New Years in Paris

Champs Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile.

While my time is ending here in Europe, I can now reflect back on my experiences I had here. I celebrated New Years Eve in Paris, France. It was spectacular. I have never been in a large city before to welcome in the new year. Paris is by far an amazing city. The streets are clean and filled with small french cafes on every corner. France is something else. French Baroque is a form of Baroque architecture that evolved in France during the reigns of Louis XIII. The gardens of Versailles are grand even in the mist of winter. I haven't experienced any snow yet while being in Europe, mostly just rain. There has been a light shower every evening in Paris. The lights on the Eiffel Tower light up every hour and display a spectacular view for minutes. Every hour I just hope that I am in view of the tower. My favorite part of being in Paris is that I was finally able to visit the Louvre Museum and Rodin's "The Thinker" at the Rodin Museum. The Louvre really does take about five hours to walk through, that is if you don't examine every single piece of art. Obviously I crowded my way to the front to see the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. It was everything I had expected: small and not the best painting I have ever seen. Being an Art & Design Major, we have been told about the tiny Mona Lisa, but it was still cool to see in person. My favorite piece in the Louvre is the Lamassu (human headed winged lion) during the ninth to the seventh century B.C. in Northern Iraq. They were enormous in person. I saw so many of the most well known works of art and it was a little overwhelming. 

Eiffel Tower with the The Seine river in front.

I stayed the first three nights in the Louvre Youth Hostel about 3 blocks away from the Louvre. It was in the perfect location to see Notre Dame and hop on a metro and go anywhere. I took the metro out to see the famous " Mouin Rouge." There are markets all over Paris right now for the holidays. I think Europe in the winter is the perfect time to visit. The streets are all decorated and there is hundreds of things to do. There was outdoor ice-skating, concerts, delicious street food, and shopping. The french know how to have a good time. Last night, New Years Eve, I was able to bring in 2014 in front of the Eiffel Tower. Thousands of visitors and locals gathered together to celebrate the past year and look forward to the new year. 

I head to Brussels, Belgium tomorrow. It is my last stop before I finally head home back to the states. To see more photos from Paris, France please view Hannah Swick Photography- Paris, France.

Au Revoir Paris! 

The Louvre.

Fountain at the Palace of Versailles.