A Bang Up End to a Great Trip

Fireworks by the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day - our last day in Paris.

Fireman walking small boy up the ladder

After breakfast, packed a little and walked over to Hotel de Ville where the Sapeurs Pompiers were putting on  demonstrations and had all the old fire equipment out for everyone to climb on, sit in, etc.  They were also putting climbing equipment on little kids (as young as 3 or 4), hooking them to a rope and them helping them climb the ladder on the ladder truck.  They were amazingly patient and the kids were having a ball.  Can't see it happening here without the signing of a lot of papers.   Then we walked to the Brasserie Marguarite on the corner for a kir and some people watching.  The military of all types were wandering around - lots of young men with their girlfriends and they all seemed to be having a great National Day.  We met Greer and Anthony back at the apartment and went down to the corner for a pizza before walking to the Pont Neuf to watch the fireworks at 11.    All the bridges and quais with a view of the Eiffel Tower were packed and I'm sure there were thousands at the Pont Neuf.  I stood on the light post in the middle of the bridge to get a good view and it was spectacular.  I'm sure it would have been fantastic to hear the choreographed music with it but we weren't willing to brave the Champ de Mars and the one million people who watch from there.  They arrive about 2 with their picnics and the concerts start at 5.  I'm sure it's fun but way too many people for me.  After the finale we walked back to the apartment, finished packing and tried to get some sleep.