Happy New Year!! I hope that the holidays were was successful as mine and good luck to all of your new years resolutions. I was able to experience even more this time in Paris and Poland was amazing! I will split up my travels, such as how I did with my last holidays to ensure that your scrolling finger will not get overly exhausted!

I was able to make it back to the Louvre, along with a few other museums that are a little less well known. Before I left for the holidays though, I was able to do a little decorating for the holidays...very little. I do admit though that the cup and "reindeer" came from Ikea...and yes, it is just as popular here as it is in the states.

 The Paris underground is VERY overwhelming when you first start out, but you do get used to it...sort of.

I thought that a picture of the underground would be interesting since everyone always takes pictures of the tourist attractions--I'm sure it's just as dirty as everyone describes. 

 As mentioned, I made it to some smaller museums. The following photos I believe are from the Petite Palace, where it was showing a gallery of crystal. But, being cheap college students and given that we had to pay for the gallery, so we just looked at the other pieces of art that were available.

Latvians touching things!One of my travel companions who couldn't believe the details of the pieces.  

The courtyard of the Petite Palace.

At the entrance of the gallery that was being offered. The giant chandelier! 

 Since I spent Christmas in Paris, my group was able to go to Notre Dame on Christmas Day--and attend mass! Now, while I am not religious myself, I do respect those that are and understand that it was an incredible opportunity to participate in.

 Sacré-Cœur, a church that is located at the top of a hill and allows for an incredible view. We went there after mass and celebrated Christmas with a bottle of champagne. 

The view from the steps up to the cathedral. Unfortunately, you can not see the Eiffel Tower because it is blocked by buildings. 

Prepping the champagne! 

 I was able to make it back to the Eiffel Tower (big surprise there!) and see some of the Christmas decorations. The had a "snow-globe" directly underneath the tower that was filled with Christmas trees.

Below is the square that is in front of the gardens that lead up to the Louvre. It is rather massive and a little intimidating trying to cross with the multitude of cars. 

 Back at the Louvre, saw a lot of things that I didn't make it to the first time around.

Just trying to imitate the artwork...I think he did pretty good. 

 These next three photos are part of Napoleon's apartments, which were quite impressive.

Does anyone recognize this piece?

I might have mentioned that the ceilings are quite impressive...

 Another museum that I made it to, Musée de l'Orangerie. This is where some Monet's are housed and are displayed wonderfully; no photos were allowed in that section...in most of the building, so I go what few I could. Along with the Renoir and Laurencin, there were also Picaso's and  a temporary exhibition. 

 The opera house of Paris. We didn't take the time to go inside, but it was still quiet impressive even from this distance.

 Now, to conclude this rather long post--I give you the purpose of traveling to Paris! Just kidding, but you might be happy to know that Starbucks is everywhere and there is a Chipotle! Mmmmm, a taste of home.  I will talk about visiting Poland for the new years soon enough! Until then, I hope that everyone's new year is going well and the best of luck to making it one of your best.