This was our first day in France. We took the train from the airport, to the Eiffel Tower. It was a beautiful way to become acquainted with the city. When we got off the train, the Eiffel Tower was right in front of us. It was a special moment in life.
This is the River Seine, near the Eiffel Tower. You could take boat tours, but we had more fun messing with the con artists!
A lovely street in Paris. We stayed about 3 miles outside of Paris, for this wonderful view, and to experience the part of France that people fall in love with - not the crowded streets of central Paris.
Delicious, fresh strawberries from the farmers market located a block from our hotel.
The view from up top.
The lines to the Eiffel Tower, which we skipped by taking the stairs. I highly recommend taking the stairs. This way, you experience way shorter lines (5 minutes vs 3 hours), but more importantly, you truly experience every detail of the Eiffel Tower.
This is one of the elevators that brings tourists up the tower. Apparently they used to have actual operators, so they thought that this statue would catch some peoples eyes.
The Arc de Triomph - Paris, France.
Love lock bridge. People want to leave a part of themselves in Paris, so they place locks on the bridges. Personally, I would rather just live there!
A most delicious dessert, from our favorite bakery. We had the baker convinced that we were French... for about 5 seconds.
Sorry for the terrible photo. We had a fellow tourist take this photo. We were too embarrassed to retake it while they were near us, we didn't want them to feel bad :)
This gem, is the Mona Lisa. Yep, the photo is actually the size of a regular painting. It was kind of weird...
Venus de Milo
The Louvre
An even more beautiful part of France! This was the far West side of France, in the city of St Jean Pied de Port. The beginning of our hike!
This was in the middle of the Pyrenees mountains. Our marker was the one with the yellow shell on it. That marker was how we found our way across most places.
This was the key to our hotel one night. It was built in the 1800's.
A classic treat to beat the heat
Some friends we made from Germany
Why yes, that is a fried egg on that burger - it was tasty!
The running of the bulls.
We found this great point of view for the running of the bulls at 4:00 A.M. We stood there for the next 6 hours.... It was worth it!
Another friend
I know it;s weird to put a picture of a toilet on here, but check out the top half of the toilet!
A grape vineyard.
We took a break here while my dad was having some blister issues. Suddenly all these people in the photo stopped and pulled out medical supplies to help him. Although none of us spoke the same language, it was really cool to see the generosity. All we could do to thank them was smile and nod - the universal thank you.
Ouch!
This was a wine fountain. The winery made it to ale tired hikers. Luckily for us, it was also a water fountain.
Another marker for the Camino
This is where people eat lunch. A bunch of companies work together to provide different foods, and then you eat in this central location while people play soccer all around you. It is a great place for people watchers!
This is a store. Yep, 12 shelves - everything you could ever need :)
Thought this "warning label" was pretty great. It simply says, "Smoking kills."
We slept in this shed one night, it was actually pretty nice.
No, this is not a urinal - it is a toilet. I know, I was confused too.
Medical care without insurance. It worked out :) This was a doctor who donated his time and medical supplies to tired hikers with no insurance.
This is our book of stamps. Each place you go along the way, stamps your book. At the end, you use it as evidence that you walked the 500 miles.
"No parking." Apparently they have a problem with people parking their dogs here.
Yeah, we slept here. Just an abandoned gym, no biggie.
This was the memorial for the victims of the train accident. We were literally one day behind this accident, which we would have been on had we arrived the day before! You can learn more about it here: http://www.theguardian.com/world/santiago-de-compostela-train-crash
The oldest restaurant in the entire world.
Homeless guy. Long story. Pretty much, he caused an accident, and then proceeded to try and show people where to park.
Madrid temple/MTC.
Empire State building
This sign...
