The Champs-Elysees: Paris part 1

After Thomas was finished with his Law School study abroad in London he took the Chunnel over to Paris to meet me and his parents. It was great to finally see my husband again after not having him around for a little over a month. It was even better that the next three weeks I would be spending everyday with him having fun in Paris and then London. In Paris we stayed in the Marriott on the Champs-Elysees. It was a wonderful location right in the hustle and bustle of the city. The street was covered with sidewalk cafes and was busy until the midnight hour of people sitting, socializing, and eating. I found myself everyday looking forward to a French treat. There was a bakery three doors down from the hotel called Paul that I found myself in daily! Pan au chocplat, macarons, pain au chocolat et almandes were some of my favorite treats to indulge myself. I also enjoyed the walking up and down the Champs-Elysees people watching, window shopping at all the high end fashion shops, and then ending at the Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, but he was ousted before the arch was completed. In fact, it wasn't completed until 1836 during the reign of Louis-Philippe. The Arc de Triomphe is engraved with names of generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime. Around the Arc de Triomphe is a huge round about that is full of crazy Paris drivers. No lanes, no order! There is a large circular square from which no less than 12 streets emanate!!