What a hike!

So I had some free time recently and thought I'd make my way to see one of Paris' more well known Basilica's - Sacre Coeur. It is located on a pretty step hill, one of the few in Paris. As most of you know I'm not in the best of shape so making it to the top of the hill was no small feet. (As a side note, I'd just like to thank Daisie for signing us up to run the Kansas City half marathon this October. blah!) Anyways here are some of the highlights from the top of the hill.

Sacre Coeur Basillica

From the bottom. I actually came up from the other side of Sacre Coeur.

Looking down on Paris and all the craziness below.

Another view from the top of Sacre Coeur.

P.S. I finally have moved in to my apartment and hope to have pictures up soon. It's near Roland Garros (where the French Open is played) so if anyone is dying to see some world class tennis, holler at your boy.

P.S.S. I learned first hand about another gypsy method of begging for money. A female will come up to you saying they found a ring on the ground near you and try to give it to you. After showing the lady my wedding ring she proceeded to ask for money so she could buy a sandwich. I am continually amazed at how bold these people are. I need to find a way to look less like a tourist when I go out. It's getting beyond ridiculous.

- Nuck

What to do when lost in Paris

So yesterday I got it in me that I would go see Les Invalides (where Napoleon I is buried and a bunch of other cool military artifacts.) Being here almost two weeks I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the city and its Metro so getting to there wouldn't be a problem. Boy was I wrong! First I got off on the wrong Metro stop after taking the wrong train. Ugh! After walking around aimlessly for a while I ended up at the Eiffel Tower. Les Invalides was right next to the Eiffel Tower (go figure), but it closes pretty early so I decided to kick it and take in Gustave Eiffel's work of art. Cool bit of Eiffel trivia - he also designed the internal architecture of the Stature of Liberty. I'm sure most of you American history buffs already knew this, but I found this out yesterday as well. Thought that was kind of cool.

Me looking all sexy showing off the new beard.

For being kind of cold out, there still was a lot of people.

The mass of humanity. I must've been hit up by 6 or 7 gypsies asking for money. Here's what they do... They ask if you speak English and if you'll read this piece of paper saying they're from Bosnia and they need money to care for their children. If you say no, then they try Spanish or French. I watched some guy give one of them fries and once he did a couple of French army dudes were all over the gypsy. Moral of the story when approached by a gypsy in France - no speak-a English.

The picture from the other side on the steps of the ballet. There was a big rally for Darfur going on with break dancers. I'll try and get those pictures up soon.

- Nuck

The Latest and Greatest

I haven't had much time to go out and see the sights much during the day, so lately I've been going for walks (yeah I know... go figure) during the evening. Here are some of the high points.

Notre Dame - beware of the gypsies!

Notre Dame at night. I found a Subway right across the street from Notre Dame. Had to get my Cold Cut Trio fix.

The view from one of Paris' many bridges. Think this is Pont Neuf, but don't hold me to that.

The Louvre at night. It's really a cool part of town where you can come and listen to street performers and just kind of take in the city.

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day wishes to my three lovely ladies! Love ya tons!!!

Happy Birthday Samantha & Sadie!!!

Joyeux anniversaire
Joyeux anniversaire
Joyeux anniversaire Samantha and Sadie
Joyeux anniversaire

Happy Birthday Samantha and Sadie! 1 year old - yeah!!! I hope you both have a great day, and I can't wait to see you! Love you tons and tons!!!

- Dad

Disneyland - Paris Edition

So I have been in Paris almost a week and have already made it to Euro Disney!!! My team from work had a group bonding trip, guess I kind of lucked into this one. A good time was had by all, well maybe except for that 1 1/2 hour wait to ride Thunder Mountain Railroad. Space Mountain totally rocked and even had a little extra something that is not on the ride in the States.
- Nuck

The Happiest Place on Earth - Europe edition.

Abe, David, Joy, and Missy getting ready for blast off.

Abe, David, and Joy doing some more waiting in line. This time at Pirates of the Caribbean.

The CareNet team trying to decide which ride is next.

Group picture time - say cheese.

And So It Begins...

I'm sure you've all been on pins and needles waiting for me to join the blogosphere. Well wait no more! While I don't promise to be the most insightful blogger, I am a pretty big deal so I hope you enjoy what is posted. So without further adieu... here are some pics from my first day here in Paris.
- Nuck

Me at the Grand Arch looking back toward the Arc d'Triomphe.

The Champs Elysse. We walked this entire street from the Louvre to the Arc d'Triomphe. Ugh!

Me kicking it old school in front of the Arc d'Triomphe.

Just outside Tuilleries looking at the Eiffel Tower.

The Grand Arch. It's in La Defense, and about 500 yards from my office.