On our own in Paris

Enjoyed our last breakfast with the group before we all went our separate ways. They were a good group and because it was our first 'tour group' we were a bit apprehensive. The guide was sensational and really made a difference to our trepidation in experiencing the first overseas trip. Lets hope our confidence is not misplaced and we manage to look after ourselves for the next couple of weeks!!??
Packed our bags and headed for the Metro, organised our weekly pass (Passe Navigo Decouverte), got on the train, changed at the right spot and got off at the right place...so far so good! Found our building, had to ring to organise the keys, they gave us a code to get into the building and then the code for the key box at our door, made it inside...only to find the place hadn't been cleaned up after the last people had left earlier. Seeing it was only 10am, maybe there was some communication misunderstanding? Sorted that out, dropped our bags and went exploring.
We wanted to test our Metro ability so we decided to visit the Cemetery Pere Lachaise, where Jim Morrison from The Doors is buried, quite a famous grave and a very interesting walk through the history of Paris. The cemetery also has the graves of Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf (couldn't find her though?). The walk through the tree lined avenues and the carvings on some of the headstones and family crypts are very intricate, some a little scary even, we have decided not to visit after dark!!!
We made it there on the Metro so decided to go closer to town and visited the Pompidou Centre, sort of an exhibition centre that was built 'inside out' The stairs and elevators are outside the walls, along with all the drainage, electrical wires and plumbing. Very strange look...I suppose some architect got paid millions for the privilege. Had a good view from the roof of Paris.
Very close to the Seine, so we wandered down to check out the Eiffel Tower again, can’t help but be overawed by this thing, quite a standout. Getting a bit late so we headed back to near our unit, got some groceries and then in to the unit to unpack, do some washing and settle into Paris.

Avenue in the Cemetery Pere Lachaise

People writing words of love to Jim Morrison. That's his headstone with the flowers on. The Authorities are considering removing Morrisons grave due to the crowds coming in and the graffiti drawn on lots of surrounding headstones.