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Paris Olympics 2024
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Paris Olympics 2024

Jeff fulfills his long time dream of judging diving at the Olympics! Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 19, 2024
    SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Jeff on the Honolulu to Los Angeles flight, ready to go!

    Prologue: We’re Going To The Olympics!

    July 19, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We’re on our way to the Olympics! Jeff is one of 23 individuals selected from a worldwide pool to judge diving, and we could not be more excited. It has been a long and strange journey for Jeff to get here, and we have a lot of mixed emotions - primarily joy and relief - now that we are finally on our way to France.

    Here is a link to an article published in the local Hawaii newspaper: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/07/22/sport…

    We’ll first fly into Nice where we will spend three days chilling. On Wednesday July 24th, we will take the train up to Paris for Jeff to begin his official duties as a judge.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    The decor of the Qantas First Lounge is remarkably consistent with its counterparts in SYD and SIN.
    Jeff at the Qantas First Lounge.The decor of the Qantas First Lounge is remarkably consistent with its counterparts in SYD and SIN.The decor of the Qantas First Lounge is remarkably consistent with its counterparts in SYD and SIN.The decor of the Qantas First Lounge is remarkably consistent with its counterparts in SYD and SIN.The decor of the Qantas First Lounge is remarkably consistent with its counterparts in SYD and SIN.The decor of the Qantas First Lounge is remarkably consistent with its counterparts in SYD and SIN.The summer breakfast menu at the Qantas First Lounge.Even the shower decor is similar to other Qantas First Lounges.AA738 stats as recorded on FlightRadar24.Flight path of AA738 as recorded by FlightRadar24.

    Los Angeles to Philadelphia

    July 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    American Airlines AA738 | AA738
    Economy Class
    Airbus A321NEO | N468AN
    ATD/1047 | ATA/1936
    Lounge: Qantas First Class Lounge

    We arrived at a slightly foggy LAX in the early hours of Saturday. After disembarking, we made our way across the passageway from Terminal 4 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal to enjoy one of the best perks of OneWorld Emerald status: a visit to the Qantas First Class Lounge for a proper sit down breakfast.

    I've been to the Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Singapore, and I was struck by the common decor - hexagonal patterned carpets, red and white chairs, a dining area, and white tiled showers. Sadly, the Sofitel-trained waitstaff in this lounge weren't as attentive or polished as their counterparts in SYD or SIN.

    The LAX to PHL flight was mediocre, with flight attendants who didn't seem to want to be on the job. Hopefully the ongoing contract negotiation changes things for them.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    AA746 approaching Nice. I believe this is Cannes below us.
    N825AA at the gate in PHL.At the next gate was the flight to Paris.The Premium Economy cabin on AA746. Seats were similar to domestic first class, but with legrests.AA746 taking off from Philadelphia.After takeoff from PHL.Vegetarian option on AA746.Light breakfast before arrival at Nice.Inflight view on AA746.The view during descent into Nice.The view during descent into Nice.The view during descent into Nice.The view during descent into Nice.The view during descent into Nice.The view during descent into Nice.The view during descent into Nice.AA746 landing at Nice. Note the luxury yachts in the sea as we approached the runway.One of the first things we saw when we exited Nice Airport was this red gorilla statue.Nice Airport.Flight path of AA745 as recorded on FlightRadar24.My limited edition Tour de France metro card for the tram to our MisterB&B accommodation.

    Philadelphia to Nice

    July 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    American Airlines AA746 | HNL/NCE
    Premium Economy Class
    Boeing 787-9 | N825AA
    ATD/2134 | ATA/1046+1
    Lounge: Admirals Club Terminal A

    We landed in PHL 20 minutes early, but we got to the gate 25 minutes behind schedule because of lack of gate availability. Once on the ground, we had a relatively short layover so we made a beeline for the Admirals Club at Terminal A - which turned out to be a small, dark, and crowded temporary space while AA constructs a Flagship Lounge in the terminal - for a quick visit to eat a light dinner and then dash to our next gate. Along our way to the gate, we spotted a British Airways Lounge which we could have visited as OneWorld Emerald members. We would probably have had a better experience in this lounge if I had done some research beforehand.

    The Premium Economy flight to Nice was very civilized and a far cry from the mediocre LAX to PHL flight. We both got a decent rest on board. We did depart a little late, though, because there was a passenger with a leg injury who needed some persuading to disembark from the flight to seek medical attention.

    On arrival into Nice, we took the tram to Alsace-Lorraine station, and from there we walked 10 minutes to our Mister B&B accommodation. Our host was not in town, and he left instructions on how to get our key. Unfortunately, we had trouble opening the door, so we messaged him via WhatsApp (he was in the US and likely still asleep) and went to a local boulangerie for baguettes with cheese, which was the beginning of our love affair with the beloved French bread. While eating, we decided to call our host when we hadn't heard from him. Even though we woke him up, he immediately sprung into action by contacting a neighbor to come out and show us how to open the door. With that, we were nicely settled in for our three nights on the Cote d'Azur.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    A Tour de France competitor passing the crowd along the Promenade des Anglais.
    Another Tour de France competitor passing the crowd along the Promenade des Anglais.Another Tour de France competitor passing the crowd along the Promenade des Anglais.Another Tour de France competitor passing the crowd along the Promenade des Anglais.Another Tour de France competitor passing the crowd along the Promenade des Anglais.There was evidence of Tour de France activity at Plaza Messena, but no crowds.There was evidence of Tour de France activity at Plaza Messena, but no crowds.Several people asked this guy for selfies, so we figure he must be famous.The crowds along the Promenade des Anglais.The crowds along the Promenade des Anglais.The crowds along the Promenade des Anglais.#I Love Nice in Tour De France colors.The crowds along the Promenade des Anglais.We also got our first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea at the Tour de France route.We also got our first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea at the Tour de France route.We also got our first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea at the Tour de France route.

    Tour de France

    July 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    By sheer dumb luck, our arrival coincided with the final stage of the Tour de France. We decided that visiting the Tour de France spectator area would be a great way to stay awake on this first day of travel, and so we made our way there after a quick freshening up at our Mister B&B accommodation.

    This was the first Tour de France to conclude in Nice; the race usually ends in Paris but the route was changed this year due to the Olympics. Our research indicated that the race would end at the Plaza Messena area, so we made our way there on foot. At Plaza Messena, there was plenty of evidence of Tour de France activity, but none of the expected crowds. We then deduced that Plaza Messena would be the venue for the celebrations after the conclusion of the race, and that the race route itself was along the Promenade des Anglais, which made more sense as that was the scenic route along the coastline. We made our way to Promenade des Anglais via the old city, and sure enough, the crowds were there.

    I was expecting to see several waves of riders come in at the same time, but it turned out that this final stage was a time trial from Monaco to Nice, so we got to see individual riders instead of them all arriving together. Each rider was accompanied by a police escort ahead of them, and they were in turn followed by two or three support vehicles. We watched several competitors ride in.

    This was a great experience and I am so happy our arrival coincided with it. It certainly helped us stay awake in our quest to manage jetlag.

    At the Promenade des Anglais, we caught our first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea, and we were both surprised to discover that the famed beach at this part of the French Riviera was rocky. There was also a stark contrast between the public beach and the private beach. The private beaches were fenced in and their customers enjoyed deck chairs, umbrellas and bar service.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    We spied this rotunda from the Tour de France route, so we decided to explore.
    The view from the rotunda on top of the hill.Our birds eye view of the Tour de France from the rotunda at Parc du Chateau.Our birds eye view of the Tour de France from the rotunda at Parc du Chateau.Our birds eye view of the Tour de France from the rotunda at Parc du Chateau.Our view of the old port from Parc du Chateau.Our view of the old port from Parc du Chateau.Fish figurines on a wall at Parc du Chateau.Fish figurines on a wall at Parc du Chateau.Parc du Chateau.Ruins of a cathedral at Parc du Chateau.Parc du Chateau.Artificial waterfall, Parc du Chateau.Artificial waterfall, Parc du Chateau.Cemetary at Parc du Chateau. We did not explore this cemetery in depth.Cemetary at Parc du Chateau. We did not explore this cemetery in depth.Parc du Chateau.Parc du Chateau.Our view of the old town from Parc du Chateau.Our view of the old town from Parc du Chateau.Our view of the old town from Parc du Chateau.Parc du Chateau.

    Parc du Chateau

    July 21, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    From our viewpoint at the Tour de France, we spied a rotunda up on the hill above the town. Our research indicated that this was Parc du Chateau, which is situated on the top of the 93 meter tall Castle Hill.

    This park had once been the site of an opulent palace and cathedral until its destruction on the orders of Louis XIV in 1706. In 1826, it was turned into a park that is still enjoyed by the populace today. On the grounds are playgrounds, ruins of the old castle, and observation decks with views of the Mediterranean Sea, the old port, and the old town section of Nice.

    We were running on fumes by the time we were done with the park, so we headed back to our apartment via the old town, purchased microwave dinners from the local Carrefour, and settled in for a restful sleep.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Our train arriving at Nice Ville Station.
    Our train at Nice Ville Station.Nice Ville Station.Nice Ville Station.Monaco Monte Carlo Station.Monaco Monte Carlo Station.Monaco Monte Carlo Station.Monaco Monte Carlo Station.

    Nice to Monaco

    July 22, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    I am somewhat obsessed with the European micro states, and so I just had to do a day trip to Monaco. We started our day by making our way to the nearby Nice Ville station, where we bought a return ticket to Monaco. The train journey took about 30 minutes. It was crowded with standing room only.Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Our view of the Monaco harbor as we walked down the hill from the train station.
    Luxury cars on display outside an expensive hotel.Luxury cars on display outside an expensive hotel.I can't explain why, but this small vintage car somehow gave off an air of opulence.Anyone with 1.4 million Euro can purchase this Botero statue.Another artwork on sale in the same gallery.Steampunk ostrich statue.A Henry Moore sculpture named Three Part Object, 1960.Another view of the Henry Moore sculpture.Luxury yachts in the harbor.Luxury yachts in the harbor.Monaco cityscapes.Monaco cityscapes.Monaco cityscapes.Monaco cityscapes.Monaco cityscapes.Monaco cityscapes.Monaco cityscapes.Statue of Juan Manuel Fangio.Monaco cityscapes.Our view as we ascended to the Oceanographic Museum.We spied this cute cove as we walked up the hill towards the Oceanographic Museum.Monaco cityscapes.My current employer's former owner.

    Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous

    July 22, 2024 in Monaco ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Monaco's train station is located underground inside the mountains above the town, and the station itself is somewhat unassuming, which wasn't aligned with Monaco's reputation for extreme wealth and opulence. In fact, we emerged from the train station to street level via escalator into a rather nondescript exit. However, we soon spotted evidence of extreme wealth on display as we walked down the hill into the commercial heart of the principality. Along the way, we were greeted with the sight of sports cars, luxury cars, superyachts, and art galleries, including one selling a Botero statue with an asking price of €1.4 million.

    Once we were at the harbor, we turned right and walked along the waterfront. Before long, we saw directional signs to the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace. Following those signs, we headed uphill again.

    Along the way, we encountered one Atlas Obscura site: a statue of Argentinian Formula One champion Juan Manuel Fangio at the famous curve in the Monaco Grand Prix. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/juan-manuel…    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Changing of the guards at the Prince's Palace of Monaco.
    Changing of the guards at the Prince's Palace of Monaco.Changing of the guards at the Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.Prince's Palace of Monaco.The narrow shopping streets around the Prince's Palace.The narrow shopping streets around the Prince's Palace.The narrow shopping streets around the Prince's Palace.The area around the Prince's Palace.Monaco Cathedral.The view from the Prince's Palace of Monaco.The view from the Prince's Palace of Monaco.

    Prince's Palace of Monaco

    July 22, 2024 in Monaco ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    After exiting Jardins Saint-Martin, we wandered around the Prince's Palace and the rabbit warren of shops in the vicinity. We stayed until 11.55am to watch the changing of the guards. This was the first time I had viewed a changing of the guards in any location.

    After the changing of the guards, we purchased sandwiches from a nearby shop and retired to a quiet nook at Jardins Saint-Martin to consume them.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    A yellow submarine outside the Oceanographic Museum.
    The facade of the Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Penguin sculpture at the entrance of the Oceanographic Museum.Jellyfish display, Oceanographic Museum.Flounder, Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Green moray, Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Seahorses, Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Rockfish, Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Moray eels, Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.Oceanographic Museum.

    Musee Oceanographique de Monaco

    July 22, 2024 in Monaco ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    After the palace, we visited the Oceanographic Museum, which is also an Atlas Obscura site. We mostly focused on the aquarium. After we left, we realized we had not visited the top floor, which houses early scuba equipment and natural history items such as whale skeletons and a giant squid. I suspect I would have felt more of a Jacque Cousteau vibe had we visited that exhibit!
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/oceanograph…    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Jeff executing a front one and a half with a full twist, also known as 5132D.
    Jeff executing a front one and a half pike, also known as 103B, from the 5 meter platform.Jeff executing one of his dives at the pool.Jeff executing one of his dives at the pool.Jeff executing one of his dives at the pool.Poolside scenes from Stade Nautique Rainier III.Poolside scenes from Stade Nautique Rainier III.Poolside scenes from Stade Nautique Rainier III.Sights en route to the pool.Sights en route to the pool, which is visible in the center of the photo.Sights en route to the pool.Sights en route to the pool.

    Jeff Dives in a New Country!

    July 22, 2024 in Monaco ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    While we first arrived in Monaco and we were making our way downhill from the train station, Jeff's eyes were drawn to a pool with diving boards - the Stade Nautique Rainier III - so we walked towards it. When we reached the pool, he approached the staff there who told him that the diving boards open to the public at 2pm. I rolled my eyes and accepted that we would have to budget time for him to dive there, which we did so after visiting the Oceanographic Museum.

    As much as he denies it, I am sure Jeff just wants to impress a new international audience. Listen for the applause in the first video!

    After some pool time, we made our way back to the train station for our return trip to Nice.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    This stele by Marcel Mayer honors the Four Marshals of France who were WWII heroes.
    Another angle of the Marcel Mayer stele, Jardin Alsace-Lorraine.Jardin Alsace-Lorraine.Hand with Urn by Andres Greck, for the repatriated from Algeria. The urn contains soil from Algeria.A sculpture by Paul Deroulede depicting anthropomorphized French locales Alsace and Lorraine.Sleeping Woman by Volta, Jardin Alsace-Lorraine.Jardin Alsace-Lorraine.Jardin Alsace-Lorraine.

    Jardin Alsace-Lorraine

    July 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Our sightseeing goal today was to check out the Promenade de Anglais and take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea, scout out some Atlas Obscura sights, and explore the old town and port.

    As we headed out towards the coastline, we made a stop at Alsace-Lorraine Park, which is also where we disembarked from the tram when we first arrived in Nice.Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Watch this video with the volume up to hear the sound of the stones hitting one another.
    The scene on the beach where we took a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.At the beach where we took a dip.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Funky sculpture in front of Hotel Negresco.Hotel Negresco, one of the luxury hotels along the promenade.Art deco building along the promenade.Statue of Liberty, Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais. Note the contrast between the private and public beach.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.Scenes from along the Promenade des Anglais.The only place with sand was at the beach volleyball court.Another view of the beach volleyball court.

    Promenade des Anglais

    July 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We reached the shoreline soon after we departed from Jardin Alsace-Lorraine, at which point we turned left and walked eastwards towards the old city. Along the way, we did some people watching and we also watched the various Tour de France stands being dismantled.

    When we hit the old town, we veered off course to do some Atlas Obscura explorations before we returned to the shoreline to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. The entire shoreline was rocky and it wasn't particularly memorable (or comfortable on the feet) but it was a good experience nonetheless. I especially enjoyed listening to the sounds of the rocks and stones hitting one another when the waves hit.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    La Tete Au Carree Library.
    La Tete Au Carree Library.La Tete Au Carree Library.La Tete Au Carree Library.L'Ange de la Baie memorial.Fontaine Du Soleil.Fontaine Du Soleil.Fontaine Du Soleil.Fontaine Du Soleil.Playground inside the green space.Playground inside the green space.Playground inside the green space.Playground inside the green space.Playground inside the green space.Replica of the David statue inside the park.Artwork of a dog peeing.

    Atlas Obscura Explorations in Nice

    July 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We diverted from our walk along the Promenade des Anglais to seek out three Atlas Obscura sites which were situated alongside a long green space that led from the promenade inland towards the old city.

    The first site was along the promenade itself just before we veered inland. Named L'Ange de la Baie, it is a memorial in honor of the people killed in an attack on Bastille Day in 2016.
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/lange-de-la…

    The second site was Fontaine du Soleil or Sun Fountain. Sculpted in 1956, the statue of a naked Apollo at the center of the fountain caused controversy. The sculptor had to reduce the size of Apollo's genitals.
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/fontaine-du…

    The last site was the coolest of all. Located at the end of the green space, the administrative offices of the La Tete Au Carree Library is housed in a cube situated atop a human head. The architect also described his work as "Thinking Inside the Box". Ouch.
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/la-tete-au-…

    While looking for these three sites, we enjoyed the park, which featured interesting play areas shaped like a whale skeleton and octopi, as well as a reproduction of the David statue.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Lou Che by Noel Dolla, near the Port Lympia tram stop.
    We saw the Monument aux Morts war memorial en route to Port Lympia.En route to Port Lympia.Port Lympia.Un Dimanche a Nice by Stephane Cipre, Port Lympia.Jeff on an avant garde bench at Port Lympia.Port Lympia.Port Lympia.Superyachts moored at Port Lympia.Port Lympia.Some less fancy yachts also moored at Port Lympia.Port Lympia.The Port Lympia tram stop.Superyachts moored at Port Lympia.Port Lympia.Port Lympia.

    Port Lympia

    July 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    After our dip in the Mediterranean Sea, we continued walking along the seafront until we hit the old port area. Along the way, we saw an impressive war memorial carved into the cliff, lots of well maintained old buildings, and some superyachts moored in the harbor.Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Monument a Garibaldi at Place Garibaldi. The lion on the right seems to have a WTF look on his face.
    A more fearsome looking lion by sculptor Richard Olinski, Place Garibaldi.Place Garibaldi.My Aloha Poke Bowl from So Green at Place Messena.Place Garibaldi.En route to Place Garibaldi.En route to Place Garibaldi.En route to Place Garibaldi.Place Garibaldi.En route from Place Garibaldi to Place Messena.En route from Place Garibaldi to Place Messena.Place Garibaldi.Place Garibaldi.

    Old Town Nice

    July 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    After exploring the old port, we veered back inland into the old city in search of lunch. We first walked through Place Garibaldi and then into Place Messena where we ate lunch at So Green. I had to have the Aloha Poke Bowl just for the heck of it. I'll give them an A for effort given that most of the people spreading the worldwide poke bowl craze likely have never set foot on Hawaii.

    After our late lunch, we made our way back to our accommodation by way of an upmarket shopping district.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.
    Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.There were bunnies on the grounds of the Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Jeff making friends with the cathedral cat.The resident cat of Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Bust of Nicolas Alexandrovich on the grounds of the Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.A statue of Pallas Athena in front of the Le Palladium building near the cathedral.Our Mister B&B studio is in the yellow structure annexed to the building pictured here..

    Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice

    July 24, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Our Mister B&B studio was located next to the Cathedrale Saint-Nicholas de Nice. Per Atlas Obscura, the French Riviera was popular with the Russian ruling class in the 1800s. In 1865, the son of Alexander II, Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, died of meningitis on the site of where the cathedral now stands. After their son's death, the Tsar and the Empress purchased the land and ordered a chapel built on the site.

    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-nicholas…    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    At Nice Ville just before we departed.
    Our train pulling out from Nice Ville.Jeff is finally on his way to the Olympics!Speeding along the coast just before Antibes.The train's ceiling was too low for Jeff.Le Bar on board the train.At Marseilles Saint Charles station.Scenes from the train journey from Nice to Paris.Scenes from the train journey from Nice to Paris.Scenes from the train journey from Nice to Paris.Scenes from the train journey from Nice to Paris.Scenes from the train journey from Nice to Paris.Speeding through the French countryside.Speeding through the French countryside.Speeding through the French countryside.We were greeted by Phryges, the Paris Olympics mascot, as we checked in to the Mercure Hotel.

    Nice to Paris by Train

    July 24, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    And now for the main event... we're off to Paris!

    Setting off from Nice Ville station, the SNCF train first travelled west for 2.5 hours on a normal cruising speed along the coast to Antibes, then Cannes (the beach was sandy there!), then Toulon, and finally Marseille. After Marseille, we turned north, picked up speed, and made our way to Paris Gare de Lyon in a little over three hours.

    During the train ride, as I drifted in and out of sleep, I replayed my favorite album, Simple Minds' Empires and Dance, in my head. Released in 1980, Empires and Dance is a dark, brooding Cold War era album written while the band was traveling around Europe, well before they descended into commercial, bombastic irrelevance in the mid-1980s. The Guardian described the album as “A Mitteleuropean Psychodrama"; as a Cold War child, I cannot think of a more appropriate album to revisit on such a journey through Europe. Here is a link to the aforementioned Guardian article. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/27/a…

    Arriving at Gare de Lyon, we transferred to the RER Line A to La Defense, from which we walked to our accommodation at the Mercure Paris La Defense. After checking in and freshening up, we wandered out for an Italian dinner.    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    La Defense Grande Arche.
    La Defense Grande Arche.La Defense Grande Arche.La Defense Grande Arche.La Defense Grande Arche.La Defense Grande Arche.La Defense Grande Arche at night.The view from La Defense Grande Arche.The view from La Defense Grande Arche.La Defense.La Defense.The Characters by Joan Miro, La Defense.Arraignee Rouge (Red Spider) by Alexander Calder, La Defense.En route from the Mercure Hotel to La Defense.La Defense.La Defense.La Defense.En route from the Mercure Hotel to La Defense.The Atlas Obscura-featured thumb sculpture at La Defense.The Atlas Obscura-featured thumb sculpture at La Defense.Artificial waterfall along an alternate route to our hotel.Giant chair outside the Esplanade de La Defense station.A pool at the Esplanade de La Defense station.Cube Sphere Gold by Cyril Lancelin, La Defense.An unoccupied building at La Defense.Unoccupied buildings on our walk between La Defense and the Mercure Hotel.Unoccupied buildings on our walk between La Defense and the Mercure Hotel.

    La Defense

    July 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    On Thursday morning, Jeff began his official duties. His first order of duty was to get his accreditation and his competition kit. While he was doing those tasks, I ventured out for my initial explorations. I have been to Paris several times before in the 1990s, so for this trip, I utilized Atlas Obscura as my guide for finding weird and wonderful things in the city.

    To get to the city, I first had to return to La Defense, which is a ten minute walk from the hotel. At La Defense, I marveled at the modernist architecture, including the iconic Grande Arche, and the expansive public space. While exploring the area, I thought of the video for a 1997 song called Stay by German DJ Sash! which was filmed at this site. Here is the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrwi79HxaOw

    La Defense also features one Atlas Obscura site: a sculpture of a giant thumb. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/le-pouce-gi…

    We visited La Defense many times on this trip because we had to walk there and back to get to and from the Metro. On one occasion, we mixed things up a little by exiting the Metro one stop earlier. At that earlier stop, we found a giant chair next to a pool. We also took an alternative route back to the hotel, and we came across some unoccupied buildings and an artificial waterfall. It was a little surreal walking past these ghost buildings which are just a block away from lively streets,    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Eglise St Paul-St Louis.
    The "French Republic or Death" graffiti inside the Eglise St Paul-St Louis.Eglise St Paul-St Louis.Eglise St Paul-St Louis.Eglise St Paul-St Louis.Eglise St Paul-St Louis.Eglise St Paul-St Louis.Eglise St Paul-St Louis.The Museum of Magic was once home to the Marquis de Sade.Hotel de Sens.The arrow indicates the cannonball in the walls of the Hotel de Sens.Hotel de Sens.Street scenes from Le Marais.Scenes from Le Marais. The policeman was looking at his phone while riding his horse!Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.Street scenes from Le Marais.

    Atlas Obscura Explorations in Le Marais

    July 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    I began my Atlas Obscura-inspired explorations in the Le Marais area. Emerging from the Saint Paul metro station, I saw my first stop: a church called the Eglise St Paul-St Louis. Within the church is an inscription translating to "French Republic of Death", likely inscribed by a communard during the 1871 insurrection. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/saint-paul-…

    My next target was a building around the corner. Now housing a museum of magic, the building was once home to the Marquis de Sade, who reportedly developed his sexual appetites there. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/musee-de-la…

    My third Atlas Obscura site was around yet another corner. This was the Hotel de Sens, which features a cannonball embedded in one of its wall. The cannonball was likely from the 1871 insurrection. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cannonball-…    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    A sports-inspired video was projected onto Centre Georges Pompidou.
    Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano by Xavier Veilhan, Center Georges Pompidou.A statue near Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Centre Georges Pompidou.Stravinsky Fountain.Street art next to the Stravinsky Fountain.Street art next to the Stravinsky Fountain.Street scenes from around the Centre Georges Pompidou.Pennywise near the Centre Georges Pompidou.Street scenes from around the Centre Georges Pompidou.Street scenes from around the Centre Georges Pompidou.Street scenes from around the Centre Georges Pompidou.Street scenes from around the Centre Georges Pompidou.Street scenes from around the Centre Georges Pompidou.

    Center Georges Pompidou

    July 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    My next sightseeing target was the Centre Georges Pompidou, a colorful "inside out" building housing a modern art museum. The building features pipes and vents on the exterior of the building. When I visited, I watched sports themed images projected on the exterior.
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/centre-pomp…

    Located next to the Centre Pompidou is the Stravinsky Fountain, a fountain with silly figures spouting water that was supposedly inspired by the composer Igor Stravinsky. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-stravin…    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    The public space in front of the Hotel de Ville was cordoned off for Olympics festivities.
    Tour Saint Jacques.Tour Saint Jacques.Tour Saint Jacques.The grounds of the Tour Saint Jacques.Street scenes from the area around Chatelet and the Hotel de Ville.The Fountain of Innocents.

    Hotel de Ville

    July 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Later in the afternoon, I ventured back out to the same area with Jeff and two of his judge friends - Barb from Canada and Gianluca from Italy - to dine at his favorite vegetarian restaurant. While there, we explored the Tour Saint Jacques, a tall bell tower.

    We also explored the area for possible spots to watch the Opening Ceremony. Jeff had access to a ticket for the Opening Ceremony, but he declined it because the organizers would not add spouses to officials' tickets, and he wanted to watch the ceremony with me. Besides, before we departed for France, we read that the general public could watch the opening ceremony along the Seine. However, when we set foot on the actual site, we found that the area around the Seine was mostly blocked off for people with paid tickets. However, we were allowed to cross one of the bridges, and so we naively thought we could watch from one of the bridges. We decided to look at the various bridges tomorrow and find our vantage point.

    I'll expand on this on a later entry.

    While we were in the vicinity, we encountered one more Atlas Obscura site, the Fountain of Innocents. It is the site of an old cemetery, and it has a rather gruesome history, which you can read here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/25092    Read more

  • SiewchParis Olympics 2024Traveler
    Jim Morrison's grave, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
    The entrance to Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Oscar Wilde's grave, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Another shot of Oscar Wilde's grave. Note the damaged genitalia.Edith Piaf's grave, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Marcel Proust's grave, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Victor Noir's grave, featuring an effigy with a noticeable bulge, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Etienne-Gaspard's Robertson's grave, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.A grave featuring a dog, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Another grave depicting a dog, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Pere Lachaise cemetery.Pere Lachaise Cemetery.The crematorium at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.The crematorium at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.Pere Lachaise Cemetery.The lawn with the cremated human remains, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.One of the Holocaust memorials, Pere Lachaise cemetery.Memorial to the Holocaust victims of Auschwitz, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.One of the Holocaust memorials, Pere Lachaise cemetery.Holocaust memorial, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.One of the Holocaust memorials, Pere Lachaise cemetery.Another memorial for the Holocaust victims of Auschwitz, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.One of the Holocaust memorials, Pere Lachaise cemetery.Holocaust memorial, Pere Lachaise Cemetery.One of the Holocaust memorials, Pere Lachaise cemetery.Playing Snakes and Ladders on the sidewalk outside Pere Lachaise cemetery.

    Riders on the Storm

    July 26, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    I set off on a rainy morning to get to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. My goal for this outing was to visit the graves of two of the most famous people buried there: Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.
    More info here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pere-lachai…

    Arriving at the cemetery, an usher at the gate gave me a map of the cemetery, which I gladly used to find the two graves, along with Edith Piaf's and Marcel Proust's.

    Not surprisingly, both Jim Morrison's and Oscar Wilde's graves were cordoned off. At Oscar Wilde's grave, I eavesdropped on a tour guide telling her clients that Oscar Wilde's grave was controversial because it featured male nudity. She also noted that the genitalia had been broken off and stolen, and that the culprit has never been caught.

    Apart from the above graves, I also sought out Atlas Obscura-listed graves of Victor Noir, which is listed because of the generous appendage on his effigy, and Etienne-Gaspard Robertson, who is known for necromancy. I was amused to see that Victor Noir's junk and lips were a different color from the rest of the effigy because they had been rubbed by many people.

    Their Atlas Obscura listings:
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/erotic-eros…
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/etienne-gas…

    While exploring the cemetery, I also saw several depressing Holocaust memorials, and an Atlas Obscura-listed lawn with cremated human remains strewn on lines across the lawn.
    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cremains-of….    Read more

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