Day 8 Paris: Notre Dame, Louvre, Arche de Triomphe

We tore through Paris again today, using the Metro and our feet to great advantage. First stop: Notre Dame Cathedral, where we got a chance to explore the inside and outside features, including flying buttresses, gargoyles, fantastic stained glass windows, and other mysteries. Next came the Louvre, largest art museum in the world. Indescribable, it was fantastic. Ate lunch there in addition to seeing all we could, everyone splitting up to view their preference. Then walk to Opera area, to see the Opera house, sightsee and shopping in that area of Paris. Walked to supper (FLAM! Classic EF Tours meal, Alsatian pancakes with toppings of cheese, meat, veggies, and finally apples or chocolate). Finally, we climbed the Arche de Triomphe, viewed the famous intersection of 12 streets at the paved circle around the Arche and the beauty below us of of Paris at night, followed by a stroll on the Champs Elysees. Then Donovan navigated us home in the most crowded Metro ride we've ever had. Then sleep.

PICK UP for returning students is Sunday around 4:40 - 5:00pm WE HOPE... no guarantees for timing yet, remember how disorganized Miami airport is. Students will call from airport and we will try to post more in the morning from DeGaulle Airport. Sorry for the loss of internet connex.
Network going down here at McD's (they're trying to close!) , hotel wifi went down earlier. bummer.

Morning now, net works, here're some pics. We're up heading for DeGaulle Airport at 6:00. WIll try to post more pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/jlphil7584/2010EnglandFranceTrip02#

SUNDAY morning: Now in DeGaulle Airport, got a wiFi. Pics after this. Kids all safe, everybody had their passports THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!!! and soon board the plane for home. SAD part of the trip just occurred: We said goodbye to our wonderful Tour Director Emma Pask, who was everyone's favorite on the trip. What a great time we had because of her hard work and funny warm personality. Thanks for everything Emma. No pics today, just flying. Will upload yesterday's pics now and see you in Jupiter. Thanks.

The students have been awesome. We received a RARE compliment from a French hotelier in one of our small town (Pancoet) lodgings, who told us these young people were the most polite and most pleasant student groups he'd ever had at his hotel. Wow, that is fantastic praise. We'd travel with these students again anytime, they are great companions and friends, as well as competent and adventurous young people.  Thanks...they can give you details of yesterday's adventures when they arrive home soon after you read this.