Day 38: The Day I Was My Own Tour Guide

So last night I decided that since I only have 12 more days in Paris and million things I still want to do, I should be very proactive. I therefore made a long list of everything I didn't want to leave Paris without seeing. I then figured out where everything was in relation and figured out which places I could hit at the same time. Once I did that I decided that today I wanted to see l'Eglise Madeleine, Le Palais d'Elysee (pal-ay dell-ease-ay), and le Grand Palais. Being a huge nerd, I researched (thanks to Wikipedia) the history of each place so that when I went I could fully appreciate the location. I wrote down all of the information on a little piece of paper so that I could essentially be my own tour guide. Definitely nerdy but it was the best idea I've ever had. Not only did I have so much fun researching it but then when I went I really got a lot out of it.
The first place that I went was l'Eglise Marie Madeleine which is the Roman Catholic church in Paris which was built in 1755 and is actually one of the best preserved Roman temples. It's also where the composer Chopin was buried. It's named after Mary Magdalene who was one of Jesus' best friends despite living an unholy life before meeting him. In the front of the church is a statue of Mary Magdalene being lifted by angels to symbolize how prayer and faith had raised her up (all information I wouldn't have known without my research). There was also an awesome statue of Jean d'Arc which looked so fierce and amazing. I stayed in the church for a while appreciating the serenity and beauty and it really was an amazing experience.
I then continued walking around knowing that I would hit my next spot the Elysee Palace which is where the French President, Francois Hollande, lives. It was built from 1718-1722 to be a residence for King Louis XV's mistress which lead to a great deal of drama until she died and the palace was taken back by the royal family. It then became the official presidential residence which some presidents really hated for some reason. It was also the location for Bastille Day celebrations until Francois Hollande decided that it was too expensive during a time of economic strain. Unfortunately the palace is only open to the public for one day a year in September and there was some event involving the US Consolate which meant that there were police everywhere and I could only see the gate to the palace.
After the palace I walked to the Grand Palais which was closed because it was a Monday :(. I still got to see the outside of it and the outside of the Petit Palais. The Grand Palais was built in 1897 and was the first home for the School of Beaux Arts (bow-zarts) and was used as a military hospital during WW1. It was also very involved in World War 2 being occupied by both the Nazis and Resistance at different parts during the war. It's large steel supported great hall makes it great for expositions and Chanel often has its fashion shows there. It was also the home to the 2010 World Fencing Championships. I really really hope that I make it back there when its open because the history is really cool but if not the outside is still beautiful and magnificent.