Tag Archives: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Napoleon Builds an Arc in Paris, France

We walked around the circle at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, surrounded by the chaos of traffic and the sound of automobile horns. There were inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch marking the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Paying our respects, we happened upon the evening ceremony of the lighting of the torch.   This observance of one soldier, buried here in 1921, represented the many soldiers who fought for France during the First World War.

The magnificent Arc de Triomphe is a little piece of Rome that resides in the stylish city of Paris.  Napoleon Bonaparte, influenced by the triumphal arches of the Roman Empire, commissioned the monument to signify his victorious battle of Austerlitz in 1805.  Friezes of soldiers are ornately sculpted into the stonework while a list of Napoleonic victories and names of 558 French generals are memorialized on the inside and top of the arch. Four two-dimensional reliefs were elaborately carved into the arch, the most famous is Francois Rude’s “La Marseillaise”, which is also the title of Frances national anthem.  Standing 162 feet tall, 150 feet wide at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the massive size can only be experienced in person.

We were prepared to visit the museum and climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch for magnificent views of Paris.  Purchasing our tickets in advance, we finished our exploration of the arch’s exterior and slipped into the museum to learn more about the history of the arch and mused over the enclosed miniature model.  The nearby shop offers a number of great mementos.

We continued our climb up the stairs to the viewing platform on top of the arch and were caught off guard by the breathtaking views.  Looking down from the top, we could see the maze of avenues extending out from the arch which resembled a web of concrete and steel.  Mesmerized by the lights along the Champs-Elysees we slowly walked the perimeter of the top where we located the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Sacre Coeur.

Although construction on the arch began in 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte would never have the opportunity to enjoy his trophy which took thirty years to complete.  While his funeral was conducted at the base of the arch in 1921, Napoleon’s triumphal project was finally completed in 1936.

What to See and What to Do:

Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle
75008, Paris, France
Telephone:  +33 155 377 377

  • Admission Fee:  Free, but there is an additional cost to visit the rooftop observation deck for 9,50 Euros for adults and free for visitors 18 years and under. From October to March, the first Sunday of each month is free.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 11:30PM October to March and open daily from 10AM to 11PM April to September.  The last entry is scheduled 45 minutes prior to the museum’s closing.
  • Amenities:   Museum, gift shop, self guided tour brochure available in 8 languages and 90-minute tour lectures provided in French, English and Spanish
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views from the rooftop
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum and observation deck is included in the Paris Pass.  Do not cross the traffic to reach the Arc de Triomphe!  Attempting to cross the roundabout is potentially dangerous.  From the northern side of the Champs-Elysees are stairs that lead to pedestrian tunnels bringing you beneath the arch.  You should be moderately fit to be able to take the stairs to the top and wear appropriate shoes. The best time to visit the rooftop is during sunset.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone:  +33 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Le Cinq
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone:  +33 49 52 71 54

Wow!  I experienced two amazing dinners over the last couple of days and Le Cinq will forever be considered one of my top three restaurants!  I ordered the Sea Bass with cavier and ribot milk that was so creamy and prepared with perfection!  David ordered the Australian Black Market Beef draped with truffled mozzarella and the meat was so tender and I wished we could have ordered another side of truffled mozzarella. Ingenious!

What to Eat: 

  • Beef Borgonion is France’s equivalent to a beef stew but better!
  • Fresh Bread from the Boulangerie 
  • Cheese
  • Chocolate Croissants
  • Coq au Vin is an extraordinary French chicken stew
  • Creme Brulee is an egg custard that has been torched on the top to create a crisp layer
  • Crepes are an egg based wrap filled sweet or savory fillings
  • Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame are croissants filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese or ham.
  • Duck which is listed as canard on the French menu
  • Escargot
  • French Onion Soup
  • Frites are France’s fancy French fries
  • Frog Legs
  • Frois Gras is a duck pate
  • Macarons are deliciously light airy pastries made from sugar and almond flour
  • Meringues
  • Profiteroles are cream puffs

What to Read: 

  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo
  • The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
  • Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo
  • The Life Before Us, by Romain Gary
  • All the Light we cannot see, by Anthony Doerr
  • Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
  • Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Photo Guide for Paris: 

  • Avenue des Champs Elysses for street scenes and upscale restaurants and hotels
  • Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city
  • Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for gorgeous architecture
  • Jardin du Luxembourg for nature
  • The Louvre for art and architecture
  • Montemartre for the art scene and architecture
  • Notre Dame Cathedral for amazing views
  • Paris Bird and Flower Market for interesting people watching
  • Paris Metro for street scenes
  • Sacre Coeur for sunsets and panoramic views
  • Saint Michel and the Latin Quarter for street scenes

Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Athens was once the center of civilization….the pulse of the world and believed to be the center of the universe.   Today it is a living museum, full of archaeological sites and artifacts.  A city steeped in history and a love for philosophy and science.  In Athens, you can walk in the footsteps of countrymen who have made an impact on the world in areas such as medicine, architecture and mathematics.   Over the years, Athens was a city to conquer and has suffered a few setbacks, but this ancient civilization, even today, has always managed to forge ahead.

DSC_0800 - Syntagma Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Our first stop on our tour of Athens was Mars Hill.  Traveling by bus from the airport, we passed  a few sites which our guide pointed out, starting with Syntagma Square.  Located northeast of the Plaka, a popular city neighborhood, the square stands in front of the neoclassical Parliament building.

Also referred to as Plateia Syntagmatos, this beautiful courtyard was once a part of the Royal Palace of Greece’s first king, King Otto I.  Organized demonstrations took place here leading to the country’s historic constitution of 1843 in which they gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the Evzone Guards, an elite unit of the Greek military perform the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The uniforms of the guards have historical significance.   The pompoms on the shoes go back to the ancient Mycenaeans.  The 400 pleats in the winter skirts resemble the number years that the Greeks were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

At five minutes before each hour, the guard changes, providing a presentation of the crossing of the guard.  On Sundays at 11AM, visitors can witness a full crossing of the guard ceremony complete with marching band.DSC_0824, Temple of Olympian Zeus

Taking a right from the Parliament building we came upon the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.  The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion), measuring 360 feet by 145 feet when it was completed, towered 56 feet high.  Construction began during the rule of Peisistratos and was completed by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor in 131 AD, taking over 700 years to complete.

Only 15 of the original 104 Corinthian columns remain. The structure once displayed colossal statues of  both Zeus and Hadrian.  DSC_0875 - Hadrian's Arch

Close to the area of Lysicratu is Hadrian’s Arch which was once a dazzling white structure topped with Corinthian columns.  The arch was built in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian who is also credited for completing the temple.  On the arch side facing the traffic (west) is an inscription, “This is Athens, ancient city of Theseus” and on the east, “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”.   The east side was a gateway to Roman structures which included the Temple of Olympian Zeus,  also completed by Hadrian.  It represents the division between Classical Greece and the Roman Province.

DSC_0848, Church of Agios Eleftherios

The Church of Agios Eleftherios was once a meeting place for the archbishops of Athens when the Ottomans prohibited them from meeting in the church within the Parthenon.  Known as the “old cathedral”, this place of worship has been around since the 13th century.

DSC_0921 - Panathenaic Stadium

In the district of Pangratti is the Panathanaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro, “beautiful marble”), the “stadium of the first modern Olympic games”.  It has since been refurbished through funding by Evangelis Zappas and George Averof.

DSC_0918, George Averoff Statue, Athens, Greece

There is a statue of George in the square near the stadium.

DSC_0928, Hiking up Mars Hill

Known as the Areopagus, Ares’s Hill as well as Mars Hill, this amazing climb provides impressive views of historic Athens as well as a remarkable vantage point to photograph the Acropolis.  This location is most popularly known as the place where the apostle Paul shared his Christian faith with local Greek intellectuals.

DSC_0927 - Mars Hill View

A panoramic View from Mars Hill, from left to right, are structures such as Ancient Agora and Thissio Park.  The Plaka would be located towards the center and the Acropolis to the right.  Tickets to the Acropolis are also valid for visiting the Greek and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Kerameikos Cemetery.

IMG_1429, Amazing View from the Acropolis

From Mars Hill, the Temple of Hephaestos, is the most intact Doric temple in Greece.   It is dedicated to the god of iron workers, blacksmiths, those that worked with fire who created items such as tools, statues, jewelry and armor.  It was transformed into a Christian church, the Chapel of St. George (of the dragon) which may have helped in keeping the temple in its current state.

From Mars Hill, we were now ready to explore oneof the most magnificent temples of Greek architecture, The Acropolis.

Have you visited the spectacular city of Athens?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my day in Athens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Syntagma Square
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Hadrian’s Arch
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Church of Agios Eleftherios
Acharnon 384, Athina 111 43, Greece

Panathanaic Stadium
Vasileos Konstantinou Anevue (opposite the statue of Myron Discobolus)
Athens, 116 35, Greece

Areopagus
Theorias 21, Athina 105 55, Greece

Ancient Agora
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece

Thissio Park
Apostolou Pavlou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Hadrian’s Library
?, Areos 3, Athina 105 55, Greece

Theatre of Dionysos
The Acropolis
Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece

Kerameikos Cemetery
Ermou 148, Athina 105 53, Greece

Temple of Hephaestos
Athens 105 55, Greece

Chapel of St. George
Thrasillou 18, Athina 105 58, Greece

Acropolis
Athens 105 58, Greece

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Where to Stay:

AVA Hotel and Suites
9-11 Lyssikratous Street, Plaka,
Athens, Attiki, 105 51  Greece
Telephone:  +30 21 00325 9000

Where to Eat: 

2Mazi Restaurant
48 Nikis Street, Plaka
Athens, Attiki, 105 51  Greece

What to Eat:

    • Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
    • Greek Salad
    • Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
    • Gyros
    • Lamb
    • Local Olives
    • Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
    • Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
    • Pomegranates
    • Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
    • Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
    • Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
    • Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
    • Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read: 

  • The Odyssey, by Homer
  • The King Must Die, by Mary Renault
  • Little Infamies, by Panos Karnezis
  • My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell
  • Uncle Petros and Goldbach’s Conjecture, by Apostolos Doxiadis
  • Freedem and Death, by Nikos Kazantzakis
  • The Dark Labyrinth, by Lawrence Durrell
  • The Names, by Don DeLillo
  • Atticus the Storyteller’s 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats and Anthony Lewis

Photo Guide for Athens, Greece:

  • Acropolis
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Ancient Agora
  • Dromeas “Running Man” Sculpture
  • Changing of the Guard (Evzones)
  • Panatheniac Stadium
  • Anafiotika Neighborhood
  • Mount Lycabettus
  • Lake Vouliagmeni
  • Pentelikion Waterfall

Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?  The Cemetery in Arlington

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War.  Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence.  The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war.  We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict.    In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Preparing for Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb.  The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 1996

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the  service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty.  I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

JFK Tomb

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.   At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds.  It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave.  On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Grave

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Gravesite at Arlington Cemetary

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother.  A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

Arlington Cemetery Headstone

There are a number of  monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant.   They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States.  For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial  (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

Entrance to Arlington Cemetary

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance.  I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers.  It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world.  I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery?  What was the most significant aspect of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery!  Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do: 

Arlington National Cemetery
Address:  Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone:  877.907.8585
Hours:  Open 365 days per year
Cost:  Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

  • Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
  • MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery.  $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1st to September 30th and closes at 5PM from October 1st to March 31st.  It is closed on December 25th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore.  Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains.   Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Toll Free Number:  866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone Number:  703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat: 

  • Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
  • Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
  • Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
  • Spanish plates at Ser
  • Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
  • Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
  • Filipino food at Bistro 1521
  • Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
  • For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

  • Arlington Cemetery
    • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
  • Air Force Memorial
  • Netherlands Carillon