Sunday, June 1, 2025

June 2- A Day of Iconic Paris: Montparnasse, Notre-Dame, Eiffel Tower & Seine Cruise

Flat Stanley Brayden’s Adventure Blog: Paris from the Sky, Underground Mysteries, and a Night of Soccer Magic!

Bonjour, super explorers! It’s me, Flat Stanley Brayden, back with another amazing Paris story. Yesterday was a day I’ll never forget—full of sky-high views, ancient secrets, sparkling lights, and even a championship soccer celebration! Let’s jump right in.


Breakfast at Le Sénat Hotel

We started our big day with a yummy breakfast at our hotel. Croissants, fruit, and hot chocolate—delicious! I made sure to eat plenty because we had a busy day ahead.


Fun Fact:
In France, breakfast is called “le petit déjeuner,” and it’s usually simple but tasty.


Montparnasse Tower Observatory – Paris from Above!

Our first adventure took us zooming up the Montparnasse Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Paris. The elevator whooshed us up 56 floors in just seconds! At the top, the whole city looked like a toy village. I could see the Eiffel Tower, the River Seine, and even tiny soccer fans getting ready for the big Champions League match!


Challenge:
How many famous Paris sights can you spot from the top? (I counted at least five!)






















  




    




Notre-Dame Cathedral & Crypt – Secrets Below the Streets

Next, we explored the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even though it’s being repaired, it’s still beautiful and full of history. Our guide told us stories about gargoyles and ancient kings. Then, we went underground into the crypt, where we saw Roman ruins and learned about the very first days of Paris!


Learning Moment:
The crypt shows how Paris has changed for over 2,000 years. Imagine walking where Roman soldiers and medieval kings once walked!







  

  





Eiffel Tower Tour & Seine River Cruise – Lights, Fireworks, and Soccer Cheers!

In the afternoon, we visited the most famous landmark in Paris—the Eiffel Tower! We took the elevator up to the observation deck, just as the city was buzzing with excitement for the Champions League soccer final. Paris fans were everywhere, waving flags and singing songs.

Suddenly, the crowd below erupted in cheers—Paris scored a goal! The Eiffel Tower lit up, fireworks exploded in the distance, and we saw it all from way up high. It felt like the whole city was celebrating together!

Afterwards, we enjoyed a relaxing cruise down the River Seine, watching the city sparkle as the sun set.


Fun Fact:
The Eiffel Tower lights up every night, but during special events—like a big soccer win—it gets extra sparkly!










A Ride-Share Adventure and a Light Show Surprise

After our cruise, we tried to get a ride back to the hotel, but everyone in Paris seemed to be celebrating! We waited and waited, but the delay turned out to be a lucky break. Just as the soccer game ended, the Eiffel Tower put on a spectacular light show, and we had a perfect view. Sometimes, waiting can lead to the best surprises!


Late Night Meal – A Parisian Tradition!

Back at the hotel, we were still hungry from all our adventures. So, we took a walk down three hills from the hotel to find a late-night meal. The streets were alive with happy fans, and the city felt magical under the twinkling lights.


Travel Tip:
In Paris, it’s normal to eat dinner late, especially after a big celebration!


Cartoon Fun: Flat Stanley Brayden’s Paris Championship Night

Question for You

If you could watch a big sports event in any city, where would you go? What would you want to see or celebrate?


That’s all for now, fellow adventurers! Yesterday was a day of high-flying fun, ancient mysteries, and unforgettable celebrations. Stay tuned for more Flat Stanley Brayden adventures in Paris!





Friday, May 30, 2025

May 30-Flat Stanley Brayden made it to Iceland, then to Paris

Flat Stanley Brayden’s Adventure Blog: Day 2 – From Iceland to Paris!

Bonjour, explorers! Flat Stanley Brayden here, reporting from Paris, France! Today was a super busy day full of travel, tasty food, and amazing sights. Let me tell you all about it!


Flying Across the World

After our big overnight flight, we landed in Iceland for a quick stop. Iceland is a country full of volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers—did you know it’s called the “Land of Fire and Ice”? I peeked out the window and saw the green hills and snowy mountains before we hopped on our next plane to Paris!

Fun Fact:
Iceland’s main airport is called Keflavík International Airport (code: KEF). Paris’s main airport is Charles de Gaulle (code: CDG). Airport codes are like secret names for airports!

Arriving in Paris

Once we landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, we found our luggage and hopped into a big van. The driver zoomed through the busy Paris streets, and I saw lots of interesting buildings and even a few people riding scooters!

Travel Tip:
When you arrive in a new country, it’s always good to learn a few words in the local language. In French, “hello” is “bonjour” and “thank you” is “merci!”
 






Checking In: Le Sénat Hotel

Our home in Paris is the lovely Le Sénat Hotel. It’s right next to the famous Luxembourg Gardens! We checked in, unpacked a little, and got ready to explore.









Learning Moment:
Hotels in Paris are often in old, beautiful buildings. Le Sénat is named after the French Senate, which meets nearby in the Luxembourg Palace.


Dinner at Le Rostand

After freshening up, we walked to Le Rostand restaurant. The food was delicious! I tried some French bread and cheese—so yummy! The restaurant had a cozy Parisian feel, with people chatting and laughing all around.

Menu Challenge:
Can you find out what a “croque-monsieur” is? (Hint: It’s a famous French sandwich!)





Exploring Luxembourg Gardens

Next, we strolled through the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg). There were beautiful flowers, fountains, statues, and even children sailing little boats on the pond. It’s a perfect place for a walk after dinner!

Fun Fact:
The Luxembourg Gardens were created in 1612 for a queen named Marie de’ Medici. Today, everyone can enjoy the gardens!







A Quick Stop at the Market**

On our way back, we found a small market for drinks and snacks!

Back to the Hotel

After all that walking, it was time to head back to Le Sénat Hotel. We unpacked our bags, planned for tomorrow, and got ready for a good night’s sleep.

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Question for You

If you could visit any famous city in the world, where would you go? What would you want to see or eat first?

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Stay tuned for tomorrow’s adventures—who knows what Flat Stanley Brayden will discover next in Paris!

Bonne nuit (that means “good night” in French) and see you soon!


June 16 – Flat Stanley Brayden’s Adventure Blog: One Last Icelandic Sunrise and a Fond Farewell

  Bless bless, explorers! Flat Stanley Brayden here. Today was our last day in Iceland and the final chapter of our amazing adventure. It wa...