airport. I departed for Moscow on a flight around noon. The flight time is 10 hours, which doesn't seem too long.
This year, due to work-related reasons, I canceled my flight to Morocco and rebooked a flight to Paris.
Regarding this flight, I tried to ask my usual contact person at HIS Shinjuku Main Branch, but she was busy, so I spoke to another staff member. However, that staff member was unprofessional and tried to sell me Korean tours and mystery tours that I hadn't asked about. I had come to buy a flight, but due to the poor service, I moved to JTB Travel Designer, which is nearby. I was able to successfully get the flight there.
This time, since I'm going to Paris, I wanted to see an opera, so I decided to watch "Platée" by Rameau at the Palais Garnier opera house and the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Bastille.
When I tried to book online, it seems that "The Nutcracker" is very popular, and I suddenly noticed that a day that was previously available for booking was no longer available. Since reservations are automatically canceled after 7 minutes, I waited for someone else to cancel, and I was able to successfully book it. I quickly proceeded with the payment. It was a close call. That night, it was completely sold out, and when I checked the next day, most of the days around the end of the year were also sold out. Although I booked it a week in advance, it was a very tight situation.
And then, the day of departure.
Aeroflot's flights have good departure and arrival times considering the price.
I left home normally and arrived at the airport. I departed for Moscow on a flight around noon. The flight time is 10 hours, which doesn't seem too long.
Versailles Palace, etc.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
I had breakfast at the hotel and got ready, but it was quite cold.
Louvre Museum.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Today, I will visit the Louvre Museum. I woke up a little later than yesterday, took a bath, and then had breakfast. I left around 9:00, which is just about the opening time. It takes only a few minutes to reach the museum, so I joined the entrance line. I had already purchased a museum pass, so I didn't need to line up to buy a ticket. I thought it would be less crowded since it was right at the opening time, but the entrance was quite crowded. A long line of people buying tickets had already formed. It seems I made the right decision to buy a museum pass.
Musée d'Orsay, Garnier.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
I woke up a little late and went to the Musée d'Orsay.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Pantheon, Arc de Triomphe.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Today, I am going to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Private modern art museum, marine museum, Eiffel Tower countdown.
Today is the day of the countdown. We will be welcoming the new year around the Eiffel Tower, so during the day, we will be visiting the places we missed.
The remaining notable places are the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Centre Pompidou. First, we will go to the Picasso Museum.
I have become quite accustomed to the metro. There are many black people, but it is a safe subway, so we take it to a nearby station. We get off the station and walk, but it is quite cold today.
And we arrive at the Picasso Museum, but... there are notices posted, and it seems to be closed. It says that it will be closed until 2012. The guidebook also says that it has been undergoing major renovations since 2008, but I didn't expect it to be completely closed. There are also some other travelers around who have come here for the same reason.
Instead, we enter what I think is the National Archives of France.
Next, I think it was the Paris Municipal Archives. (I chose it suddenly, so my memory is vague.)
Before taking the metro, I had a light lunch of a sandwich and coffee at a cafe near the station, and I was thirsty, so I quickly went to a bar nearby and had a Panache at the counter. It felt good.
And then to the next museum. It was supposed to be the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art / Palais de Tokyo.
Here, unlike the classical works I've seen so far, there are many modern works in a modern style.
From here, the Eiffel Tower is right there.
And then, a reconnaissance trip to find a good spot to view the Eiffel Tower.
I came early, but it definitely seems like a good spot. I'll decide to stay here tonight.
And then, I entered the Paris Ocean Museum, which is located nearby.
The ship has such decorations, but seeing the real thing is much more impressive than seeing it in pictures or stories. The real thing is definitely different.
And then to the building next to it.
This place seems to display decorative items that were attached to buildings.
It seems that there are many items that were originally attached to the church.
And after leaving the museum, I went to a bar near the subway station and had another Panache. When I said "Panache," the bartender said, "Oh, that's nice." I wonder if it's a somewhat stylish drink???
And I got on the metro and went back to the metro station where I got off this morning. This time, the destination is the Centre Pompidou National Museum of Modern Art. This place is open until night, so I decided to go to places that are only open during the day and come here at night.
It's still cold.
I entered a modern and unique building, and there, I saw artworks.
Still, there are so many surreal works... What is this...?
And after leaving the museum, we decided to go back to the hotel once. I saw something that looked like a skating rink... in the middle of the city. It's truly a cold place.
I will take a bath at the hotel and take a nap for 1-2 hours to prepare for the countdown.
Then, I will leave for the countdown. Currently, in Paris, the subway is free on New Year's Eve, so I will take the subway to a station near the Arc de Triomphe.
There are already a lot of people gathered near the Arc de Triomphe, with 1 hour left until the countdown.
Because of the cold weather, or perhaps the national character, it seems that people who make a lot of noise are mostly those who look like immigrants or Latin Americans, while people with good manners walk quietly down the street. There are police officers everywhere, so it doesn't seem dangerous.
The Arc de Triomphe is indeed crowded, but even though there is only one hour until the countdown, it is not so crowded that people cannot move, and there is a reasonable amount of space.
I will walk from here to the Eiffel Tower.
Since I have gained a little familiarity with the area, I chose a straight road north of the Eiffel Tower and headed towards the previous location from the Arc de Triomphe.
This road was exactly right. I was able to reach the rotary where I got on the metro during the day.
The view of the Eiffel Tower from here must be wonderful, but as expected, this place was incredibly crowded.
It seems that this is the place that people are aiming for.
The crowd of people clinging to the stairs blocked my way like a wall, but I managed to climb the stairs by alternating with people coming down, and I could see most of the Eiffel Tower.
I decided to wait here for about 30 minutes until the countdown.
The Eiffel Tower's lighting was dazzling, with various patterns flashing and entertaining the eyes.
And then, the countdown began. Horizontal lines appeared, moving up and down like a ladder, and disappeared one by one from the top. It seems that this is the countdown, and when they all disappear, it will be the year 2010... Just as all the lights went out, I heard several champagne corks popping around me! I was holding a camera in my hand, but I got completely splashed by the champagne. Ugh...
I had heard that the countdown in Paris was quiet, and indeed, it was as rumored. There were no large fireworks. Small fireworks were occasionally launched, but according to the news, they are apparently illegal. Illegal fireworks were launched several times around the Eiffel Tower and from the place where I was.
It seems that the countdown is now over. It feels a little lacking in excitement, but perhaps the countdown in Paris is meant to be welcomed quietly like this.
After staying there for about 10 minutes, I returned to the hotel.
Since the subway seems unusable, I decided to walk, even though it's a bit far. If I keep walking along the river, I'll reach the Louvre, so I won't get lost.
Along the way, I bought and ate a sandwich with a French baguette, hamburger, and potatoes, and it took about an hour to reach the area near the Louvre.
The next day, I took the Roissybus from near the Opera House to the airport. The subway is free, and the Roissybus is also free on New Year's Day.
At the airport, I checked in early and went through immigration. I was a little disappointed that the Priority Pass I obtained couldn't be used at the lounge in Terminal 2E. It can be used at the airport in Moscow, so it's not necessarily useless, but it's better to check in advance whether it can be used at the lounge.
This trip was decided suddenly, but I enjoyed it more than I expected.
Personally, I feel that Paris is similar to Tokyo, a city where you won't feel inconvenienced no matter what you do. I think it would be a comfortable place to live.
I sometimes hear rumors that the people of Paris are cold, but in my experience, that wasn't the case. As with any big city, people don't readily approach you, but the people are polite, and especially the people I saw at the Opera House seemed to represent the good qualities of Paris.
There are many immigrants, but they seem to be integrated into the city, and there's nothing to be afraid of just because they are Black.
Personally, the feeling of walking around Paris this time was very similar to the feeling of walking around Tokyo on weekends. I think it would be nice to visit Paris again sometime, go to various places casually, and see a slightly different side of it.
The remaining notable places are the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Centre Pompidou. First, we will go to the Picasso Museum.
I have become quite accustomed to the metro. There are many black people, but it is a safe subway, so we take it to a nearby station. We get off the station and walk, but it is quite cold today.
And we arrive at the Picasso Museum, but... there are notices posted, and it seems to be closed. It says that it will be closed until 2012. The guidebook also says that it has been undergoing major renovations since 2008, but I didn't expect it to be completely closed. There are also some other travelers around who have come here for the same reason.
Instead, we enter what I think is the National Archives of France.
Next, I think it was the Paris Municipal Archives. (I chose it suddenly, so my memory is vague.) Before taking the metro, I had a light lunch of a sandwich and coffee at a cafe near the station, and I was thirsty, so I quickly went to a bar nearby and had a Panache at the counter. It felt good.And then to the next museum. It was supposed to be the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art / Palais de Tokyo.Here, unlike the classical works I've seen so far, there are many modern works in a modern style.
From here, the Eiffel Tower is right there. And then, a reconnaissance trip to find a good spot to view the Eiffel Tower.I came early, but it definitely seems like a good spot. I'll decide to stay here tonight.
And then, I entered the Paris Ocean Museum, which is located nearby.
The ship has such decorations, but seeing the real thing is much more impressive than seeing it in pictures or stories. The real thing is definitely different. And then to the building next to it.This place seems to display decorative items that were attached to buildings.
It seems that there are many items that were originally attached to the church.
And after leaving the museum, I went to a bar near the subway station and had another Panache. When I said "Panache," the bartender said, "Oh, that's nice." I wonder if it's a somewhat stylish drink???And I got on the metro and went back to the metro station where I got off this morning. This time, the destination is the Centre Pompidou National Museum of Modern Art. This place is open until night, so I decided to go to places that are only open during the day and come here at night.It's still cold.
I entered a modern and unique building, and there, I saw artworks.Still, there are so many surreal works... What is this...?
And after leaving the museum, we decided to go back to the hotel once. I saw something that looked like a skating rink... in the middle of the city. It's truly a cold place. I will take a bath at the hotel and take a nap for 1-2 hours to prepare for the countdown.Then, I will leave for the countdown. Currently, in Paris, the subway is free on New Year's Eve, so I will take the subway to a station near the Arc de Triomphe.
There are already a lot of people gathered near the Arc de Triomphe, with 1 hour left until the countdown.
Because of the cold weather, or perhaps the national character, it seems that people who make a lot of noise are mostly those who look like immigrants or Latin Americans, while people with good manners walk quietly down the street. There are police officers everywhere, so it doesn't seem dangerous.The Arc de Triomphe is indeed crowded, but even though there is only one hour until the countdown, it is not so crowded that people cannot move, and there is a reasonable amount of space.
I will walk from here to the Eiffel Tower.Since I have gained a little familiarity with the area, I chose a straight road north of the Eiffel Tower and headed towards the previous location from the Arc de Triomphe.
This road was exactly right. I was able to reach the rotary where I got on the metro during the day.
The view of the Eiffel Tower from here must be wonderful, but as expected, this place was incredibly crowded.
It seems that this is the place that people are aiming for.
The crowd of people clinging to the stairs blocked my way like a wall, but I managed to climb the stairs by alternating with people coming down, and I could see most of the Eiffel Tower.
I decided to wait here for about 30 minutes until the countdown.
The Eiffel Tower's lighting was dazzling, with various patterns flashing and entertaining the eyes.
And then, the countdown began. Horizontal lines appeared, moving up and down like a ladder, and disappeared one by one from the top. It seems that this is the countdown, and when they all disappear, it will be the year 2010... Just as all the lights went out, I heard several champagne corks popping around me! I was holding a camera in my hand, but I got completely splashed by the champagne. Ugh...I had heard that the countdown in Paris was quiet, and indeed, it was as rumored. There were no large fireworks. Small fireworks were occasionally launched, but according to the news, they are apparently illegal. Illegal fireworks were launched several times around the Eiffel Tower and from the place where I was.
It seems that the countdown is now over. It feels a little lacking in excitement, but perhaps the countdown in Paris is meant to be welcomed quietly like this.
After staying there for about 10 minutes, I returned to the hotel.Since the subway seems unusable, I decided to walk, even though it's a bit far. If I keep walking along the river, I'll reach the Louvre, so I won't get lost.
Along the way, I bought and ate a sandwich with a French baguette, hamburger, and potatoes, and it took about an hour to reach the area near the Louvre.
The next day, I took the Roissybus from near the Opera House to the airport. The subway is free, and the Roissybus is also free on New Year's Day.
At the airport, I checked in early and went through immigration. I was a little disappointed that the Priority Pass I obtained couldn't be used at the lounge in Terminal 2E. It can be used at the airport in Moscow, so it's not necessarily useless, but it's better to check in advance whether it can be used at the lounge.
This trip was decided suddenly, but I enjoyed it more than I expected.
Personally, I feel that Paris is similar to Tokyo, a city where you won't feel inconvenienced no matter what you do. I think it would be a comfortable place to live.
I sometimes hear rumors that the people of Paris are cold, but in my experience, that wasn't the case. As with any big city, people don't readily approach you, but the people are polite, and especially the people I saw at the Opera House seemed to represent the good qualities of Paris.
There are many immigrants, but they seem to be integrated into the city, and there's nothing to be afraid of just because they are Black.
Personally, the feeling of walking around Paris this time was very similar to the feeling of walking around Tokyo on weekends. I think it would be nice to visit Paris again sometime, go to various places casually, and see a slightly different side of it.