November 4, 1917
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We were called at 7 a.m. by request, had a bath at 8, but the “boots” lost our boots by some misunderstanding, and we had to ring three times and then only received them just before 10. Spent a good night, the bed being luxurious, shaved etc. before going out. Had no time for breakfast as had to report at the Police Headquarters, Caserne de la Pepiniere, Place St. Augustin. Walked to it and found it by asking the direction and had our passes stamped to leave Paris by 11.40 train on the 7th.
We then went into church of St. Augustin, very fine built in 1860, splendid dome 82 ft. wide, 260 ft. high, style approaching Renaissance.The Place St. Augustin contained a statue of Joan of Arc. We then went down the Boulevarde Malesherbes to the Madelaine commenced in Louis XV’s reign, in 1806. Napoleon wished to convert it into a Temple of Glory, opened for R.C. worship in 1840. The interior forms one vast nave with cupolas receiving light from above. The outside is surrounded by fine colonnade of pillars.
Then went down the Rue Royale, a splendid street where we decided to have lunch. We chose the Tavern Royal, Maxims & Webers being alongside. The Royal was on the flash side, but the meal was simple and good, beautifully served 10 fr. Had an adventure with a female here. We then went on and reached the Place de la Concorde which is the finest and most spacious in Paris. In the centre stands the Obelisque of Luxor from the ruins of Thebes. On this spot stood the guillotine where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed 21st January 1793. Splendid fountains and statues representing various towns are scattered about the place.
From the bank of the Seine the Pont de la Concorde leads to the Chambre des Deputes, the colonnade of which matches that of the Madelaine at the opposite extremity. The Boulevarde commences at the Place de la Madelaine. From the Obelisque we passed through the Champs-Elysees and strolled through the Jardin de Paris to the Grand Palais of Pahis des Beaux Arts and the Petit Palais on either side of the Avenue Alexandre III. 1897, both splendid buildings. We were able to enter the Petit Palais which contained statuary, pictures and relics of the invaded city such as Verdun, etc.
We then proceeded over the Seine by the Pont de Alexandre III into the Esplanade des Invalides, a large open space, splendid gold figures surmounted the four columns on the bridge. Youngsters were rollerskating on the concrete places and a large concourse of people were treking in the one direction to the Hotel des Invalides, built 1671, and restored by Napoleon I and III. The building provides a home for wounded and aged soldiers, originally for 6,000 soldiers but now a few hundred.
The courtyard contained trophies captured from the enemy such as guns, parts of Zeppelins, aeroplanes, Fokkers, and so on, and also Captain Guynerners aeroplane all bedecked with flowers and ribbons. Napoleon’s tomb is in this building, but we failed to see it, only the three stone slats from his tomb at St. Helena and the Copper Sarcophagus with the mourning flag used for bringing his ashes to France in 1810. There was a fearful crush of people visiting the tomb. We then proceeded via Rue de Grenelle to the Parc du Champ de Mars, thence to the Eiffel Tower, erected in 1887, nearly 1,000 feet high and the highest building in the world, constructed of ironwork on four points, a wonderful edifice now used as a wireless station.
Then across the Seine by the Pont d’Helena to the Palais du Trocadero.The Palais built for the exhibition of 1878 is now a museum and has accommodation for 5,000 people, a splendid series of Cascades and water fountains with statuary is in front of the building but not working at present. Had tea in the Place du Trocadero and then drove by cab to the Hotel where I enquired where my friends resided. Took a taxi but found the girls out and a doctor and his wife with Madame. I was received very well and had an interesting yarn with the Doctor who was a Russian. He and his wife new very little English but we managed to hold a conversation O.K, and they ended by inviting me to dinner the following day.
Russian in a beautiful language to listen to, being sweet and soft. Later Madame Debbevitch went and rang up to tell her daughters that I had arrived and they came back immediately. It was rather funny when the eldest girl shook hands, she forgot what to say, not having had practice at English for 3 years. We had a long talk, Sonia, the eldest girl, improving in English as we proceeded, and I arranged to meet the two girls in the Rue de Medicin at 3.30 the next day.
Went home to the Hotel by tube, the girls showing me the station and my friend arrived at the same time having gone to a theatre. Had a nightcap and turned in well pleased with the day. Altho’ Paris was comparatively dead and Autumn had reduced all foliage to falling leaves, it was yet a great sight to us and we could well imagine what it is like in the proper season.