Day Two and the rain forcasted for most of the week began in earnest.  The girls slept late as Bob had a marvelous cup of coffee (in a familiar mug) and then explored the neighborhood on foot to purchase two inexpensive, unlocked telephones that can be used throughout Europe. Email him for the numbers! After unpacking a bit further we headed out to the nearest Metro stop and made our way underground to L’Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees.

The famous Arc de Triomphe, now more famous – since we’ve seen it too!

This is the circular staircase that is the way up.  The girls counted the steps – 193 – to the first level! It was easy for them, not as easy for their parents!

The view from the top of the Arc looking down the Champs Elysees.  The rain has just started to fall…

Photo opportunities abound!

Ahh… Facebook profile shot.

One of the first places you come to at the top of the Champs Elysees is a small jewelry shop.  The girls hadn’t heard of it. We thought that was okay…but now they have.. uh oh!

When the rain really started to fall, we stopped for dinner. And although it’s not the most “fancy pants” place to go… Vesuvio is a pretty famous pizza joint on a pretty famous street.  It’s a terrific place to watch the people go by. And, the pizza, the pesto, and the hamburgers are excellent!!  If you ask for a “une boîte pour ramener à la maison” the nice waiter will give you this.  BTW he was very impressed with Bob’s French.  We didn’t tell him about google translate!

As the rain continued to fall, we were only able to stroll down the Champs Elysees for a short while.  Hopefully we’ll be back again!