tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9376337590486280912024-03-04T22:05:43.905-08:00sibs in parisDuanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-69026486029011181992011-09-12T12:09:00.001-07:002011-11-12T13:28:10.707-08:00Week XIII, wrapping up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque commemorating the Bastille Fortress </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnqs3IZpq0J9WxrA5xkRpJHPJ3RJXln8UY-JoUWbt7jyMSn6fC5k3pFKVfkzaHzcEIDF7uy5frBrf-IuJkzjo3Nleft87BNaAMvzz5twT5QCnd05I_sym5Bq89A-x-v3B0n_TLqlt3Os/s1600/620-Cafe+Francais+with+plaque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnqs3IZpq0J9WxrA5xkRpJHPJ3RJXln8UY-JoUWbt7jyMSn6fC5k3pFKVfkzaHzcEIDF7uy5frBrf-IuJkzjo3Nleft87BNaAMvzz5twT5QCnd05I_sym5Bq89A-x-v3B0n_TLqlt3Os/s320/620-Cafe+Francais+with+plaque.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bastille plaque above Cafe on Place de la Bastille</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm writing this 4+ weeks after leaving Paris, so details are getting fuzzy. For our last week we planned a bit to cover what we had failed to see yet, plus final returns to favorite spots.<br />
The last day, Tuesday, was spent in cleaning and packing, although towards dusk we returned for a final sit at the Place des Vosges.<br />
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Wednesday- <br />
We had passed to or through the Place de la Bastille many times. It's a very grand traffic circle with a fine column in the center and plenty of life on the sidewalks all around it. The Bastille fortress itself is long gone, pulled down shortly following the revolution. It was on the northwest part of the present place, and Carolee finally spotted a plaque commemorating it. <br />
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Thursday-<br />
This morning we did a test run on the #20 bus to see if would be a good way to get from our neighborhood to the Place de l'Opera to meet the Roissybus when we return to Charles De Gaulle airport. The test was successful: 7-10 minutes slower than the metro but no need to lug suitcases up and down stairs in the Metro. Well, being in the Opera area we stopped again at Galeries Lafayette, then cruised again down Rue de la Paix to the Tuileries Garden, but this time turned right on the center walkway for a short walk to the Concorde metro stop, and home from there. Quite successful, this experiment. Buses it is!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andre Jacquemart Museum, rear entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had read up that The Andre-Jacquemart museum was a good visit. So it was. The second half of the 19th century seems to have been a flush time for France, and there still exist grand houses packed with art, the creations of wealthy owners who made the collection and display of art their main occupation. So it was here. The art was often by the finest masters and the house itself was a masterpiece. It survives because it was deeded in 1913 to the state (Institut de France). We loved it. An interesting wrinkle was that the mansion was placed right on the street and the entrance and area for coaches was placed at the rear and reached by a pair of passages through the building.<br />
Not yet exhausted, we strolled over to the Champs Elysees and the main Swatch store so Carolee could find a particular watch. No luck with this, but a stroll through the crowds on the Champs Elysees was a real pleasure. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNI0HcM7ZS7f4Jq4z4VVw6stWNngYwU4bKHy9Gqwnh4Q76-x-4-EdT9KG6O5Q-9K4cRqzrQoEieL1lQed_J-S5SpOhdQsshobgXm0IMEdWTm5aL04EtY2oC2hCXcbpqv98Ob_nrLEUlU/s1600/622-Paris+city+admin+offices+%2526+space+invader.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNI0HcM7ZS7f4Jq4z4VVw6stWNngYwU4bKHy9Gqwnh4Q76-x-4-EdT9KG6O5Q-9K4cRqzrQoEieL1lQed_J-S5SpOhdQsshobgXm0IMEdWTm5aL04EtY2oC2hCXcbpqv98Ob_nrLEUlU/s320/622-Paris+city+admin+offices+%2526+space+invader.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Administrative building for 12th, with Space Invader</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Here and there we would see on walls mosaic plaques, each a different depiction of Space Invaders, which were a sort of higher-class graffiti. We had wondered if our own 12th Arrondissement was totally barren of them, but we finally found one on the side of a large administrative building over in the Arsenal area. The building itself reminded us of the size and presence of government buildings in France. They're often huge and they're everywhere, it seems. Given the present puritanism in the USA concerning government size, such an in-your-face presence of government will antagonize certain factions. We didn't hear of any complaints from the French about size of government. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute street art on Ile St Louis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbL5bwmw0AlQ7scgIeVSRWduUn6x0FDUhXvWnhSA496oe1r2zMT2z1L2sM6CwnF302d1qOUhqmuhMngxf7Bpan53qgbn78RfaOORIeIP6Pdled9qVILdDtlQGkZ0HerYQUbVbcbLVP4o/s1600/624-another+traffic+sign+mod.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbL5bwmw0AlQ7scgIeVSRWduUn6x0FDUhXvWnhSA496oe1r2zMT2z1L2sM6CwnF302d1qOUhqmuhMngxf7Bpan53qgbn78RfaOORIeIP6Pdled9qVILdDtlQGkZ0HerYQUbVbcbLVP4o/s320/624-another+traffic+sign+mod.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cute street art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another form of better-than-usual graffiti were stick figures added onto traffic signs. We spotted these on the main drag of the Ile St-Louis.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dBlLcxUOdR4qiFcsW3uROd_wZL0wUYxUQssyc5Jk2nfK9qMI9HVcouLGbB08IY2FZAfd4tNmf3Gvu3wv-NK2s6cAe2HJwksJ6V3eyB1ccpCtNF0V5BUWG9SAlkNkY1ZLJENgalpZhMM/s1600/625-Former+Poissonerie%252C+now+a+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dBlLcxUOdR4qiFcsW3uROd_wZL0wUYxUQssyc5Jk2nfK9qMI9HVcouLGbB08IY2FZAfd4tNmf3Gvu3wv-NK2s6cAe2HJwksJ6V3eyB1ccpCtNF0V5BUWG9SAlkNkY1ZLJENgalpZhMM/s320/625-Former+Poissonerie%252C+now+a+bar.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap change of business sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Let's say it's now Saturday and we've decided to have lunch at Les Charpentiers, a favorite restaurant of Carolee's in the 6th Arrondissement. Let's say we decided to get a good walk and appetite by approaching it from a distance (long for me, short for her). So we took the Metro to the Louvre stop, did a bit of shopping for gifts under the Pyramid, and then headed out through the Cour Carre, across the Pont des Arts and through a cute little doorway in the Facade of the Institut de France leading directly onto a street behind, either the Rue Mazarin or the Rue de Sens. Carolee spotted a lovely art-nouveau store front for a business which, evidently, had been changed from a fish store to a wine store. The new proprietor took a cute shortcut and changed the initial P of the tile marquee into a B.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookstalls, Notre Dame in background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vJo849Gc2m999O_dMvrsITjU6wv6Bk8L6swGyKteyzlzfBhugkMiGy-uTc1BPGbQmGmmTA8K6oeHuRaQeFmBR9Rzi94OSC49MF82yKk4RloEZowBY_JnBOfyVc7PWm83Eo584NAmmek/s1600/056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vJo849Gc2m999O_dMvrsITjU6wv6Bk8L6swGyKteyzlzfBhugkMiGy-uTc1BPGbQmGmmTA8K6oeHuRaQeFmBR9Rzi94OSC49MF82yKk4RloEZowBY_JnBOfyVc7PWm83Eo584NAmmek/s320/056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd name, shades of Oliver Sachs' Uncle Tungsten</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIunOGpo7sXglqNDj2U8NvJhTYrkQPhCzho-TnYemUwRwrqcAY6uITFtsrlcI0ItWfqaOOH6ev35Qyckg7w1IV9dyPrKQ6vVFuXJH6etkZbS04JQQtE6R6Ljb7J-Hxo-n4-KX2VuXUyM/s1600/057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIunOGpo7sXglqNDj2U8NvJhTYrkQPhCzho-TnYemUwRwrqcAY6uITFtsrlcI0ItWfqaOOH6ev35Qyckg7w1IV9dyPrKQ6vVFuXJH6etkZbS04JQQtE6R6Ljb7J-Hxo-n4-KX2VuXUyM/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch and a fine wine at Les Charpentiers</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next to the restaurant I spotted a sign for a dental surgeon with a very unusual name, which made me remember how much I had enjoyed Oliver Sachs' memoir, "Uncle Tungsten." Once in the restaurant at 1 pm, and seated at maybe the last available table, we started in on an excellent formule - two courses plus an outstanding wine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxTDLXOwFwn9y1EDYetFjWq-fyABQbCycrDBh_X_efe_vnvk2DGPKJhXFx_xeZ-sa5w-LihZEfFX-fUsfPuUZBpjbOYjNidw6bkZTiS1sqoV53OLceg19sXoQXu2H3dqi_a6GjUfOeng/s1600/630-Bar+%2526+Restaurant+Schmuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxTDLXOwFwn9y1EDYetFjWq-fyABQbCycrDBh_X_efe_vnvk2DGPKJhXFx_xeZ-sa5w-LihZEfFX-fUsfPuUZBpjbOYjNidw6bkZTiS1sqoV53OLceg19sXoQXu2H3dqi_a6GjUfOeng/s320/630-Bar+%2526+Restaurant+Schmuck.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Schmuck, 6th Arrondissement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the way back we passed through the Odeon area, very busy, and spotted a hotel whose unusual name demanded a picture.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy cheese shop in Rue Cler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sunday, September 11, the 10th anniversary of 9/11. We had been thinking of taking a tour on this day to Mont St-Michel, but I chickened out after having researched its physical demands. Steep grades and endless steps were a show-stopper for me. Curiously, I was just finishing John Irving's latest novel that morning and found myself reading a scene set on 9/11/2001. Coincidence? Or should I invoke divine guidance that morning? But the coincidence didn't strike me until breakfast time. Coffee guidance.<br />
As you'll see, 9/11 wasn't over for us. Carolee wanted to go over by the Eiffel Tower and up the Trocadero again. Fine with me. So we hopped off the #8 metro at Ecole Militaire and started off our plan by deviating from it into the Rue Cler. Rick Steve's book makes much of the Rue Cler market, so we had to see it. It turned out to be a good deal smaller than our Aligre market, and somewhat ritzier. Prices for produce were 50% to 300% higher than we were used to. So much for that!<br />
A short hop along the Rue de Grenelle brought us back to the Champ de Mars and that long, impressive walk to the base of the tower. But first we ran into barricades and thick crowds. It seemed it had to do with a women's race with several thousand participants. The distance, I think, was 6 kilometers. But heading towards the tower we had to wait to get across the race path. At the base, wow! Lines to go up the tower were now one half to one-third the length they had been earlier in the summer. I suppose the light rain was a factor. Going up wasn't for us, so it was across the Pont d'Iena and up the Trocadero hill.<br />
Well, something was going on - US and French flags were flying and in the plaza there was a large construction which resembled a bandstand. Later we came to understand that it was a representation of the twin towers. Near the top they wouldn't let us up so we had to detour around the west end of the Palais de Chaillot. This turned into a bit of a treat, because a tidy little artificial glen with running water had been constructed, and it made for a pleasant slog up the hill. At the top the presence of media vans made all clear for us - a ceremony was about to commence. Rather than hang around for that we went a bit further up the hill and entered the small Passy Cemetery. We failed to find the grave of Edouard Manet, but struck gold with the tombs of a couple of composers, Claude Debussy and Gabriel Faure. While searching we heard the amplified voice of a young American woman singing "Amazing Grace." Gave me a funny feeling while surrounded by tombs and mournfully shedding trees.<br />
From there we took the #6 metro home, surrounded by some of the runners in their blue jerseys. This line is largely elevated, but aside from two brief views of the Seine and one of the Eiffel Tower, it shows parts of Paris that you would never go out of your way to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmp4MaSlSGChXVF3FoUp6Usg0AXvlHL-W8HjJoueuoK2l6mfzFWMyiMaGbB9DiVfZpo4RlS5Q50ZsxJzDwCPqfTmawDrRwWyavuhcUJv8_zZm7x5_1BQ51uAIOPAhmYmHetVXBczRI7w/s1600/638-La+Parisienne+day+at+Champ+de+Mars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmp4MaSlSGChXVF3FoUp6Usg0AXvlHL-W8HjJoueuoK2l6mfzFWMyiMaGbB9DiVfZpo4RlS5Q50ZsxJzDwCPqfTmawDrRwWyavuhcUJv8_zZm7x5_1BQ51uAIOPAhmYmHetVXBczRI7w/s320/638-La+Parisienne+day+at+Champ+de+Mars.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecole Militaire, assembly area for 5000-woman run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tzvwmpUga-abDzX2jnzatE2ZazSdehvtTEOM949NbeS8HoTiw6LT8yUX1eliE7FoYAhQhH7uAEqKAz7-ogJPEP2fzpRo7mwAwIwgGb4hP_GPcNCJZwmpcx-PPaAWH1SpDX2tM3MQcCM/s1600/639-Tower+from+Ecole+Militaire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tzvwmpUga-abDzX2jnzatE2ZazSdehvtTEOM949NbeS8HoTiw6LT8yUX1eliE7FoYAhQhH7uAEqKAz7-ogJPEP2fzpRo7mwAwIwgGb4hP_GPcNCJZwmpcx-PPaAWH1SpDX2tM3MQcCM/s320/639-Tower+from+Ecole+Militaire.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower, it's rainy again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejED9_meYiiKD1H_sNZ2TPd28v_rUlgmzmjwCmvmMuX2ysVzIU6m6UCX4BM0uyZlYSeG925BPOJwT88O7VDaO1PuMz0OA4psQ9dOjzyJmGtCeqklCvrKbUtNqQkLq6ueEmzttnczGk8g/s1600/640-women%2527s+race.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejED9_meYiiKD1H_sNZ2TPd28v_rUlgmzmjwCmvmMuX2ysVzIU6m6UCX4BM0uyZlYSeG925BPOJwT88O7VDaO1PuMz0OA4psQ9dOjzyJmGtCeqklCvrKbUtNqQkLq6ueEmzttnczGk8g/s320/640-women%2527s+race.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of 5000-woman run at Champs de Mars</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC4L-DCshMytJHPwO6pw0mxMpXAY_uIe86KiS67rUlXe6mf94mmvMZ-yOJplWFKJcvHfbxhc6oBxMblFF7Zc1zJfBPlPoR7qTF1iAxWlpfIGRbzUl0S8vrGWDKRi9d1LNyYSDofR0CAo/s1600/641-Walking+to+the+Trocadero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC4L-DCshMytJHPwO6pw0mxMpXAY_uIe86KiS67rUlXe6mf94mmvMZ-yOJplWFKJcvHfbxhc6oBxMblFF7Zc1zJfBPlPoR7qTF1iAxWlpfIGRbzUl0S8vrGWDKRi9d1LNyYSDofR0CAo/s320/641-Walking+to+the+Trocadero.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trocadero, 9/11/2011, from Pont d'Iena</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sapuzxrn0w1LglJJxi-4FioFkprNZ2cFJPKtQtnwL2LKcd8e3W3m_Ruf3j_BvxioZgfaTRlXJ1kjNy7piS78BtuZdBVzokk_Bu4QnJ0WblhNE9H4dFM0_74Au6LHTELkJQJiBxBBox4/s1600/643-Grotto+next+to+Trocadero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sapuzxrn0w1LglJJxi-4FioFkprNZ2cFJPKtQtnwL2LKcd8e3W3m_Ruf3j_BvxioZgfaTRlXJ1kjNy7piS78BtuZdBVzokk_Bu4QnJ0WblhNE9H4dFM0_74Au6LHTELkJQJiBxBBox4/s320/643-Grotto+next+to+Trocadero.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artificial stream and glade west of Palais de Chaillot </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEibW1uCWcCP9ua-Rs-bNwzmn2SlRHuQjxiYVlN0UCTmaSMvge-svuj64JErmdLPGLQg_Bs1FfICX__2Eo7l1ybm1X-tW09BnVUwqesTb62g_BHplUyaGDCzWHZ4GRUht5otU53ZdXPE/s1600/644-Ceremony+site+for+9-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEibW1uCWcCP9ua-Rs-bNwzmn2SlRHuQjxiYVlN0UCTmaSMvge-svuj64JErmdLPGLQg_Bs1FfICX__2Eo7l1ybm1X-tW09BnVUwqesTb62g_BHplUyaGDCzWHZ4GRUht5otU53ZdXPE/s320/644-Ceremony+site+for+9-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Towers mockup, 9/11 commemoration at Trocadero</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAXsjaH_y7FjlEgWTUssRfatinpA6XfvM6OBPv8Te6wczSV3agdpHmqDzGBhGXJqQXjn0qBdBKEY_ZzJDxMbQFa_cDBmdHCbVsjTAP5OUg6MwmJ6C6M70h7H4GLJ8Vg_6vgYX4NyTjMM/s1600/646-Duane+%2526+Debussy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAXsjaH_y7FjlEgWTUssRfatinpA6XfvM6OBPv8Te6wczSV3agdpHmqDzGBhGXJqQXjn0qBdBKEY_ZzJDxMbQFa_cDBmdHCbVsjTAP5OUg6MwmJ6C6M70h7H4GLJ8Vg_6vgYX4NyTjMM/s320/646-Duane+%2526+Debussy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Passy Cemetery across from Trocadero</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P7qFwapsE2HJOR9tqoFeZcJtOdNh52pg3jRwvokYgqPAu70vn4IglqoyrUv0yTBpQnP68WbJWrgsJ50ELWTj0tsmf4sAvJTKsNzLu0ZexNresJK8qFWlQYLb2Ex1auandl88Ve_xGyM/s1600/648-Duane+at+Passy+Cimitiere.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P7qFwapsE2HJOR9tqoFeZcJtOdNh52pg3jRwvokYgqPAu70vn4IglqoyrUv0yTBpQnP68WbJWrgsJ50ELWTj0tsmf4sAvJTKsNzLu0ZexNresJK8qFWlQYLb2Ex1auandl88Ve_xGyM/s320/648-Duane+at+Passy+Cimitiere.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant alley at Passy Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That afternoon a few photos along our street, the Rue St Nicolas. The statue at the corner shows, as it should historically, a bishop rather than a jolly bearded fat guy. One of the stores along the street, Houles (please pardon the missing grave accent on the e), specialized in elegant furniture and particularly in super-elegant tassels for such furniture. Their show windows were a daily treat for us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFJ6crXoE9yy4yVWp-EBpol9hEsUGoU-jHDrHOEPVwgQSP8RQhIcFolKwnRHltFQSF1JY2JEid_YpXOyGWdxk94loAbImC0q6votcBeaepNKE69Iqm3S1u_aijONMM89otXqPFzdUMv4/s1600/649-Our+street%2527s+saint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFJ6crXoE9yy4yVWp-EBpol9hEsUGoU-jHDrHOEPVwgQSP8RQhIcFolKwnRHltFQSF1JY2JEid_YpXOyGWdxk94loAbImC0q6votcBeaepNKE69Iqm3S1u_aijONMM89otXqPFzdUMv4/s320/649-Our+street%2527s+saint.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Nicolas, for Gertrude</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOmO3tg97yI3NE90dp1t3-No7veH5LRMlk8n6OA65BAzdQlNPd4k4z-tC_T6HtB86Tu8VobYYrH6GEs6-dNpyOQwOIXKdt8xxGX_rIHOFMd4A-BzmWMMlcrtv_PP2vbFY_ApNHeFFilU/s1600/650-More+tassels+from+Houles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOmO3tg97yI3NE90dp1t3-No7veH5LRMlk8n6OA65BAzdQlNPd4k4z-tC_T6HtB86Tu8VobYYrH6GEs6-dNpyOQwOIXKdt8xxGX_rIHOFMd4A-BzmWMMlcrtv_PP2vbFY_ApNHeFFilU/s320/650-More+tassels+from+Houles.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super elegant tassels at Houles, on our street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Monday, the Louvre, and at long last, at least for Carolee. We finally found the underground passage that takes you over to the Louvre entrance. Our plan was to catch the major sights and a range of French painting, particularly the roomful of Corots. So we did, as the pictures below attest. It was a real joy to visit the Greek statues, particularly the Venus de Milo and the bust of Socrates. Saving the Winged Victory for later we elevatored up and crossed into the area of French paintings. I was surprised and pleased to see that Corot painted other than landscapes, and did them all well. That famous painting (q.v.) of one woman pinching another woman's nipple was explained as a demonstration, worthy of painting up, that the "pinchee" was pregnant with a royal bastard, purportedly the son of Henri IV. We think a little differently today. Directly by these were other renaissance paintings, including the painting of Anne of Cleves which Henry VIII sent Holbein to paint so he could see what he was getting. The story goes that Holbein made her look quite a bit prettier than she really was, with the result that a furious Henry Tudor sent her back. I haven't heard what Henry did to Holbein.<br />
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Crossing back to the main galleries we lingered by the Winged Victory, in spite of the thick crowds that now made the steps a bit perilous for me. Then around through the early Italian paintings and through the room with the Mona Lisa, with its own large crowd resembling a bee swarm with camera-wielding arms protruding like antennae. From there down, back out through the pyramid and homeward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjO8UgtqShTV16tjIBv1mkupKvxiUVvoI1Xma6Zvimm2FI12sqpTG7tbYCzB1CH2VeMx6ifVqIoitLrATW_MDvz7rvg_s1oMXpNgjmWvR_c2Ap0-aSjIBiyvWQGVN7LdxOnWbTwN6k1s/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjO8UgtqShTV16tjIBv1mkupKvxiUVvoI1Xma6Zvimm2FI12sqpTG7tbYCzB1CH2VeMx6ifVqIoitLrATW_MDvz7rvg_s1oMXpNgjmWvR_c2Ap0-aSjIBiyvWQGVN7LdxOnWbTwN6k1s/s320/005.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelangelo's slave, model for the police building of the 12th</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpF3iGaAewktyk9l70MJ-7GBtlb2MQhxTN4hSOMU4btxqEOFVdNSmHj-ryYAePJ55GJw06asA0AADNW029u4aFJcfFds_0mdjw4FcDQwB0POEEvsxcjLG_U6h1olOe_takTt0NySf6qg/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpF3iGaAewktyk9l70MJ-7GBtlb2MQhxTN4hSOMU4btxqEOFVdNSmHj-ryYAePJ55GJw06asA0AADNW029u4aFJcfFds_0mdjw4FcDQwB0POEEvsxcjLG_U6h1olOe_takTt0NySf6qg/s320/009.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercury, blown aloft by Boreas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venus and admirers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS2lxxNRQPxzECtJKsBat94ZWuysuHgJWUm6RAmOwrsUI74F_nTOyrOiLaNqpjlMzvrLpAaqgXC7P_MIaVnISGAoiK8EMUJAmqb-p1UXeky2F6uH6jzNyyHF40d3RMsotR9EaR5ihohg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS2lxxNRQPxzECtJKsBat94ZWuysuHgJWUm6RAmOwrsUI74F_nTOyrOiLaNqpjlMzvrLpAaqgXC7P_MIaVnISGAoiK8EMUJAmqb-p1UXeky2F6uH6jzNyyHF40d3RMsotR9EaR5ihohg/s320/014.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venus de Milo, alone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graceful Greek lady holding a shawm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, she's pregnant!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVC4ABhMRSrVsVoy0p4ivTN7Jjt-M-Pdbahu_JfVsSn39Fi-Dr5V7aJxyu3O5Y9AnspmcEAR_IQPfPew6P7ANL0Mj7oylqYp33rQjXlKiY7y6tc-3wqHVYYAMX1zkH1a0-edxN4DKhaE/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVC4ABhMRSrVsVoy0p4ivTN7Jjt-M-Pdbahu_JfVsSn39Fi-Dr5V7aJxyu3O5Y9AnspmcEAR_IQPfPew6P7ANL0Mj7oylqYp33rQjXlKiY7y6tc-3wqHVYYAMX1zkH1a0-edxN4DKhaE/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre, The Funeral of Cupid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etiquette for Funeral of Love (Cupid)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGxSH4GieqSnzSd-UYfoaCzxca2MZj-9o9NSJW2BxsNS47HBWdhEzuw15O-pjEt21HlJB18IlAmxUtU2RxhE-AnMyhrGDgC4dGlre-b4R65QLwOUEMLCyhkwZ2oOB_fieZMlXuhtoyO4/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGxSH4GieqSnzSd-UYfoaCzxca2MZj-9o9NSJW2BxsNS47HBWdhEzuw15O-pjEt21HlJB18IlAmxUtU2RxhE-AnMyhrGDgC4dGlre-b4R65QLwOUEMLCyhkwZ2oOB_fieZMlXuhtoyO4/s320/030.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre, Anne of Cleves (Holbein) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6178g94Q-XkDZefyWeIZhz3qLOzRcsfTPRA3NXGSg1PIQZR7DjwJMJT4s209DiV4d9vzs4Ad0NnHWL3mAZlvnApbfiFGMPcHjjc2Lo32LA4GcbyU_FQkKkggyvSJsyBV4FIoPBNa8qA/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6178g94Q-XkDZefyWeIZhz3qLOzRcsfTPRA3NXGSg1PIQZR7DjwJMJT4s209DiV4d9vzs4Ad0NnHWL3mAZlvnApbfiFGMPcHjjc2Lo32LA4GcbyU_FQkKkggyvSJsyBV4FIoPBNa8qA/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line to enter Pyramid. It moved fast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fiVcIkfvDBggKcjsaRD-x6V-RUbJOlHCykjK1p6bX-9MRgj_Iyy7ldUHd9Ly2bSDYQ359L4wzB2BrLceN66BTm8TgH7gmu7BQCSw7edu3XSWmWP6oqw1AWYzbCq8LrX2WDm-y7YWwUI/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fiVcIkfvDBggKcjsaRD-x6V-RUbJOlHCykjK1p6bX-9MRgj_Iyy7ldUHd9Ly2bSDYQ359L4wzB2BrLceN66BTm8TgH7gmu7BQCSw7edu3XSWmWP6oqw1AWYzbCq8LrX2WDm-y7YWwUI/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winged Victory from the left</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RnlNGYIkgMO3Pmp_HBViYBR9JpQnHv1fuIg1OY8N2gEYRZDG343er-ganYTayUA8y61Cb2llJTJf93Azt8lplKRCqcwwe5X4Ve3PBzD-HSxOsb_j-t3GNAaQwnLzk7OqUMBSG8zHWMg/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RnlNGYIkgMO3Pmp_HBViYBR9JpQnHv1fuIg1OY8N2gEYRZDG343er-ganYTayUA8y61Cb2llJTJf93Azt8lplKRCqcwwe5X4Ve3PBzD-HSxOsb_j-t3GNAaQwnLzk7OqUMBSG8zHWMg/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjawIer57hOcIHedTlrxoGKmxfx4FKRJsWMLiTWoIGLyai3C4NpvA1tGws0zE7F8R22TDdBH-x7G3jLwBx7jbhEPsLRBvgd6v8hN8RcRwPGR3nZUuS7rUX52P2r23rWsIb5gDsh2JSblQ/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjawIer57hOcIHedTlrxoGKmxfx4FKRJsWMLiTWoIGLyai3C4NpvA1tGws0zE7F8R22TDdBH-x7G3jLwBx7jbhEPsLRBvgd6v8hN8RcRwPGR3nZUuS7rUX52P2r23rWsIb5gDsh2JSblQ/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winged Victory captured</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGSOZUi8pmhO5fVKWd57nSOB1CwEg9tLLa7oKnCbYmnH3PWvpfX4AoyXKbYmlfLmjhC9LABpSFl0HMGNTBetiVGIEHtLsOfFGHVkd2CCttzo-wafBhf9XQAOBsJLoLG2OmO93noKxAo4/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGSOZUi8pmhO5fVKWd57nSOB1CwEg9tLLa7oKnCbYmnH3PWvpfX4AoyXKbYmlfLmjhC9LABpSFl0HMGNTBetiVGIEHtLsOfFGHVkd2CCttzo-wafBhf9XQAOBsJLoLG2OmO93noKxAo4/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Notre Dame, trees already giving up for the year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgMQUpx8jSs0VMS6Apcx5RrMiDPd85W3vydlwIPNHtDNDrAfGlkd8hUuVqAHGWNnJDZrc3ES-33xZQh3exlEubnGwPwVK4adTYdH54BBRU2LzGCaZTT8Q6BAlVIMyKQxJBHuexsf9OMw/s1600/652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgMQUpx8jSs0VMS6Apcx5RrMiDPd85W3vydlwIPNHtDNDrAfGlkd8hUuVqAHGWNnJDZrc3ES-33xZQh3exlEubnGwPwVK4adTYdH54BBRU2LzGCaZTT8Q6BAlVIMyKQxJBHuexsf9OMw/s320/652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre, Cupid & Psyche by Canova</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-8217857982482452512011-09-12T09:51:00.000-07:002011-11-12T13:35:21.881-08:00Week XII, slowing downI seem to have slipped a day, so we start with Thursday, September 1. This morning we took photos of our cherished Marche d'Aligre, just below. You will notice perhaps a north African flavor. Anywhere else in Paris, including at farmers' markets, we found prices to be double to four times as much as they were here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF1IqumnDQ-puOgZou65-WsNNv-1gB0DwVbzZcqTjQHaBL_HPd6g1-OuXUOyoMh5Hae1OhIsl4qn_aedYKRgioGUab9KCJghiUO2RRXaOvIWpDBdk-utKmPFEVWPyvbXv558jMSCOZsk/s1600/560-30+kinds+of+olives.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF1IqumnDQ-puOgZou65-WsNNv-1gB0DwVbzZcqTjQHaBL_HPd6g1-OuXUOyoMh5Hae1OhIsl4qn_aedYKRgioGUab9KCJghiUO2RRXaOvIWpDBdk-utKmPFEVWPyvbXv558jMSCOZsk/s320/560-30+kinds+of+olives.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 kinds of olives at 4.50 euro per kilo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvUCjKWILoFWpi0OZS2XTB9DywDJqVLnEHAa4c3D-NIACXEg4FrELfrGTrfxj51RGRZoWz_Ts0mI974UP4LCMevMkBIlcnpTSdAviuUc6JM9tnFk2fYUD6vQNsif8-AUwoCnb-Q4Q6P0/s1600/563-End+of+day-only+2+chickens+left.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvUCjKWILoFWpi0OZS2XTB9DywDJqVLnEHAa4c3D-NIACXEg4FrELfrGTrfxj51RGRZoWz_Ts0mI974UP4LCMevMkBIlcnpTSdAviuUc6JM9tnFk2fYUD6vQNsif8-AUwoCnb-Q4Q6P0/s320/563-End+of+day-only+2+chickens+left.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite butcher, chickens roasting in front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDc28GixDzDjek4eQXlDTMjtjYyJJ4eX3DiB4HWt4CQUMiVUZO5QuN_QGT2I-pLFIIhqcUwBqhxOOKnX1HF_8t5pT8F01GvJG89A1qVHWgXhMCzu9AVlOS5d8XHNFXtSXDcx_4izhT_A/s1600/564-Produce-Marche+d%2527Aligre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDc28GixDzDjek4eQXlDTMjtjYyJJ4eX3DiB4HWt4CQUMiVUZO5QuN_QGT2I-pLFIIhqcUwBqhxOOKnX1HF_8t5pT8F01GvJG89A1qVHWgXhMCzu9AVlOS5d8XHNFXtSXDcx_4izhT_A/s320/564-Produce-Marche+d%2527Aligre.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of produce</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCv45c5ohJIb22zVeeG5zWIcA6fsiaXpwjBZAwjtuYkfuzlQnatHlmIjHgAv0beyj_RbnPqzGciiby34SijxnEwK0xoOy9JeWgm-T9ycrHYY2oo-Tk4tOLCAE86OWN7BsI8UFWk_TXgo/s1600/566-Flea+market+in+background.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCv45c5ohJIb22zVeeG5zWIcA6fsiaXpwjBZAwjtuYkfuzlQnatHlmIjHgAv0beyj_RbnPqzGciiby34SijxnEwK0xoOy9JeWgm-T9ycrHYY2oo-Tk4tOLCAE86OWN7BsI8UFWk_TXgo/s320/566-Flea+market+in+background.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More produce, flea market in background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR598uCmhaRnUSiC9hHDl8nPcTVZ79U6_edbUoO6nAjUSKybKsCSPgVmm7DSyiKA6-P9b6pUcWIoTT8RHLbgn05-U21fVNW7qZL0RySjD_ZK-SxYAUFmI3eIpg1iGXgVxAO_4-1qI3384/s1600/567-Duane+going+for+a+baguette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR598uCmhaRnUSiC9hHDl8nPcTVZ79U6_edbUoO6nAjUSKybKsCSPgVmm7DSyiKA6-P9b6pUcWIoTT8RHLbgn05-U21fVNW7qZL0RySjD_ZK-SxYAUFmI3eIpg1iGXgVxAO_4-1qI3384/s320/567-Duane+going+for+a+baguette.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to our favorite bakery</td></tr>
</tbody></table> For Friday and Saturday there are a few interesting pictures by Carolee, below. This may be the day when we went to the 5th and up for a second try to see St-Etienne du Mont. Missed again - we arrived 15 minutes after noon and it was shut down for the next four hours. What now? I was interested in seeing the most-visited Paris sight that Americans don't know about at all - the Chapelle de la Madonna de la Medaille Miraculeuse on the rue de Bac. It's a pilgrimage chapel, and people come to buy medallions for good health and luck. Closed, too. But next door was mammon - the Bon Marche department store - and, with our American hats back on, we had a lot of fun checking out the fine groceries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu8lukyUv9gv1pZm3eromn-lVfD-cx-6Ij-jU26Cqoq0XA_DE9jsd4LtwxlGDSePg3CHDbRBBCmqMbynECdstXgEbdZqeziPO16RjghCXiob1Lu34yU01NCn7-8O2wIGlZrb55o31jWQ/s1600/570-Pantheon+dedication.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu8lukyUv9gv1pZm3eromn-lVfD-cx-6Ij-jU26Cqoq0XA_DE9jsd4LtwxlGDSePg3CHDbRBBCmqMbynECdstXgEbdZqeziPO16RjghCXiob1Lu34yU01NCn7-8O2wIGlZrb55o31jWQ/s320/570-Pantheon+dedication.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon entablature</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorbikes being towed off from illegal parking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U1q-dhfojwX39FJYkaOXONMYwmtxWHpVd-ypSbJY0cjbxWjlJiOCzlvq1OOlJM31qgbM4QFaNBx4cQryOWhvZYLscdIlxa5buexoNHHtiowHy9ErrjP5XW6XKEiYZdxCJQd4WauTrNM/s1600/572-La+ruche.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U1q-dhfojwX39FJYkaOXONMYwmtxWHpVd-ypSbJY0cjbxWjlJiOCzlvq1OOlJM31qgbM4QFaNBx4cQryOWhvZYLscdIlxa5buexoNHHtiowHy9ErrjP5XW6XKEiYZdxCJQd4WauTrNM/s320/572-La+ruche.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"La Ruche" beehive ornament</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Sunday Sept 4, we took the Metro out to Parc de la Villette and the Music Museum. It was pretty empty, but we had a lot of fun, entirely on the first and second floors with the Renaissance and Baroque instruments. Classical, modern and folk instruments on the higher floors we ignored completely. Of special interest: the Hemsch harpsichord that the one in my living room is copied from.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4TlCXdO-Kc62tv9dHIx39visJK_8xyJ8uDXuRoVYkbvQpJIXcyiWsdD7hJinzs6h9fvfFDhzBDZGtWHmjORtclFiXEu9xFxF8B-m1RlAAUC47WpuVWfzQXahehrgFWj56EJpxaNxiqc/s1600/589-Hemsch+Harpsichord.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4TlCXdO-Kc62tv9dHIx39visJK_8xyJ8uDXuRoVYkbvQpJIXcyiWsdD7hJinzs6h9fvfFDhzBDZGtWHmjORtclFiXEu9xFxF8B-m1RlAAUC47WpuVWfzQXahehrgFWj56EJpxaNxiqc/s320/589-Hemsch+Harpsichord.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemsch Double that Hubbard copied. Merde-d'oie paint</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2imMxHVHZ31H1SwQJeUaa4L0fBjIIfeqGJOVL5Mzh7yRhX1wtuLBoUkVeYWMAC3rXoMMEDl4Xn-eEqojcN0TFZ_puBKSoJB-HK_alhULGBwXXzZlC9DRudd4MwNr7i3iPe9-4iuTT-cw/s1600/579-Short+Italian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2imMxHVHZ31H1SwQJeUaa4L0fBjIIfeqGJOVL5Mzh7yRhX1wtuLBoUkVeYWMAC3rXoMMEDl4Xn-eEqojcN0TFZ_puBKSoJB-HK_alhULGBwXXzZlC9DRudd4MwNr7i3iPe9-4iuTT-cw/s320/579-Short+Italian.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very short Italian harpsichord</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serpents, one highly decorated</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marin Marias strumming a viol</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8-string bass viol (count 'em)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnUStRTkzTVjKrlCTtk_6O_SsQpej-AlXh1RFAH4x3qwwnDIzggfPBt-kLnlNUSDdg0t02tBhs0kx8BM54Z6jVx3y6RJp7yd-ldMAIZYER31kgcD4GLDVDwMgH08W6jqWNyVO3TBoFu0/s1600/591-Troubadour+%2526+Vielle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnUStRTkzTVjKrlCTtk_6O_SsQpej-AlXh1RFAH4x3qwwnDIzggfPBt-kLnlNUSDdg0t02tBhs0kx8BM54Z6jVx3y6RJp7yd-ldMAIZYER31kgcD4GLDVDwMgH08W6jqWNyVO3TBoFu0/s320/591-Troubadour+%2526+Vielle.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist of the vielle d'archet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe7iemM-tz7zH3VeVFpeUAG410jam0qWnq1pBqS6U-RV5HCpGJjgJ-5BbOCP3f2QCl2r3bu-T3fYKBLo2urx1KtxpgjFHq8pCP5PXsNBv774O05zVO69QVX_Wcw6klPOhVdi5okwuBvM/s1600/593-Science+Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe7iemM-tz7zH3VeVFpeUAG410jam0qWnq1pBqS6U-RV5HCpGJjgJ-5BbOCP3f2QCl2r3bu-T3fYKBLo2urx1KtxpgjFHq8pCP5PXsNBv774O05zVO69QVX_Wcw6klPOhVdi5okwuBvM/s320/593-Science+Museum.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Science and Technology museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Monday.September 5, we went in the morning to the Louvre subterranean area to look for gifts. Moderate success. Heading back on foot we explored much of the Rue de Rivoli and then ducked over to the Rue des Rosiers to the Jewish section for what appeared to be a very popular falafel sandwich. They were not real cheap but contained a massive amount of all kinds of veggies along with the falafel balls. We schlepped them over to our favorite park, the Place des Vosges, and we and some of the pigeons there had a feast. This was the very day that Dominique Strauss-Kahn had returned to his elegant home on the Place, and the street was full of television vans and antennas. What fun to be near the eye of history for a moment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkSFYnn775b6QzugjflMjpB6oDIPfljxdaVNMcxYVWq-H9WGmxCVb7bbXyliXfnf39YvZxizP9AI4GCuf4Wpq4NFBgvurBLp3YhAL97SERs1C0Vuu5sr97ggjdlAa-lWqXODPcOZsrCk/s1600/594-Place+des+Vosges-DSK+home+from+USA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkSFYnn775b6QzugjflMjpB6oDIPfljxdaVNMcxYVWq-H9WGmxCVb7bbXyliXfnf39YvZxizP9AI4GCuf4Wpq4NFBgvurBLp3YhAL97SERs1C0Vuu5sr97ggjdlAa-lWqXODPcOZsrCk/s320/594-Place+des+Vosges-DSK+home+from+USA.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">News hounds waiting for DSK</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLY64bIGF_3F_amZcQlkgBDttc0wTpPRwToVAI46UgxOrh1wfTvxP8Yxo0Dnlxb2pK5nW1AsVT_xWNvSm6s9VmcXYESjWrbC2HPCkq2u5_aMND-8V-CT0x3rIBUvGXYPwQEEUvH1jXyk/s1600/596-News+teams+waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLY64bIGF_3F_amZcQlkgBDttc0wTpPRwToVAI46UgxOrh1wfTvxP8Yxo0Dnlxb2pK5nW1AsVT_xWNvSm6s9VmcXYESjWrbC2HPCkq2u5_aMND-8V-CT0x3rIBUvGXYPwQEEUvH1jXyk/s320/596-News+teams+waiting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the paparazzi</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Walking the rest of the way home we spotted a truck with a boom for loading furniture in and out of walk-up apartments, So that's how it's done! Later, on a stroll down Rue Daumesnil along the Viaduc des Arts we spotted some extravagant light shades, apparently feathers attached to spherical paper oriental lantern shades - 800 or so euros each!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuT0NZ9w9CSCno3WdHnAa5J-IzB1NmfF9fc5RREgwH39FpwURcPwfBRLs68sbNdXL7CJM09QQ0ThKmTpgFZMR167UddPjQ3HRPr3xACkSCqBki7R3WK0GQFF9DOeOFAZwHa1Ojj1kP2M/s1600/598-Moving+into+top+floor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuT0NZ9w9CSCno3WdHnAa5J-IzB1NmfF9fc5RREgwH39FpwURcPwfBRLs68sbNdXL7CJM09QQ0ThKmTpgFZMR167UddPjQ3HRPr3xACkSCqBki7R3WK0GQFF9DOeOFAZwHa1Ojj1kP2M/s320/598-Moving+into+top+floor.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How belongings are moved into walk-ups</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd0vsIxZP96gf5MqKcxmkOb4Bl83j5PXMgX3EymARY2hmL_rQX8W_eQOUmvACcpDpIvNBa-dFFg6yFoa7cOQqrZR20FOI06nIgYUWSc-VqleCi_lqSgVTz1Ro5eFGGdKsY2NBV4nDxOE/s1600/599-Feather+lampshades.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd0vsIxZP96gf5MqKcxmkOb4Bl83j5PXMgX3EymARY2hmL_rQX8W_eQOUmvACcpDpIvNBa-dFFg6yFoa7cOQqrZR20FOI06nIgYUWSc-VqleCi_lqSgVTz1Ro5eFGGdKsY2NBV4nDxOE/s320/599-Feather+lampshades.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viaduc des arts, feathered light shades at 800 euros a pop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tuesday, September 6, we made another attempt at St-Etienne du Mont church behind the Pantheon. Viewing the very complicated facade I was reminded of a description by E. M. Forster of Santa Croce in Florence as "a building of consummate ugliness". Right, consummate. Inside it was also strange. It's described as the only church in Paris which still has a rood screen separating the nave from the choir. This may be so, but what smites the eye is an elaborate pair of spiral staircases, one at each side. The upper portion of each staircase appears to lead to nowhere. There is also the most elaborate carved pulpit that I've ever seen. Off to the side is a memorial to Sainte Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. She was interred there for hundreds of years, but during the French Revolution her bones were seized by anticlerical forces, publicly burned, and the ashes tossed into the Seine. There is still an elaborate metal and glass monument which looks like a sarcophagus, but what it holds is one of the marble slabs that was part of her sepulcher. Pope John Paul II visited this site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3dUoyK64BnJDeej_Dgq5OLVy4tYvOo2H6e0ciRv9ey7rtERajFODmGtt7-DEIZKWG2Ib3buuMbNAJ4eRASV8qDgKbWKaZQzSQ0JnONUkQbBs_3BQj_Yt2U1j7gwyUALyM8bBxHz_pBE/s1600/602-L%2527orgue+St-Etienne-du-Mont.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3dUoyK64BnJDeej_Dgq5OLVy4tYvOo2H6e0ciRv9ey7rtERajFODmGtt7-DEIZKWG2Ib3buuMbNAJ4eRASV8qDgKbWKaZQzSQ0JnONUkQbBs_3BQj_Yt2U1j7gwyUALyM8bBxHz_pBE/s320/602-L%2527orgue+St-Etienne-du-Mont.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St-Etienne du Mont, organ of Maurice Duruflet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4mSrr270B1ZUZDO8fblfenrLkr83dQZXhNU8xr1cBkE88kmoHQTmVpPSbml4QBDpUiPCinwMAtuY0ff7jlDBXUAQeNZ71c5DEYjPoK8dWWQ00torcaaLDP1cTigqT8nPps_H-s7Z-vQ/s1600/603-Last+rood+screen+in+Paris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4mSrr270B1ZUZDO8fblfenrLkr83dQZXhNU8xr1cBkE88kmoHQTmVpPSbml4QBDpUiPCinwMAtuY0ff7jlDBXUAQeNZ71c5DEYjPoK8dWWQ00torcaaLDP1cTigqT8nPps_H-s7Z-vQ/s320/603-Last+rood+screen+in+Paris.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St-Etienne du Mont, rood screen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB292x8Z7ZfETiCgjyW1rWZnsjnvtyBabgHCPb3_NiaeWnk9_PRiz5hygmIMqCkbiwrd6UBCZPt3AnKMhIOau7a9RF8nS-USeHR_OTwroKUrGMAzlNrbzUvx5atefrxlvsrFVnjvo2Gg/s1600/606-Duane+taking+it+all+in.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB292x8Z7ZfETiCgjyW1rWZnsjnvtyBabgHCPb3_NiaeWnk9_PRiz5hygmIMqCkbiwrd6UBCZPt3AnKMhIOau7a9RF8nS-USeHR_OTwroKUrGMAzlNrbzUvx5atefrxlvsrFVnjvo2Gg/s320/606-Duane+taking+it+all+in.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St-Etienne du Mont, pulpit</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was not too far from there to Carolee's long-time favorite restaurant, Le Volcan. We had a great meal, and not expensive at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJn4yvEHGUendXWigEz7yl50Ho-T2FoQI0Hzhui2owhSJZI9ZLvfBfyusYdNBE5MBRF2ebzBOSvKDi7T-OrZdqlzYPnYxBWU9XSC-5WTCnzgtzg1S90DveO4AfnUzzzOJcm6NfjApNTU/s1600/613-Le+Volcan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJn4yvEHGUendXWigEz7yl50Ho-T2FoQI0Hzhui2owhSJZI9ZLvfBfyusYdNBE5MBRF2ebzBOSvKDi7T-OrZdqlzYPnYxBWU9XSC-5WTCnzgtzg1S90DveO4AfnUzzzOJcm6NfjApNTU/s320/613-Le+Volcan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Volcan, salut</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The day was rounded out with a visit to Val de Grace, an enormous church erected by Anne of Austria in thanks for the birth of her son, Louis 14th-to-be. The young Louis got to lay the cornerstone for this monument to his birth. Must have given him ideas. A curiosity is that the church is just part of a museum to Army Medicine. Since you can hardly call this a great draw, it's not surprising that there were almost no visitors, and we were well outnumbered by the museum staff. These guys were anxious to help and to talk. Well, you can imagine the boredom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Val de Grace, dome</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Val de Grace, altar</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Back on the #91 bus.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-9952410292746306182011-09-09T04:26:00.000-07:002011-11-12T13:51:10.476-08:00Week XI, VisitorTuesday, August 23, Carolee had her next-to-last school day. The final three days were spent in a contest between classes: certain questions had to be answered from clues scattered about in the broad vicinity of the Alliance Francaise. My own morning was spent on a long stroll across the river and through and around the Jardin des Plantes. In the southwest corner is something called the labyrinth. It turned out not to be any kind of maze but simply an artificial conical hill. Grinding up and down it was good for my walking skills but afforded no good view from the top because it was well planted with trees. The rest of the park was as pretty as ever.<br />
Carolee came back with the news that her class had won again! The prize was a DVD for each student. On Wednesday, mid-afternoon, we packed off to the Gare du Nord, where we met the Eurostar from London and Carolee's friend, Marian, from the Court in LA. We walked from Place de la Bastille down the Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine in order to show her the Paris street life. A dinner at home was prepared as Marian settled in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6fd1WoDQDpCYp4rZJrImjNEgiWQN3O7TPmdyuipYTEu6OBoqa8sweCAUaSoNZPJcq7Jx3Qs105jrvFROuyEED_SC_DRZ2lHA6dOS9nfyNVubVheK2erzk9kU7pwGRP1oqcefX9cqD94/s1600/512-Liberation+of+Paris+ceremony-12th+Arr..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6fd1WoDQDpCYp4rZJrImjNEgiWQN3O7TPmdyuipYTEu6OBoqa8sweCAUaSoNZPJcq7Jx3Qs105jrvFROuyEED_SC_DRZ2lHA6dOS9nfyNVubVheK2erzk9kU7pwGRP1oqcefX9cqD94/s320/512-Liberation+of+Paris+ceremony-12th+Arr..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberation of Paris Commemoration at police building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACumVaCIMASN_io7InEgmPPvY40uYL4Uqh-WXjhM1-9Qy1jApgaBwXr7ElsGOxHG117q5X9dyJmnSIdFdG-R3-rHZNic0_nIWy5SYYjK_6tRF1cfpj1xx_xYA9LLIaRfI1OkDlS-wS5A/s1600/515-Ceremony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACumVaCIMASN_io7InEgmPPvY40uYL4Uqh-WXjhM1-9Qy1jApgaBwXr7ElsGOxHG117q5X9dyJmnSIdFdG-R3-rHZNic0_nIWy5SYYjK_6tRF1cfpj1xx_xYA9LLIaRfI1OkDlS-wS5A/s320/515-Ceremony.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military salute, liberation day commemoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> On Thursday, Carolee had her last morning of school, but she had researched an interesting morning for Marian and me. August 25 is the anniversary of the liberation of Paris in 1944, and there were local celebrations in our (12th) arrondissement, as well as the others, I suppose. I led Marian down the Rue de Daumesnil and the Viaduc des Arts for some pleasant window shopping. Our first stop was at the police headquarters. A number of officials had gathered around a memorial plaque on the wall, and there were a very few onlookers like ourselves. Following a military salute with a bugle call, wreaths were formally placed below the plaque and the short speeches were delivered from a portable podium.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberation commemoration</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wreathes laid before WWI memorial</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mairie (City Hall) of 12th Arrondissement</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fdAsqtHIJ-jDQD9UzALP48TJ61zsP2fjVWZM8_rLwhZP6kfJRtgrbn2N0fl_kHS4RhPCvczkoTYz0E3yfCATaothQpTqCLE8aYtQHjmZUafskjRnKMe2mmNliv7EfCxiqOaCWsQrhiU/s1600/520-Building-12th+Arr..JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fdAsqtHIJ-jDQD9UzALP48TJ61zsP2fjVWZM8_rLwhZP6kfJRtgrbn2N0fl_kHS4RhPCvczkoTYz0E3yfCATaothQpTqCLE8aYtQHjmZUafskjRnKMe2mmNliv7EfCxiqOaCWsQrhiU/s320/520-Building-12th+Arr..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police Building decorated with Michelangelo's Slave</td></tr>
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They had another such ceremony to do and we followed along. This one was at a memorial to the first world war, and the ceremony was identical. They were surprised to see us again. The third stage of the event was hoisting glasses of champagne in the hall, the Salle des Outres Mers, at the nearby local city hall. We had hung back but were welcomed in. Before long we were chatting it up in fractured French and English with some aged veterans (Vietnam, it seems, not WWII). It didn't hurt to be Americans, given the history. The youngish police chief, clearly a skilled politician, complimented my French. We drifted out with the others and returned along the Promenade Plantee, where we got a good photo of the astonishing police building (photo, infra).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7DSE28ohLDDONZPa-kMJ8ccXHga2tmsCFx_SDQhKwTaZR6rHfInHFb2co-_UBAzHBbYLy3hfCS5LMnHEulprstj-b6B0kc_DpDkaI8kftPBx-E26XdTjNnBNqrDJjwUtnRqpHprbJKI/s1600/524-Ceremony+starts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7DSE28ohLDDONZPa-kMJ8ccXHga2tmsCFx_SDQhKwTaZR6rHfInHFb2co-_UBAzHBbYLy3hfCS5LMnHEulprstj-b6B0kc_DpDkaI8kftPBx-E26XdTjNnBNqrDJjwUtnRqpHprbJKI/s320/524-Ceremony+starts.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberation Day ceremony at Hotel de Ville</td></tr>
</tbody></table> But there was a bigger event coming: we had been given tickets to a 5 pm celebration at the Hotel de Ville. We were unprepared for the size of it. The parvis (plaza, maybe) in front of the Hotel de Ville was covered with thousands of chairs facing a temporary stage backed by an enormous video screen and a powerful sound system. Our blue tickets got us into the left section. Veterans were given white tickets for the center, and no doubt tickets for the right section were red. The event started off, of course, with a military parade. Then various generals and veterans were honored. The center of the program was patriotic, with music alternating with speeches. We had, of course, the Marseillaise, and I wish I could have sung along. Two students were chosen to give speeches to show, I think, that the young were appreciative of the importance of the liberation. All this could have been the program for a 19th century event, and probably was many times. But in our 21st century, we were shown a slick video history on the giant screen of the seven or so days of the Resistance's uprising and the liberation. The deportation and murder of French Jews and Rom was the subject at the end of the video.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71jbrUTuEnNhq0lCoLKUEL-JcaxFeKHRJg3dpY_n3dMPIX0v95kq1w5fZ763BHILxmzTT2D88dKJUmODG7cNACR5z1U7KmRAy64NnM8OnB28rpb482_ydLpoEtdHNmAAUb6bi5nPvLE8/s1600/527-Having+fun+with+street+signs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71jbrUTuEnNhq0lCoLKUEL-JcaxFeKHRJg3dpY_n3dMPIX0v95kq1w5fZ763BHILxmzTT2D88dKJUmODG7cNACR5z1U7KmRAy64NnM8OnB28rpb482_ydLpoEtdHNmAAUb6bi5nPvLE8/s320/527-Having+fun+with+street+signs.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doctored do-not-enter sign on Ile Saint Louis</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The program all done, we drifted through a thinning crowd over to Notre Dame, which we entered finally, noticing that the line was uncommonly short. A mass was in progress, but gawkers were allowed at the back and sides. We walked Marian back home through the crowds on the Ile Saint Louis, then through the barren Arsenal quarter, then over the Saint Martin Canal footbridge with its lovely panoramas in both directions, and finally back to the 12th and home. A long day.<br />
Friday, Marian and Carolee went off to the Musee d'Orsay and followed this visit up with a long walk home. I stayed home with a game leg. Crepes and cider for dinner that evening. We made plans for a visit to Giverny the next day, although somewhat worried by a forecast of rain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee by lily pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet's house beyond arcaded path</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lily pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfaYG5TOmBRxyYlky6Zyse42VmY6NHItwQA92lsj2mJa46lF5z6sR53zIHXsz96C7vHX4Xy4Bphf3TE2cVjHCcMmRexpcUJw-1H99q4Ma-ywy8JaiKtyH324l5T0BPmxzBXDDDemII6o/s1600/542-Rainstorm-from+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfaYG5TOmBRxyYlky6Zyse42VmY6NHItwQA92lsj2mJa46lF5z6sR53zIHXsz96C7vHX4Xy4Bphf3TE2cVjHCcMmRexpcUJw-1H99q4Ma-ywy8JaiKtyH324l5T0BPmxzBXDDDemII6o/s320/542-Rainstorm-from+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden in heavy rain and wind</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmVVKVszJT-1eNg_tzMKE6yjUnnxvR1kbL0TGAUS8qENF5Z9gKTjcK-rPByB6O41ZnrudUCIcFT26EIGWAsneuCeoUp-p_NG5g2c6Hbm_C7kqxrkdEZOioWa2xgEZKwBCtzwwTxDgelg/s1600/544-rainstorm+moves+east.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmVVKVszJT-1eNg_tzMKE6yjUnnxvR1kbL0TGAUS8qENF5Z9gKTjcK-rPByB6O41ZnrudUCIcFT26EIGWAsneuCeoUp-p_NG5g2c6Hbm_C7kqxrkdEZOioWa2xgEZKwBCtzwwTxDgelg/s320/544-rainstorm+moves+east.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparkling garden after the rain had cleared</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Getting up real early we saw heavy rain through the windows, so we slept in for a while. Two hours later the rain was gone so we got rolling to the Gare Saint Lazare, bought tickets and got onto a train for Vernon just in time to arrive before noon. About 200 tourists like us also got off at Vernon and we all lined up for the bus to Giverny. This took a while, what with everybody having to make payment, but eventually the packed bus lumbered off through the narrow twisty streets of Vernon and into a gentle countryside for a few kilometers' ride to the village of Giverny. A quarter-mile hike through the charming village brought us to Monet's house and gardens, where we were quickly admitted by friendly attendants. Of course you go immediately to the gardens. These were extensive but divided in two main portions: a garden in numerous rows near the house, and the lily pond on the other side (underpass) of a road. It was all, of course, very special. At the outside border of the pond area one could see how the terrain there looked before the garden was built: a rather shabby marshland. Eventually we went up to the house, just in time as it turned out, because a summer freshet came through pretty hard with the rain moving at a 45 degree angle. We liked the well-preserved house and furnishings a lot better than, say, Victor Hugo's. Heading back we were lucky to be delivered to the railroad station just in time for the last train for three hours.<br />
Sunday Carolee's back was bothering her so we worked out a plan where I would deliver Marian to the Eiffel Tower, where she would go up but I would take an easy route home. We waited together in one of the long lines until I couldn't stick with her any more. We had taken the #69 bus, which was fairly empty on a Sunday morning, so Marian got glimpses of some of the best sights in Paris, in particular the Louvre Pyramid. Taking the same bus back, I got off near the Louvre and crossed over to the left bank for a pleasant stroll along the bank. Found a book by a good author at Shakespeare & Co. Marian arrived back in the early evening after some really impressive walking. After the tower visit she hiked up to the Trocadero for the view, then up Avenue Kleber to the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysee, along the river, through the Tuileries Garden, by the Pyramid and eventually found her way home without mishap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1nt2DRFAyccLCfMnELwn9_qP_Pfx0tjXnZLB9d5I8fM-YDD_6hB5IW0dfcZC5gyjRqK8II_YYlh7KYfpXIwkjYI2BK1s8LzyWO3VN4RWLze6t6UgRZ0g3BTa0VK_M3rUhWAC3WOK1wI/s1600/545-Grand+Palais.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1nt2DRFAyccLCfMnELwn9_qP_Pfx0tjXnZLB9d5I8fM-YDD_6hB5IW0dfcZC5gyjRqK8II_YYlh7KYfpXIwkjYI2BK1s8LzyWO3VN4RWLze6t6UgRZ0g3BTa0VK_M3rUhWAC3WOK1wI/s320/545-Grand+Palais.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Palais and Pont Alexandre III by night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qp13A-XRIDnU6V-EGRCsHYA25K-kk5v9FuxDFhF-A6kcwxpu7KE9n23c3Gu14Dj9FN1Q75XCvlpTWIKpOimOzXhl08JNh-vnaTSplWipMkD1fhBHybw5iISQPi3kFKTGkVj6XA9ghyphenhyphens/s1600/546-Eiffel+Tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qp13A-XRIDnU6V-EGRCsHYA25K-kk5v9FuxDFhF-A6kcwxpu7KE9n23c3Gu14Dj9FN1Q75XCvlpTWIKpOimOzXhl08JNh-vnaTSplWipMkD1fhBHybw5iISQPi3kFKTGkVj6XA9ghyphenhyphens/s320/546-Eiffel+Tower.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower from Pont Alexandre III</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montmartre, Lapin Agile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8dSEON7ZGY8Ox41Noxi-2VJHpABjd4YOzcpdXwhLQGhtrFdolp_e95qbrzd_SQjvv1Ry3Cvq7qxc4sh_tP8x1eFBT4HOZ5Iyk9HR6027sMU2pPJw3wi1x56tQp4W1qwkcR3uPFjQJlk/s1600/549-Still+climbing+the+hill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8dSEON7ZGY8Ox41Noxi-2VJHpABjd4YOzcpdXwhLQGhtrFdolp_e95qbrzd_SQjvv1Ry3Cvq7qxc4sh_tP8x1eFBT4HOZ5Iyk9HR6027sMU2pPJw3wi1x56tQp4W1qwkcR3uPFjQJlk/s320/549-Still+climbing+the+hill.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montmartre, steep hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mOMuUtyVXmJY9jwRQHLUs0JpLqB8RY9GdE3dlsTKb0blbZRkEOi9jnCZgrOEZ-rWg7rMXYGy_mqrgMKOSBOnmfkStP0kDyuALz0sOJfHVFfImD-YXoSp2cmaeVFzNCk6bUOlZY6HgtM/s1600/551-Stairs+to+Sacre++Coeur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mOMuUtyVXmJY9jwRQHLUs0JpLqB8RY9GdE3dlsTKb0blbZRkEOi9jnCZgrOEZ-rWg7rMXYGy_mqrgMKOSBOnmfkStP0kDyuALz0sOJfHVFfImD-YXoSp2cmaeVFzNCk6bUOlZY6HgtM/s320/551-Stairs+to+Sacre++Coeur.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montmartre, steep steps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZAirrqiUOv6nj18t79JnpBA9JfKTnrHT-dO0JyDqRiu8HArcJt8MD7ztDrIPNwtd5zL2sV_7Kxs1duFd07lZdGQ24tCrQupl-TJmc_NhMXIAvnNPTeymcoLFFxi4twqGivLK6rdsizU/s1600/553-Another+attack+of+Space+Invaders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZAirrqiUOv6nj18t79JnpBA9JfKTnrHT-dO0JyDqRiu8HArcJt8MD7ztDrIPNwtd5zL2sV_7Kxs1duFd07lZdGQ24tCrQupl-TJmc_NhMXIAvnNPTeymcoLFFxi4twqGivLK6rdsizU/s320/553-Another+attack+of+Space+Invaders.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Sacre Coeur - Space Invaders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMpNKQQgKeVeOtk385x9913etg4bg6GLWDplbhPKUU7QPDkhVQpoo2AuY3BJKWHRA5tefOg7wsZmofsuGWtd2pYX211SryoTjQrtifM8zcFuP15OVv58FduVZnhmCE4a6TIm5F_Negaw/s1600/555-Marian+encore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMpNKQQgKeVeOtk385x9913etg4bg6GLWDplbhPKUU7QPDkhVQpoo2AuY3BJKWHRA5tefOg7wsZmofsuGWtd2pYX211SryoTjQrtifM8zcFuP15OVv58FduVZnhmCE4a6TIm5F_Negaw/s320/555-Marian+encore.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marian, Sacre Coeur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKylx9uPqfe-xS6Gz8_wZM735StQjzqJm9C6D1D80vb9sNUsg_0woGfRzZj3EuGkn9XQTCEV4Q_qTmdOPCOOMGSfIdf3RCqwy5WNGoqSmR6HwQ5no8Y5N3dxCgY4J2WWccQVvUswlqZw/s1600/559-St-Martin+Canal+entrance+for+pleasure+craft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKylx9uPqfe-xS6Gz8_wZM735StQjzqJm9C6D1D80vb9sNUsg_0woGfRzZj3EuGkn9XQTCEV4Q_qTmdOPCOOMGSfIdf3RCqwy5WNGoqSmR6HwQ5no8Y5N3dxCgY4J2WWccQVvUswlqZw/s320/559-St-Martin+Canal+entrance+for+pleasure+craft.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St-Martin Canal lock to Seine</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Monday the main event was a visit to Sacre Coeur at the top of Montmartre. This time we tried to minimize climbing by getting off at the Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro stop, a bit north of the peak. There was still plenty of slogging up steep streets, but we saw the really charming semi-rustic streets. Halfway along we passed the Lapin Agile, made famous by the Picasso crowd so long ago. After a longish spell with the expansive view of the city, Carolee and Marian strolled down the grand stairway below Sacre Coeur while I tried my hand, or rather legs, on a side stairway which had a good sturdy handrail. We met easily at the bottom and descended through a couple of crowded blocks lined by schlocky souvenir shops. In the metro I took trains home while the other two went on to the Cite stop to see the Deportation Memorial. It turned out to be closed that day, but they had a pleasant walk back along the Seine left bank to the Austerlitz Bridge. In the evening we all went out for some night photography, starting at the Esplanade des Invalides and crossing over to the Place de la Concorde. Big success, it was.<br />
Next morning, Tuesday, Carolee went with Marian back to the Gare du Nord for check-in to the Eurostar. I think we mostly rested that day. Marian made it back to London, no problem.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-64158391500784328702011-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:002011-11-12T13:54:52.339-08:00Week X, Back in Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L3IVNrhf7guF-kpLHtVIDOZuMWidk6dHq7yMEST3-ahD287CULyXMJ3mGOyT4nmic6SE7vV9sXVWCbjRF7EyJevq24v_CvXP-gIVaSkKl17WpFJlsDiFbOKlmMN_ujQTLcNojcgf4nw/s1600/486-Le+Louvre+as+ad+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L3IVNrhf7guF-kpLHtVIDOZuMWidk6dHq7yMEST3-ahD287CULyXMJ3mGOyT4nmic6SE7vV9sXVWCbjRF7EyJevq24v_CvXP-gIVaSkKl17WpFJlsDiFbOKlmMN_ujQTLcNojcgf4nw/s320/486-Le+Louvre+as+ad+space.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre under restoration, with watch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfE0ploJ_r1v3pgxLECcewaVKMZcvMOW4nlv1R2fxCZ8GrP-ycMGuLUyyzpm5i2IyV9u7_ZOAa4W8z5dkAWFaqXSQkkf9QodlhoGFVMByXhRaXKefgT4Rp2_zT5zjkurv_aw9xRmE6MQ/s1600/487-Bldg+wrapped+in+steel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfE0ploJ_r1v3pgxLECcewaVKMZcvMOW4nlv1R2fxCZ8GrP-ycMGuLUyyzpm5i2IyV9u7_ZOAa4W8z5dkAWFaqXSQkkf9QodlhoGFVMByXhRaXKefgT4Rp2_zT5zjkurv_aw9xRmE6MQ/s320/487-Bldg+wrapped+in+steel.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building wrapped in steel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sUO7ZloTczgzLDMTGffD9nLx8nYNacUNPN4tuXG7PDkhd1JtXUld_xwKmPxvPJsYot69M5hR1hISLS0sxjWf7I0k7z-FVApxsjSv5u2MqBosQsyq4YpVHfBBy9fVWpmc6VVBe_Jdqv8/s1600/488-Perrier+bottle+shrubs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sUO7ZloTczgzLDMTGffD9nLx8nYNacUNPN4tuXG7PDkhd1JtXUld_xwKmPxvPJsYot69M5hR1hISLS0sxjWf7I0k7z-FVApxsjSv5u2MqBosQsyq4YpVHfBBy9fVWpmc6VVBe_Jdqv8/s320/488-Perrier+bottle+shrubs.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perrier shrubbery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9874zo6T7MHpvREkHqfr6iML-baD184pifuoLjQbr3z5o5S8BOtqVSZS5i3UwlOoeFMiFozB1FHydbmABV-2UNdLcqDcDlSOfwuPaXEvsj-Z3JQIeLZp02SUUJjUICGJkSoQUj24cW0/s1600/489-Sequinned+wedding+tutu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9874zo6T7MHpvREkHqfr6iML-baD184pifuoLjQbr3z5o5S8BOtqVSZS5i3UwlOoeFMiFozB1FHydbmABV-2UNdLcqDcDlSOfwuPaXEvsj-Z3JQIeLZp02SUUJjUICGJkSoQUj24cW0/s320/489-Sequinned+wedding+tutu.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tutu wedding dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wednesday, 17 Aug, Carolee took the long way home from the Alliance Francaise and caught some curiosities with her camera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21aS5eBRNbWRUfbk_IheK21q6hEhrSIhEah884M0MiV8uB89qiIEbdNNroMaJAEHouYCJzLMQDLPQH_epAksW2Vkp_5VIfmohPDljDfs1nuq0zzSJpG4iSzIOkIKp6n_AVyglgASK_QY/s1600/491-Ricardo-Cimitiere+du+Montparnasse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21aS5eBRNbWRUfbk_IheK21q6hEhrSIhEah884M0MiV8uB89qiIEbdNNroMaJAEHouYCJzLMQDLPQH_epAksW2Vkp_5VIfmohPDljDfs1nuq0zzSJpG4iSzIOkIKp6n_AVyglgASK_QY/s320/491-Ricardo-Cimitiere+du+Montparnasse.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nebbish tombstone in Montparnasse Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Thursday, on a class assignment to find clues here and there on the left bank, she discovered a remarkable tombstone by Niki de Saint Phalle (as she learned later) in the Montparnasse cemetery.<br />
I made it back that evening by train through a severe thunderstorm in Belgium. The central station in Antwerp has undergone a major renovation. Trains now come in underground at three separate levels to an immense open hall with a dramatic escalator leading up the middle. The 19th century building on top is essentially unchanged. Great escalator ride!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjjJreJDLhcxUENqO_25WgIBhkroHo2YrxqVvj4JXa7TrijArlfNcXuGQEfnRsd5WY0LU4HWayJoiZjLNbmW1-zCHcRlJKx9dKWCZ3T7WHMW_DZaV90FUu8B6ye5SCYgNeF1NtTzJvx8/s1600/492-Duane+at+community+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjjJreJDLhcxUENqO_25WgIBhkroHo2YrxqVvj4JXa7TrijArlfNcXuGQEfnRsd5WY0LU4HWayJoiZjLNbmW1-zCHcRlJKx9dKWCZ3T7WHMW_DZaV90FUu8B6ye5SCYgNeF1NtTzJvx8/s320/492-Duane+at+community+garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marche d'Aligre with schoolkids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Lhr9wIefyudQ3bwryPDxpRQpH-TY3s1rzNj4jrhk9QBwTPUAdRaPKFwly3rui1wsVQDQ-2rRMQbMWjx4QYZygM0F7LLujt8j8Y018k-mwcMPm1QljcnOMB7SLXrX-OqJb7030eRGF5M/s1600/495-Our+simple+lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Lhr9wIefyudQ3bwryPDxpRQpH-TY3s1rzNj4jrhk9QBwTPUAdRaPKFwly3rui1wsVQDQ-2rRMQbMWjx4QYZygM0F7LLujt8j8Y018k-mwcMPm1QljcnOMB7SLXrX-OqJb7030eRGF5M/s320/495-Our+simple+lunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFavsh4xnkr57LmnhjhFOR3K0fmMuPxtUSoEJazRCKKSgN167jlflMeHhJMxKKfp6i02FQsw5jTCqhnccrS0kUOORQMFmBQdPm1eiKn7Inc6M-Pu11ZRKbGOEi0lGLs9WuYiKOozYU2ws/s1600/497-Terrific+book+store-Marais.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFavsh4xnkr57LmnhjhFOR3K0fmMuPxtUSoEJazRCKKSgN167jlflMeHhJMxKKfp6i02FQsw5jTCqhnccrS0kUOORQMFmBQdPm1eiKn7Inc6M-Pu11ZRKbGOEi0lGLs9WuYiKOozYU2ws/s320/497-Terrific+book+store-Marais.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge book store</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Friday we took it easy but discovered a community garden nearby, filled largely with flowers. Our daily activity is recorded with a picture of our local farmers' market and lunch at home. An afternoon stroll took us over by the Jewish section in the 4th, where we discovered the largest bookstore of remaindered art books I have ever seen. The name, in the picture, is not a bad pun in French. We later discovered it's a chain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWjTMnpjCVlL1nx5vpU1nF2ti6KjlFb1KKXRCG-OwJsMT6AQb9vnZimP_fhSprC8XfXow7QzTKups6J0J90Jg2M5hhvr1shrN8D5X5z_X45Qvk1QOEf4-G3Tl3TEjU4EfHIqXQugdk3Y/s1600/498-Famille+Cavaille-Coll%252C+organ+builders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWjTMnpjCVlL1nx5vpU1nF2ti6KjlFb1KKXRCG-OwJsMT6AQb9vnZimP_fhSprC8XfXow7QzTKups6J0J90Jg2M5hhvr1shrN8D5X5z_X45Qvk1QOEf4-G3Tl3TEjU4EfHIqXQugdk3Y/s320/498-Famille+Cavaille-Coll%252C+organ+builders.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alas, Cavaille-Colle is gone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1W0LstFDMCgoGdcKLTGYzcopMa82KT9M16yIygNLs3-ExHxKRTZojWfBnJA7OcHPSMz6LZ3Lsv1WRqAZwyqDBbc-5UL8vzIxIJOZADfjC7Ce2R2mTHTutd3II-eRq-u6rOYcPhwjiZM/s1600/499-Artists%2527+studios+and+Metro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1W0LstFDMCgoGdcKLTGYzcopMa82KT9M16yIygNLs3-ExHxKRTZojWfBnJA7OcHPSMz6LZ3Lsv1WRqAZwyqDBbc-5UL8vzIxIJOZADfjC7Ce2R2mTHTutd3II-eRq-u6rOYcPhwjiZM/s320/499-Artists%2527+studios+and+Metro.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guimard Metro entrance, artists' studios (large windows)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Saturday we knocked around Montparnasse a bit. Emerging from the metro at Denfert-Rochereau and passed by the entrance to the catacombs, which had an immense line waiting to get in. One attendant, seeing me hobble along, made to let us in ahead of the line. Well, it would have been insane to try it, we figured. with tight stairs and low passages likely. The first part of our plan was to see if the 14th offered a neighborhood as filled with amenities as ours in the 12th, but maybe a little cleaner. Indeed it does! There were great shops along the pedestrianized portion of the Rue Daguerre, where I had stayed 20 years ago for an astronomy meeting. We liked it a lot. Turning onto the Montparnasse cemetery we paid our respects to a few famous dead people. Among others was the grave of a famous French organ builder of the 19th century. A few blocks away we found a building especially built to house the studios of some early 20th century artists. A couple of blocks away we found the equally famous restaurants they met at - La Coupole, La Rotonde, La Closerie des Lilas. But it was hot and by now we were glad to call it a day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb8uSJctYy9VQpXXOFCXXZlsOPrb-0HosQeqn97KrDNhOCtnEIPtqkX1dUMYGx9Dea5k_m-aVG1SCZZVS-PZPsZ9dKwd-sw02XFzSpNWgW3fr0xmjr2dJ5aWVMr2Snuca1yOxJcTnfm0/s1600/501-Parc+Andre+Citroen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb8uSJctYy9VQpXXOFCXXZlsOPrb-0HosQeqn97KrDNhOCtnEIPtqkX1dUMYGx9Dea5k_m-aVG1SCZZVS-PZPsZ9dKwd-sw02XFzSpNWgW3fr0xmjr2dJ5aWVMr2Snuca1yOxJcTnfm0/s320/501-Parc+Andre+Citroen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apartment blocks above Parc Andre Citroen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusty steel statue Seine-side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrUfL4sXt_BL5ossnh8H_49glLYFHYn3lj7UnHINnxx7VZi8UcBOn8bv1eo6J5d9oeAutyenZeqw_EMXyrMo4DmPqiu0Z0KFamuvzmd7u9D7JF3jctHzjfZDks0BeywM49_8P87LHmRY/s1600/505-Parc+Andre+Citroen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrUfL4sXt_BL5ossnh8H_49glLYFHYn3lj7UnHINnxx7VZi8UcBOn8bv1eo6J5d9oeAutyenZeqw_EMXyrMo4DmPqiu0Z0KFamuvzmd7u9D7JF3jctHzjfZDks0BeywM49_8P87LHmRY/s320/505-Parc+Andre+Citroen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giardino segreto, Parc Andre Citroen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_-04zWnKQ2r3DL_z2KqIRdaxS8cUOnovjUNXp42Fj07TUaj8_Fp85wD-Huu5szGw8zSW9eB6Bz1cBq3I8r5aTVewTwgnfCo9upCwcVwrGLWzE23PF8Rinfn4SBWO6xc2BuiN_yyZIPI/s1600/506-Parc+Andre+Citroen+jardin+noir.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_-04zWnKQ2r3DL_z2KqIRdaxS8cUOnovjUNXp42Fj07TUaj8_Fp85wD-Huu5szGw8zSW9eB6Bz1cBq3I8r5aTVewTwgnfCo9upCwcVwrGLWzE23PF8Rinfn4SBWO6xc2BuiN_yyZIPI/s320/506-Parc+Andre+Citroen+jardin+noir.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side garden, Parc Andre Citroen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzho9AQ9L9VrUSF_2PMdnMSzqE1uB5ODH9N0p3H4_7eRyZva1fjDgLQ2dABRtcxiL86A5juzPyB7-XJkilamXQ8Md0DMKCK8VGNrZ5px15m07zDH0LZAQXGxIJHhVMW5jhcG8z1mJ-I/s1600/507-Parc+Andre+Citroen+jardin+bleu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzho9AQ9L9VrUSF_2PMdnMSzqE1uB5ODH9N0p3H4_7eRyZva1fjDgLQ2dABRtcxiL86A5juzPyB7-XJkilamXQ8Md0DMKCK8VGNrZ5px15m07zDH0LZAQXGxIJHhVMW5jhcG8z1mJ-I/s320/507-Parc+Andre+Citroen+jardin+bleu.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender, Parc Andre Citroen</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH94hc5WVwUrCEINyDk_VMln-wHu5MdLHaVqfTZEzo2Llh57Mpt8MTvurQA2ZtkJN-PN5KCzhXUYQsZSqfNlrxEYcD2HxWsaNHKPxw-38MX-lPY85Huyf_e-T0qkh2mVBK7YdfO4f-jQ/s1600/508-Parc+Andre+Citroen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH94hc5WVwUrCEINyDk_VMln-wHu5MdLHaVqfTZEzo2Llh57Mpt8MTvurQA2ZtkJN-PN5KCzhXUYQsZSqfNlrxEYcD2HxWsaNHKPxw-38MX-lPY85Huyf_e-T0qkh2mVBK7YdfO4f-jQ/s320/508-Parc+Andre+Citroen.JPG" width="320" />\</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Passage among side gardens </div> The next day we went for something well off the beaten track - Parc Andre Citroen. This large and modern park was built on the site of the former Citroen Auto Works. It was conveniently located for us at the far end of our local Metro line. The designers did a remarkable job of taking an odd-shaped large parcel and turning it into an open main park, mainly grass and walkways, but nestled against it were smaller sections of park, each with a distinct character. I supposed they must have steeped themselves in the design of old Italian gardens, which are, well, sectional: you might have here and there a bit of your geometrical French design or large wooded spaces in the English manner, but the point was there'd be a number of small sections each with a distinct character. I'll let the photos do the work, just above. One curiosity worth mentioning was a very large tethered hot air balloon in the center, and rides were available for a price. We never saw it go up, which is a bit of a shame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDLeA07PvCb0mS7UQHhtdR-yasEdSxjCizEZis3xPRlACm0rob6-2oJXi8HzgALtjGyfgqM_XB-6tol13Gd71wJQeF2pQk-Bp49LB254Ww_aUX3fvQvoKDUxTCT9ubwSxRdOmiYm80xI/s1600/510-Duane%2527s+b%2527day+dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDLeA07PvCb0mS7UQHhtdR-yasEdSxjCizEZis3xPRlACm0rob6-2oJXi8HzgALtjGyfgqM_XB-6tol13Gd71wJQeF2pQk-Bp49LB254Ww_aUX3fvQvoKDUxTCT9ubwSxRdOmiYm80xI/s320/510-Duane%2527s+b%2527day+dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee, pre-souffle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9cVKb80MAG2sy_YWyKu7tj9jXXL3cuzViPrPJAP_Ow2-0DOPFeARSfsE4GisCI_HEezPHkAHOVpZDQ-A0dsBfVslTY-Y49TrDPl8V9LDNH7Y7iGO2uA1G5fN38KgYs2JmZopVHi-5Zs/s1600/511-Duane%2527s+b%2527day+storm+threatens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9cVKb80MAG2sy_YWyKu7tj9jXXL3cuzViPrPJAP_Ow2-0DOPFeARSfsE4GisCI_HEezPHkAHOVpZDQ-A0dsBfVslTY-Y49TrDPl8V9LDNH7Y7iGO2uA1G5fN38KgYs2JmZopVHi-5Zs/s320/511-Duane%2527s+b%2527day+storm+threatens.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seine, storm, boats from Pont Neuf</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Monday was my birthday, so we went out for dinner at La Cigale Recamier, on the Impasse Recamier in the 6th. We indulged in their specialty - souffles. Carolee had the Forestiere (mushroom) and I had Gorgonzola. Dessert was a caramel souffle, Lovely setting. We couldn't let the evening go quickly, so we decided to walk a while in spite of a gathering thunderstorm. We headed directly for the river and walked first past the Academy of France, then to and across the Pont Neuf, where Carolee took a pretty picture. If memory serves me, we caught the #76 bus on the other (right) bank.<br />
Tuesday, the last day of this week, is a blank. Must have done something.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-50414757311146263682011-08-28T08:18:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:07:25.876-08:00Week IX, Another VisitBy this Wednesday we had been in contact with Wendy by email, the telephone having been a bit confusing. A meeting for dinner was arranged. Whatever we did that day is lost now, no pictures being in the bank. Deciding to walk over to Wendy's hotel in the Marais, we again passed through our favorite Place des Vosges, exiting at the corner through the Hotel de Sully. Alas, we arrived just at closing time and were flushed out to where we entered. A bit late, we met Wendy at the door of her hotel. Luckily all around, she had found an interesting eatery only a block away which specialized in crepes and cider, Normandy cuisine. The waitress kindly accommodated our desire to use our French (Wendy included) and even brought us, on the house, little pitchers of other varieties of cider. So with the weakly alcoholic cider and varied crepes we dined well. On top of this, Wendy had brought us some offerings from her travels: slices of Serrano ham from Spain, a huge hunk of parmesano cheese from Italy, and some aged gruyere cheese from somewhere.<br />
Wendy wanted to see what an apartment in Paris could be like, so we invited her to dinner the following evening. Needing speed, she sight-saw on her own the next day. But with Carolee in class for the morning I got my courage up and headed for the Louvre. I couldn't find the reputed passage from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_Royal_-_Mus%C3%A9e_du_Louvre_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">metro stop</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Museum">Louvre</a> entrance, so it was up and across the busy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_de_Rivoli">Rue de Rivoli</a> and into the courtyard. With my cane I was intercepted as I headed for the very long line of visitors and was shown right into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Pyramid">pyramid</a>. The open-air elevator being busy, I picked my way down the wide spiral staircase, approached one of the money-taking and ticket-issuing machines and eventually divined its mysteries. What now? The entrances into the Louvre were several and not specially marked, so I picked one and found myself admiring the early walls of the Louvre fortress before winding up at, with no choice, the Egyptian section. Happy with this, I spent quite a bit of time looking at very ancient stuff before carefully moving up one of the grand staircases to something newer. I bumbled my way over to the north wing and was rewarded with some major 17th century Dutch paintings. I then made the mistake of moving on to the apartments of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_III">Napoleon III</a>, which proved to be a real labyrinth, and it took a good while to make my way back to the south wing, where the really famous stuff is. Running out of time, I was tempted along the way by a couple of rooms with fine <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste-Camille_Corot">Corots</a> but had to press on. In a few minutes I found myself a few feet away from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_Victory_of_Samothrace">Winged Victory of Samothrace</a> along with a zillion other people, all taking photos. decided it was my very favorite statue. I searched around for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_de_Milo">Venus de Milo</a> but couldn't find her. Negative time left, I hurried over and passed through the room containing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa">Mona Lisa</a> and so many people around it that I was reminded of swarming bees. Down a grand staircase I got to see Winged Victory from below as I had hoped. Had to ask for the way out, which was into the pyramid again and up. Metro home.<br />
Dinner with Wendy at the apartment was one of our standard simple meals enhanced by flowers and desserts that Wendy had brought. We walked back with her to her hotel, then passed behind a huge inflatable movie screen that had been set up for free movies in the Place des Vosges. Tired and late, we didn't stay. Wendy headed home the next morning.<br />
The Friday of that week we discovered Le Baron Rouge, Paris's only barrelhouse, where you buy wine right from the barrel. After that an easy trip to see the main <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printemps">Printemps</a> store in the Opera district, then down the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_de_l%27Op%C3%A9ra">Avenue de l'Opera</a> to see a church, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain_l%27Auxerrois">St Germain l'Auxerrois</a>. It's in the center of things, across from the Louvre's east facade, and was the royal church, until royalty moved to Versailles. It's most notable for being where the the bells were used to signal the start of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Bartholomew%27s_Day_Massacre">St Bartholomew's Day massacre</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Baron Rouge Barrelhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWE67uD4ykcK8WkBiBagCyi_83TDXcyKS1MRWa07nqJpxpSYP1ygTiqALs7S-Qb8uNooUUlKD44QEZZGPPxfNaba_6lOYrwBufDySe7RD7lZcOQEn_a_-kBPrmO4G2F_ZKoH9zFvaSQE/s1600/447-Printemps-another+shopping+mecca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWE67uD4ykcK8WkBiBagCyi_83TDXcyKS1MRWa07nqJpxpSYP1ygTiqALs7S-Qb8uNooUUlKD44QEZZGPPxfNaba_6lOYrwBufDySe7RD7lZcOQEn_a_-kBPrmO4G2F_ZKoH9zFvaSQE/s320/447-Printemps-another+shopping+mecca.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Printemps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhXcWZRbm6NC65CGuMu0SnHj4EWpBjDTZFjfUK4dIB-SSdL0_4kD-V1KtGgZvgwjbKbod8B6PBAMLwzBcr98PGMY4hFIwSeQJwbnfcbln-6lW5swrQiYNMB8M00h0qmqYjiB0Gcko-tE/s1600/448-St-Germain-l%2527Auxerrois.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhXcWZRbm6NC65CGuMu0SnHj4EWpBjDTZFjfUK4dIB-SSdL0_4kD-V1KtGgZvgwjbKbod8B6PBAMLwzBcr98PGMY4hFIwSeQJwbnfcbln-6lW5swrQiYNMB8M00h0qmqYjiB0Gcko-tE/s320/448-St-Germain-l%2527Auxerrois.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choir, St Germain l'Auxerrois</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But on Saturday we we ready for an ambitious program. It started with a free museum visit at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petit_Palais">Petit Palais</a>, which was erected in 1900 or so in the finest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaux-Arts_architecture">beaux arts</a> style. Because of the cane we were shown into a door at ground level and passed through very modern passages where we saw Byzantine icons for a while. Finally finding an elevator we found ourselves, once up, in a very beautiful semicircular courtyard surrounded by a magnificent colonnade. Finding our way back into the building, we saw their main exhibition of turn-of-the century paintings, all interesting but not generally great enough for a more famous museum. Great boutique and bookstore. Back into the courtyard for coffee in the cafe, we discovered it was raining heavily. This let up by the time we were ready to move on. Off to the riverside and along a stately alley we found an American memorial to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_du_Motier,_marquis_de_Lafayette">Lafayette</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XzXZN8jLdGErYiJ1WRwmx-thN59mw3E3-SB4Xax0x8jU_Pe5hEvXU7-Dpgr8ZPwcdzSpdSbRvuh7OqmQnAqiccusPuNyh34hZibv7C9MDI6KnnaGkoXT0ryEUi0OlK4NKsMtVIFA5kg/s1600/451-Petit+Palais.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XzXZN8jLdGErYiJ1WRwmx-thN59mw3E3-SB4Xax0x8jU_Pe5hEvXU7-Dpgr8ZPwcdzSpdSbRvuh7OqmQnAqiccusPuNyh34hZibv7C9MDI6KnnaGkoXT0ryEUi0OlK4NKsMtVIFA5kg/s320/451-Petit+Palais.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit Palais, courtyard pavillion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnFlJzkhzCBZANw4oo1yIwOvD5f-6LGZ6V1w0Z5qf7nx1d1us0WBWTBkA9nSgieu0Er42oM00W1T6urkOYujs5oRaKjcrRjyD4BDVtUziXJ649wEjTqrstQVuK2a2FvptSCzVeIR0R9o/s1600/460-LaFayette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnFlJzkhzCBZANw4oo1yIwOvD5f-6LGZ6V1w0Z5qf7nx1d1us0WBWTBkA9nSgieu0Er42oM00W1T6urkOYujs5oRaKjcrRjyD4BDVtUziXJ649wEjTqrstQVuK2a2FvptSCzVeIR0R9o/s320/460-LaFayette.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Lafayette</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Through wet streets we moved from the river to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_Montaigne">Avenue Montaigne</a>, where the largest fashion houses are located. At its end, the <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_l%27Alma">Place de l'Alma</a>, where a statue of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty">Statue of Liberty</a>'s torch has been made into an improvised memorial to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Di">Lady Di</a>, who was killed in the underpass there. Carolee says that six years ago it was simply covered with memorials and graffiti. A newlywed couple came by for pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J-htndC2_V5x8MS3h7kInnqRwJOIjBlYUg9NilzL9M0Ty5fBQ6GNFQLKVrKs9OBVKvnWGw0hilVqiGEHKf_xpNAhw9pfknUHCB17mbY93XcrGmn_-axwOGWsI9jV-d-VFcEAoV2adSU/s1600/454-CK+at+Chanel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J-htndC2_V5x8MS3h7kInnqRwJOIjBlYUg9NilzL9M0Ty5fBQ6GNFQLKVrKs9OBVKvnWGw0hilVqiGEHKf_xpNAhw9pfknUHCB17mbY93XcrGmn_-axwOGWsI9jV-d-VFcEAoV2adSU/s320/454-CK+at+Chanel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Coco's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzOsaUUtYz9Wvb2lfirQLnyFHYmztRuSSeUEajVflguYIOhQk-8JHlJgQv1fGWT71em43lPawg31tYeylzcv-NGKvD-AH6-qizID7LpYjaizCdZsn6IbEcEO5sWnUuxrPJrD8ak1qP_A/s320/458-Valentino+window.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Valentino's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vestigial Lady Di Memorial</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z6htgEADwLDVTMW_JGcynFdcE_3YKc2Yiw-35z2Vm2-m1MCsF-A5SjbdajfOqTG7qX_Tk8ZS1_cRG205UfzUqbRGU0lbkVqwA4yAcq94A-uuN9TFhmoPEIR5jIQutqDyVS5oqWrV-bo/s1600/465-Setting+up+wedding+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z6htgEADwLDVTMW_JGcynFdcE_3YKc2Yiw-35z2Vm2-m1MCsF-A5SjbdajfOqTG7qX_Tk8ZS1_cRG205UfzUqbRGU0lbkVqwA4yAcq94A-uuN9TFhmoPEIR5jIQutqDyVS5oqWrV-bo/s320/465-Setting+up+wedding+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newlyweds, photographer, flame</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The day's adventure continued with a walk further along the Seine to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_d%27I%C3%A9na">Pont d'Iena</a> and up the hill to the Trocadero for the grand view (no photos this time), Enough for a day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a TGV experience</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Sunday, I was off to Holland for a few days. Carolee took a picture of me at the Gare du Nord, where I caught the TGV to Antwerp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgin carried from Notre Dame</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l5TMi4tZ2pcAdB2oBmyijnBP-E9-NfQIsEvK_ROT8yFR06LL7E2ElLEq7X44SMei2sQsg-GiHYk3GB1BRAJwgJ7KSBh5HabdIrofzvbprDup32rFbgJoVm1OBTBSnGEc8MtxH-Ei38k/s1600/474-Sound+trucks+provide+hymns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l5TMi4tZ2pcAdB2oBmyijnBP-E9-NfQIsEvK_ROT8yFR06LL7E2ElLEq7X44SMei2sQsg-GiHYk3GB1BRAJwgJ7KSBh5HabdIrofzvbprDup32rFbgJoVm1OBTBSnGEc8MtxH-Ei38k/s320/474-Sound+trucks+provide+hymns.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hymn truck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNnX8o8D_AQCpScFXyq6kvP00KBITgeqPbF9G9kNLk5c2RrF36GXTkYsS7coj2HWcnKKzcUCkiGLvwQvyclRSkH_yL6LX11MlgTiyPj0ii4Qp1nci9wpgxBeth4YdC_61RS8nhFcND3M/s1600/478-Stopping+for+prayers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNnX8o8D_AQCpScFXyq6kvP00KBITgeqPbF9G9kNLk5c2RrF36GXTkYsS7coj2HWcnKKzcUCkiGLvwQvyclRSkH_yL6LX11MlgTiyPj0ii4Qp1nci9wpgxBeth4YdC_61RS8nhFcND3M/s320/478-Stopping+for+prayers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgin by Hotel de Ville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByNxWNLD2W1RllPS3CYKJQxuqwb_tnl8f-v00GuLVNxt-iaB1Q3aBsdIaNnOZYFAKmFgR9ofk21Q4ISOxRNjO2X8epKiGFMB6P1gKy2ruapc6HlliXVcjV7CcanObrFZ_JWvvKwH1kiw/s1600/482-Place+St-Michel+in+background.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByNxWNLD2W1RllPS3CYKJQxuqwb_tnl8f-v00GuLVNxt-iaB1Q3aBsdIaNnOZYFAKmFgR9ofk21Q4ISOxRNjO2X8epKiGFMB6P1gKy2ruapc6HlliXVcjV7CcanObrFZ_JWvvKwH1kiw/s320/482-Place+St-Michel+in+background.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgin at Saint Michel</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Monday, August 15, Carolee watched a procession in honor of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_the_Virgin">assumption of the virgin</a>, starting at Notre Dame and heading first toward the Hotel de Ville (stopping for a prayer) and then along the river and across to St Mich, then to the Ile St Louis and finally back to Notre Dame.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD9pyg4jE1-ae2_Q6ut_EWZdjzvNKcBVT65ssfoPSlPM72hcklX9xKYHCBwTyMfDYwghb1jEhdBZqams1A0TdQj-oxHBY75S7ljYQczRYokA4Z2hvHY-aIWKOJ2DA7TaUCNbOAwhwXi4/s1600/486-Le+Louvre+as+ad+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD9pyg4jE1-ae2_Q6ut_EWZdjzvNKcBVT65ssfoPSlPM72hcklX9xKYHCBwTyMfDYwghb1jEhdBZqams1A0TdQj-oxHBY75S7ljYQczRYokA4Z2hvHY-aIWKOJ2DA7TaUCNbOAwhwXi4/s320/486-Le+Louvre+as+ad+space.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Tuesday, walking home from class, she spotted the Louvre reinvented as ad space.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-74470989336133451392011-08-22T05:15:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:10:45.841-08:00week VIII, scouting lesser-known sightsSo we began this week, actually midweek, with a visit to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_des_Arts_et_M%C3%A9tiers">Musee des Arts et Metiers</a>. People know this museum best from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_da_vinci_code">Dan Brown novel</a>, also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foucault%27s_Pendulum">another novel</a> by Umberto Eco. Science museums are usually chock full of stuff, but we found this one enjoyable and not so overwhelming. Explanations are only in French, however. Highlights were a recreation of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavoisier">Lavoisier</a>'s labratory and the Foucault pendulum. Poor Lavoisier was guillotined - not for his science but for his day job as a tax collector. In fact, this museum dates back to the revolution. We were unlucky in finding the entrance from the metro stop and wound up walking nearly all the way around this very large building.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31EQZZbhyspVB0_kBvP2VywBQeQpUGAFWufvbybT4KPqqN4UYrt8aqCIPnBQJJgDa2vgU5BxQyE85BjrYw3r4WcyHQ1SZm8yVufW8iYF8Q7XCW4vGvpGuHJ-gSm8PxacRPCLoxAoNob0/s1600/410-Display+cabinet-the+best+for+last.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31EQZZbhyspVB0_kBvP2VywBQeQpUGAFWufvbybT4KPqqN4UYrt8aqCIPnBQJJgDa2vgU5BxQyE85BjrYw3r4WcyHQ1SZm8yVufW8iYF8Q7XCW4vGvpGuHJ-gSm8PxacRPCLoxAoNob0/s320/410-Display+cabinet-the+best+for+last.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superb marquetry on display cabinet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03GpVssGYpStX_2fHXO_gtOsdbR3h6POmgeF8zC9DW1WkZnq5ERyeXNVZWg8F4ZaREs7QvrU8-Qw4iLLfcs-etnT7sSTaCezZYGvsQ6B99ybZgc5yxS1qjmt5T3vkddmh2DKplgnZNjk/s1600/412-Arts+%2526+Metiers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03GpVssGYpStX_2fHXO_gtOsdbR3h6POmgeF8zC9DW1WkZnq5ERyeXNVZWg8F4ZaREs7QvrU8-Qw4iLLfcs-etnT7sSTaCezZYGvsQ6B99ybZgc5yxS1qjmt5T3vkddmh2DKplgnZNjk/s320/412-Arts+%2526+Metiers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">early flying machine, grand staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next day Carolee went to school and I have no record of doing anything other than lolling around. Was this the day I walked to Place de la Nation and back? The big discovery in that case was a bistro with one-euro coffee (at the bar). Some of these walks are a bit hard but I find most of the local streets to be a real joy simply to savor the ambiance.<br />
The next day we were ready for ready for museum-going again, so it was over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5th_arrondissement_of_Paris">5th arrondissement</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluny_Museum">Cluny Museum</a>, famous for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lady_and_the_Unicorn">unicorn tapestries</a>. Loved 'em, although it was a little perilous for me because they keep the lights very dim to prevent further fading of the colors. One painting depicted an impossible musical trio - harp, lute and shawm! We left and moved past the ruins of the Roman baths on our way to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_and_Company_%28bookshop%29">Shakespeare & Company</a>, but we discovered a much better English-language bookshop nearby. Abbey Books is a real hole-in-the-wall with so many books crammed into it that you generally have to move around sideways.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFwYJStyXsSbDz8pNEA5Z-rY2SQnwklp3rfqwBN4YQrEFZDxKjaYtN8HkI67qyBoEO2Y-S5gY72fiZY0nGl-fXcK5SMfN1uyo2r2no61r_Z1DFifNhz3rGdLSWkzhMX81QrgP1kIcybw/s1600/416-Cluny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFwYJStyXsSbDz8pNEA5Z-rY2SQnwklp3rfqwBN4YQrEFZDxKjaYtN8HkI67qyBoEO2Y-S5gY72fiZY0nGl-fXcK5SMfN1uyo2r2no61r_Z1DFifNhz3rGdLSWkzhMX81QrgP1kIcybw/s320/416-Cluny.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King David & friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSrGL8khdYsjr4e0gyu8qrWs41giECaQuWhUwT0LhHkzcH6Z0yqjjomqIoAJyGM-h0CqJGjKrJjAkx3Cg1x0ov4uZiRh7BbjFiPLCxj_1fxMcVZ656b328sudhCzbiuD1g43Ig_5XdY4/s1600/413-Abbey+Bookshop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSrGL8khdYsjr4e0gyu8qrWs41giECaQuWhUwT0LhHkzcH6Z0yqjjomqIoAJyGM-h0CqJGjKrJjAkx3Cg1x0ov4uZiRh7BbjFiPLCxj_1fxMcVZ656b328sudhCzbiuD1g43Ig_5XdY4/s320/413-Abbey+Bookshop.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbey Books</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I think I am up to Saturday, when our adventure was a boat cruise out along the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_de_l%27Ourcq">Ourcq Canal</a> and back. The cost for the 1.5 to 2 hour trip was one euro each way, obviously heavily subsidized, There was a lot of zazzy new apartment construction at the start - clearly a chic place to live. Then we passed through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_de_la_Villette">Parc de la Villette</a>, which, with its modern architecture, seemed worth a visit. But then we passed through a heavily-graffitied industrial area with even a shantytown along the banks. We eventually found ourselves being carried through suburbia, where we were deposited. We'd hoped to stop for a meal at this point, but the 'burb was barren of anything but houses. So we took the first fast boat back and had our meal near the Stalingrad metro stop. We didn't get away from the boring end station, though, without having to fill out that modern curse, the customer satisfaction survey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e2hectYTWfazY4TCublXUpFnqWF0Qdtf1IbQJzHDoGE9wBl1-Rz87ajc5Jz-b_etRajrNZk0CW_QYJKC_N3ZfN4KZMacOw4PECilwomgVd2-W5AWiPdRndTVZw_8IRupzvmU50oxttI/s1600/421-Lock+closes+behind+us.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e2hectYTWfazY4TCublXUpFnqWF0Qdtf1IbQJzHDoGE9wBl1-Rz87ajc5Jz-b_etRajrNZk0CW_QYJKC_N3ZfN4KZMacOw4PECilwomgVd2-W5AWiPdRndTVZw_8IRupzvmU50oxttI/s320/421-Lock+closes+behind+us.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ourcq canal, chic apartments</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMt3Ohyphenhyphenm_0IEeVWSZoV5wF0BN_KoYeIC0_2xMi25uj8MnxHzTaLXpAENEeAyJrGMhF1Yysd5weQWJra4Ah76g3WQNqdivJFg1pv0kuKn4t2AVR8vJycX3rsaGmpByNeafKfIFGNPkAkQ/s1600/424-Geode+at+Parc+de+la+Villette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMt3Ohyphenhyphenm_0IEeVWSZoV5wF0BN_KoYeIC0_2xMi25uj8MnxHzTaLXpAENEeAyJrGMhF1Yysd5weQWJra4Ah76g3WQNqdivJFg1pv0kuKn4t2AVR8vJycX3rsaGmpByNeafKfIFGNPkAkQ/s320/424-Geode+at+Parc+de+la+Villette.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geode, Parc de la Villette</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOlBLC37Z9upLrK1jZ__fAjplFGae5A6JRirGyx8etae2MK3eOkiVXaupRdqWhGVwU_HlXOySPKbsSVTxkS8sp4JlKDwnk6E04FLbu6uMqrguxvAe9NY8pbSSGvYFmg97HU2y8lOstgg/s1600/429-Rescue+soon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOlBLC37Z9upLrK1jZ__fAjplFGae5A6JRirGyx8etae2MK3eOkiVXaupRdqWhGVwU_HlXOySPKbsSVTxkS8sp4JlKDwnk6E04FLbu6uMqrguxvAe9NY8pbSSGvYFmg97HU2y8lOstgg/s320/429-Rescue+soon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ourcq Canal, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aulnay-sous-Bois">Aulnay sous Bois</a> suburb</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table> First Sunday of the month museums are free. We picked the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on,_Paris">Pantheon</a> as likely to be less congested. Surprise, not free! It wasn't worth the 8 euros each to us, so we admired the monumental building from the outside, and also its setting in a monumental square, On one side an old-looking church, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Etienne_du_Mont">St-Etienne du Mont</a>, but we weren't allowed in during mass. So down the Rue Soufflot to the Luxembourg garden and all the way along its panhandle to the north, where we found a few wonders: a remarkable <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institut_d%27art_et_d%27arch%C3%A9ologie">1920s building</a> and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontaine_de_l%27Observatoire">heroic fountain</a>. By foot then back to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain-des-Pr%C3%A9s">St-Germain des Pres</a> and the #86 bus back home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDOB4a1ucQvwoDeEGwaDGEAYXDxU_PEDFciz2xdQk_PfoBOG9OzWAhz2knjSYS6OSt6hc1ZRJQJ1t_XTvW93UWTW9C0JFTmzomyMC_B6mE9FrSf7f7kwnA2Xyh9XWkRPhdo25I6ix_os/s1600/432-St-Etienne+du+Mont.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDOB4a1ucQvwoDeEGwaDGEAYXDxU_PEDFciz2xdQk_PfoBOG9OzWAhz2knjSYS6OSt6hc1ZRJQJ1t_XTvW93UWTW9C0JFTmzomyMC_B6mE9FrSf7f7kwnA2Xyh9XWkRPhdo25I6ix_os/s320/432-St-Etienne+du+Mont.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Etienne_du_Mont">St-Etienne du Mont,</a> by the Pantheon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue Soufflot, Sorbonne area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r0qGiUqYGEZTcrF6TPRm5qw2DG9JPmuJWmq-GcL2K90AfXdPcssQ-__1S1Hro1Aagdl9trXHUijZGDhM4BQLStTixRZVDyLOtkyfGo2WfIJcdefIGwxzZmXYAoD-lwHOg0Ai64FdzOg/s1600/435-More+sailboats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r0qGiUqYGEZTcrF6TPRm5qw2DG9JPmuJWmq-GcL2K90AfXdPcssQ-__1S1Hro1Aagdl9trXHUijZGDhM4BQLStTixRZVDyLOtkyfGo2WfIJcdefIGwxzZmXYAoD-lwHOg0Ai64FdzOg/s320/435-More+sailboats.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luxembourg Garden, rented sailboats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7mzeAZNF6XmpBEXS3weNRiq6vDC9Du2r9pNQ6hK-7LZm5NUb0GWv2g1DUZ7xh1yMj_eM5h6G6_pDyqnesnRfAQo3WCdTqAgr8-tgOLHYqPxKBqiCh10EnFSeqMAKZf2UQ81xhk0qxkU/s1600/436-Yoga+class+at+Luxembourg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7mzeAZNF6XmpBEXS3weNRiq6vDC9Du2r9pNQ6hK-7LZm5NUb0GWv2g1DUZ7xh1yMj_eM5h6G6_pDyqnesnRfAQo3WCdTqAgr8-tgOLHYqPxKBqiCh10EnFSeqMAKZf2UQ81xhk0qxkU/s320/436-Yoga+class+at+Luxembourg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga class in Luxembourg Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institut_d%27art_et_d%27arch%C3%A9ologie">Inst, of Art & Archaeology</a>, U. Paris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luxembourg panhandle, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontaine_de_l%27Observatoire">Observatory Fountain</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next day, a Monday with Carolee at school, I went on a private adventure and went<br />
around Paris on the two semicircular lines, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Metro_Line_6">#6</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Metro_Line_2">#2</a>. The southern line, #6, is largely elevated, so I took it for the view. The two passages over the Seine were rather good, if brief, but the views along most of the line were of uninteresting apartment buildings. Walked from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_l%27%C3%89toile">Etoile</a> to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_Monceau">Parc Monceau </a>and enjoyed a longish ramble there, then went down to the #2 line. Alas, the only elevated section was by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalingrad_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Stalingrad</a> stop, which I'd already seen a couple of days earlier.<br />
Tuesday Carolee was again at school but I wanted a rest and hoped to hear from Wendy Greene, who would arrive sometime that day (an air controller strike at Munich didn't stop her flight, as it turned out). I must have read the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Irving">John Irving</a> novel I bought at Abbey Books.<br />
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</tbody></table>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-82752360263711164462011-08-07T10:45:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:15:25.575-08:00Week VII, halfwayWere we slowing down at this point? Not right away! Museum visits take a certain amount of gumption, and we opted for an all-walking day to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnavalet_Museum">Carnavalet Museum</a> maybe a bit more than a kilometer from home. The museum, which is free, has collections of the history of the city of Paris. These run from prehistoric times to maybe the end of the 19th century. The emphasis is on the 18th and 19th centuries. The ancien regime is represented amply with numerous rooms, walls and furniture of the wealthy. But enough was enough and we moved on to the most interesting period, the revolution and the couple of decades following its first year. There was plenty of representations of the political ferment of the time, including guillotining. Scientific activity was hot at the time, and we saw the introduction for practicality of decimal measures, including some which didn't survive, like decimal hours. The building plus its gardens was a big hit as well. The trip out and back included stops in our favorite <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_des_Vosges">Place des Vosges</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz dudes at Bastille</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power washing a fountain at Place des Vosges</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee de Carnavelet garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The next day, with Carolee in school, I explored, letting the #87 bus take me to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_de_Mars">Champ de Mars</a>. It was familiar ground by now, but I wanted to walk under the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower">Eiffel Tower</a> again through the throngs of tourists and over the bridge and up along the grand paths that lead to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trocad%C3%A9ro">Trocadero</a>. There were plenty of us sharing what I think is the world's most impressive view, of the tower across the river. Come to think of it, Paris has a great number of really impressive views, and not by accident. Feeling up to it, I left the impressive view and walked up the not-so-impressive <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_Kl%C3%A9ber">Avenue Kleber</a> to the (impressive) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe">Arc de Triomphe</a>, Napoleon's greatest monument to himself. Not done yet, I walked down the length of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champs_Elysees">Champs Elysees</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde">Concorde</a>. Legs now wearing out, I made a cursory inspection of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde">Place de la Concorde</a>, then ducked down to the #8 Metro and home.<br />
The next day, a Friday, we decided was the day for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle">Sainte Chapelle</a>. The Metro took us almost to the entrance, and we decided to see the Conciergerie as well on a double ticket to avoid a long line. Actually, it was my cane that brought us in ahead of a medium line. The lower chapel has really beautiful gothic stonework, all painted in primary colors. A spiral stone staircase took us up to the main chapel with its gorgeous stained glass. Now Rick Steves' book recommended an overcast day to see the stained glass at its best. This we had, but both Carolee and I had been there before on bright days, and it was way better. Another failure for Rick Steves. Instead of an altar there was an Italian harpsichord all bundled up, waiting for a high-priced evening concert of the Four Seasons.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower St Chapelle, painted columns</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower St Chapelle, painted ceiling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lD60Q2iWPgJDm4mRx0lPZXb2D1Gx6tn-BCLaidXdWTDilrZgQYABGfl2GeuWhPH_bpcaDGC9TVErjTaGX0N5NKnM9zait5X5wjvY5J_jesr19LFjNgfzlqFqghW1005jekVY2AKjHgs/s1600/373-Sainte-Chapelle-upper+chapel+for+the+king.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lD60Q2iWPgJDm4mRx0lPZXb2D1Gx6tn-BCLaidXdWTDilrZgQYABGfl2GeuWhPH_bpcaDGC9TVErjTaGX0N5NKnM9zait5X5wjvY5J_jesr19LFjNgfzlqFqghW1005jekVY2AKjHgs/s320/373-Sainte-Chapelle-upper+chapel+for+the+king.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper St Chapelle, stained glass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zc2xAf2nbWGW6GTWjsJXqUtWshemYg3kURsJfoX4emckm5X5Nr6hnSkAxKH60iHK0hR1auxnfoGNPb6hLpIaU-_3n2Xl5HGu1SrQuH7iSnB-mOFaUPMDsIAvenjVcZ8D-_KdiOjmUY8/s1600/377-Italian+harpsichord.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zc2xAf2nbWGW6GTWjsJXqUtWshemYg3kURsJfoX4emckm5X5Nr6hnSkAxKH60iHK0hR1auxnfoGNPb6hLpIaU-_3n2Xl5HGu1SrQuH7iSnB-mOFaUPMDsIAvenjVcZ8D-_KdiOjmUY8/s320/377-Italian+harpsichord.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper St-Chapelle, harpsichord as altar</td></tr>
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</tbody></table>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conciergerie">Conciergerie</a> gave a good impression of the early days of justice on the island. Maybe you had to read French - I can't remember. Highlights were again focused on the victims of the revolution, including a reconstruction of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette">Marie Antoinette's</a> cell. She seems to have been an earlier <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Di">Lady Di</a> - there was a chapel dedicated to her built by a later <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Louis_XVIII">King Louis</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conciergerie, 4-nave medieval hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Once again we walked back. Our path took us along the Quai des Orfevres across to the left bank, where we had a Lebanese lunch and visited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_and_Company_%28bookshop%29">Shakespeare & Company</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare & Company, outside</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp3GW2qsG59jIe7-W7sU0AheaCBHwI5C-r6kNUZ8PX57sw_E9KQJHqi1Dczus7WUb4ZN_3Gll4q2Qe2mGkbon3vlAajETYftuHZnqhsaxNmv_P7_-zYdlaGe9BQwtngLj4Qw7LIpknOo/s320/383-Duane-a+little+fuzzy.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare & Company, inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp3GW2qsG59jIe7-W7sU0AheaCBHwI5C-r6kNUZ8PX57sw_E9KQJHqi1Dczus7WUb4ZN_3Gll4q2Qe2mGkbon3vlAajETYftuHZnqhsaxNmv_P7_-zYdlaGe9BQwtngLj4Qw7LIpknOo/s1600/383-Duane-a+little+fuzzy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Shakespeare & Company, outside</a></div> At the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_Saint-Martin">St-Martin Canal</a>, a fully duded-up Honda.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh879EzQJCY81ELEyn0qbBsg4iljV359WYEoGQCbs39Rg9JZ7cKixgY4gFirVvudm-b9_QlPDf-G1Yt-NkNfzGsPzOLSrmGQgn3CF0JGw6EIaqaB_yYJ69WgW1YKgpSgwkbzAy36d2PENY/s1600/385-for+Rafi-not+many+bikes+like+this+here.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh879EzQJCY81ELEyn0qbBsg4iljV359WYEoGQCbs39Rg9JZ7cKixgY4gFirVvudm-b9_QlPDf-G1Yt-NkNfzGsPzOLSrmGQgn3CF0JGw6EIaqaB_yYJ69WgW1YKgpSgwkbzAy36d2PENY/s320/385-for+Rafi-not+many+bikes+like+this+here.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked Honda by St-Martin Canal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After a few days of hard slogging, we opted for a short, easy outing to our favorite <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_des_Vosges">Place des Vosges</a> and a free visit to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Hugo">Victor Hugo</a> house. Not exactly a house, it was a large flat in one of the fine pavilions surrounding the square. My cane bought us entree to an elevator up to the third floor. My God, was that place awful. The memorabilia on the walls were interesting, but the rooms, in the finest 19th century taste, were oppressively dark and over-ornate, and the furniture, all authentic, had the same deadly character. One room was ornamented in Chinese style, and this was at least a bit lighter and more amusing. On the walk back we spotted a woman who had stepped out from a beauty salon treatment for a smoke and a telephone call. Some nerve.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Hugo's flat, two floors up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty, cigarette and cell phone</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Again opting for an easy day, we took a bus to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_Rodin">Rodin Museum</a> and paid one euro each for entry into the garden, This is a large and fine French garden with plenty of Rodin's statues. We had the relaxed time we had sought, smelling the roses and reposing at the end of the garden. The house itself was quite beautiful, and modest by the standards of the 18th century aristocracy. We hadn't been happy with the bus ride (#69, recommended by Rick Steves, but crowded and jerky) so on leaving we crossed over the front of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Invalides">Hotel des Invalides</a> to the Metro at the tiny Place <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Allende">Salvador Allende</a>, and home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodin's house and garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodin's garden, shrubbery and roses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreZ9yfV-dh9h2aGzKstz_YoUI2MvnrJZERNngV6WtXcBvVmIWffc2pPVil667-CJfBLK0zcgoNiLdYCf_H3loh6-otUZvuXeGSoSxbdLuWwsM0GHHSUxODiznAHG-AJiC0E0Lr_HED4s/s1600/397-Eiffel+tower+artistically.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreZ9yfV-dh9h2aGzKstz_YoUI2MvnrJZERNngV6WtXcBvVmIWffc2pPVil667-CJfBLK0zcgoNiLdYCf_H3loh6-otUZvuXeGSoSxbdLuWwsM0GHHSUxODiznAHG-AJiC0E0Lr_HED4s/s320/397-Eiffel+tower+artistically.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower from near the Invalides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUWzguIzw6XpXJHuq40ZJ6xWZzvOa7XCGyHJpWaha3USCpsaMmBaxmux2FQSoF-Bs9noVesUAnGxUVZfx0jVNCAkOSz3qEAACI_zRhL0-EkhJCzotp0NiA8nxXnG2MzFiY9Zcvg_dc_o/s1600/401-Hotel+des+Invalides.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUWzguIzw6XpXJHuq40ZJ6xWZzvOa7XCGyHJpWaha3USCpsaMmBaxmux2FQSoF-Bs9noVesUAnGxUVZfx0jVNCAkOSz3qEAACI_zRhL0-EkhJCzotp0NiA8nxXnG2MzFiY9Zcvg_dc_o/s320/401-Hotel+des+Invalides.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Hospital des Invalides, more pointy shrubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The next day, with Carolee gone off to school, I decided to explore the one direction from home I hadn't tried, so I walked to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Nation">Place de la Nation</a> and back, noting how similar small-scale commerce was all along it. I have, however, found other areas which are empty of this small-scale commerce, so the gimp's utopia that I have found Paris to be is not the case everywhere. In general, the commerce is found on busy roads through the less-wealthy parts of town. Picking up a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguette">baguette</a> on the way back I had to reflect that Carolee and I have become addicted to this French bread. We've bought from five local bakeries and have our favorites now. The worst I've had was the pricey baguette I picked up on the Avenue Kleber near the Arc de Triomphe. We're told the French don't eat their bread with butter, but that's another addiction for us.<br />
The last day in this reporting period was a day of rest. Went out only for groceries.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-4424144087533469732011-08-01T03:36:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:23:19.649-08:00Week VI, Tour de FranceThis week starts with a second visit to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Lachaise_Cemetery">Pere Lachaise Cemetery</a> to see some celebrity tombs that we were too worn out to see last time around. We took the bus to Place <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambetta_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Gambetta</a> and entered the level section at the top of the cemetery.<br />
First off, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wilde">Oscar Wilde</a>. He doesn't quite have the cachet of a rock star like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Morrison">Jim Morrison</a>, so his tomb is unguarded, with the result that it is heavily covered with scribblings and lipstick prints. Quite a tomb for a guy who died in poverty! Also in this area are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Stein">Gertrude Stein</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_B._Toklas">Alice B Toklas</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Signoret">Simone Signoret</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yves_Montand">Yves Montand</a>. These were easy to find. A little time in the Columbarium led us to the niche containing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isadora_Duncan">Isadora Duncan</a>. We had to step around a movie crew.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar Wilde's tomb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQw8c9hG2FXAbndDxyTtKkqmlddiWGr9aW8JZD9AguNzoHz08Xq_HCsq0mLyPKJibUAlXs7kgEbmfkxR8KZ8rOi_8OhJZGOnSsIBE5KlCsJJONrEwiD6Keyg0PaSOThmBOPPPVCysag8/s1600/324-Filming+in+Pere+Lachaise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQw8c9hG2FXAbndDxyTtKkqmlddiWGr9aW8JZD9AguNzoHz08Xq_HCsq0mLyPKJibUAlXs7kgEbmfkxR8KZ8rOi_8OhJZGOnSsIBE5KlCsJJONrEwiD6Keyg0PaSOThmBOPPPVCysag8/s320/324-Filming+in+Pere+Lachaise.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew filming</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgsf7Pm8tH5ztsS9ntolEqIVWWRBIQyklXFb14jmYj1hD-Il-U6EPiojSoxwV8Wg_wa3v4Kl4BqEPhT0_c3nNrPNw6RvDJYAbsivAx0yCrF2Imn_JiQoVZ_ccs_yZmz-S6ghrEwBsQR4/s1600/325-Columbarium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgsf7Pm8tH5ztsS9ntolEqIVWWRBIQyklXFb14jmYj1hD-Il-U6EPiojSoxwV8Wg_wa3v4Kl4BqEPhT0_c3nNrPNw6RvDJYAbsivAx0yCrF2Imn_JiQoVZ_ccs_yZmz-S6ghrEwBsQR4/s320/325-Columbarium.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbarium</td></tr>
</tbody></table> At home we had a little excitement when firemen showed up and broke into an apartment across the street. here was no fire, so it may have been a medical rescue. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nvQgFWeyZTYypNBNgGkpyxkdFng1S_59eE_HcootmbtBX3MuV-viXfK2_OcBj7T0VXgZZQwq7gpfcFDwweIuRHQvUD3c-4vixg0d1iZrtA-ca_ApMZAIBrBxbTe0alIXVvQJG2FRXqU/s1600/327-pompiers+on+the+job.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nvQgFWeyZTYypNBNgGkpyxkdFng1S_59eE_HcootmbtBX3MuV-viXfK2_OcBj7T0VXgZZQwq7gpfcFDwweIuRHQvUD3c-4vixg0d1iZrtA-ca_ApMZAIBrBxbTe0alIXVvQJG2FRXqU/s320/327-pompiers+on+the+job.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rescue operation?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next day's adventure was to the top of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmartre">Montmartre</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacre_Coeur_Cathedral">Sacre Coeur</a>. The metro stop at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_Rouge_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Chateau Rouge</a> deposited us in the African part of Paris. The climb up a couple of streets didn't seem too bad, but then we encountered stairs, and more stairs, and more stairs to get up to the church. The weather was fortunately cool. Entering the basilica itself through a crowd and no hand rails required some delicate balancing. Ditto for the descent. Views of Paris were quite grand. A jaunt over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_du_Tertre">Place du Tertre</a> cured us of ever wanting to see it again - jam packed with crowds and schlocky art for sale. A walk down the <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_Louise-Michel">grand staircase</a> was out of the question, given the presence of a funicular. The walk from the base of the funicular to the nearest Metro stop was also a slog through endless tourist schlock. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyVYZtRhAgkJCSDmIcj7-wXuwWkoPbcYbuBDziNpWJNDTURDrv3a2jlfWPBHkqjZ6cRC47dcRCe4pRaact11mfdQQQouBw5KXq2ZDvUoqlCtQx6FkYkxMoFxrs_Ej8TPtY88R8TKSNgg/s1600/328-Duane+climbing+stairs+to+Sacre+Coeur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyVYZtRhAgkJCSDmIcj7-wXuwWkoPbcYbuBDziNpWJNDTURDrv3a2jlfWPBHkqjZ6cRC47dcRCe4pRaact11mfdQQQouBw5KXq2ZDvUoqlCtQx6FkYkxMoFxrs_Ej8TPtY88R8TKSNgg/s320/328-Duane+climbing+stairs+to+Sacre+Coeur.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of seven flights of stairs to Sacre Coeur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98rKT-VvUzkXHu8cKG8URxJFrg3AKP4zcoaML7-j0Nr0KpB5uSlZm2iX6a7ySi2Ti7aGuBuF_2KLAX92nx17pDEbcppsmL46k5f3E6wzqAnGm9i1Pz274rdyvxVZfAtYjbdgEICjsGVc/s1600/332-From+Sacre+Coeur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98rKT-VvUzkXHu8cKG8URxJFrg3AKP4zcoaML7-j0Nr0KpB5uSlZm2iX6a7ySi2Ti7aGuBuF_2KLAX92nx17pDEbcppsmL46k5f3E6wzqAnGm9i1Pz274rdyvxVZfAtYjbdgEICjsGVc/s320/332-From+Sacre+Coeur.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris from the top of Montmartre</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next day we braved a museum. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_Marmottan_Monet">Marmottan</a>, way over in the 16th, has plenty of impressionist art, primarily by Monet. We came early, and the museum is out of the way of most tourists, so we had a pleasant uncrowded visit without too much climbing of stairs. The building and its interiors are preserved in their 19th century state, and a pleasant garden could be seen from many windows. Well, we were right next to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bois_de_Boulogne">Bois de Boulogne</a>, so I had to go into it. The Bois has many attractions but is very large so on foot we saw very little of it. We were constrained to end up at a metro stop not too far away, so we saw a bit of a charming lake, then trudged a mile or so along wooded paths to to Metro at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porte_Maillot_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Porte Maillot</a>. Near the metro we passed through a charming <a href="http://www.paris-en-photos.com/photos/paris-16/square-alexandre-rene-parodi/01.php">little park</a> dedicated to WWII resistance fighters. Outings into the Bois would be better from bus stops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XyGdxaoIsfNhWsvj1sHqixAh6d9kE4CSedtb3z84dyyUDEh78xqfFkiwkdYbBFruRI-cS0nIFKfRt2B7c0etdxpqpJUIGbl_chn-IbmkwQudNJewB0Jxdc1nGpCY-kuyAdXvginiUho/s1600/335-Bois+de+Boulogne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XyGdxaoIsfNhWsvj1sHqixAh6d9kE4CSedtb3z84dyyUDEh78xqfFkiwkdYbBFruRI-cS0nIFKfRt2B7c0etdxpqpJUIGbl_chn-IbmkwQudNJewB0Jxdc1nGpCY-kuyAdXvginiUho/s320/335-Bois+de+Boulogne.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake in Bois de Boulogne</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next day we vowed to do an easy walk, so we chose a little exploration in the left bank. In a passage near the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Od%C3%A9on_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Odeon</a> we ran across <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Procope">Cafe Procope</a>, which, in spite of its present name, was the first in the world to call itself a restaurant. After a coffee, we were restored to the point that, what the hell, we'd walk home. There was some rain, but this showed off Carolee's orange umbrella to advantage. Crossing the river we noted the not very auspicious opening day of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Procope">Paris Plage</a>, which is a sort of beach set up along the Seine every summer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's first and oldest restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over coffee, looking like a zany ecclesiastical</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HUb-Z80eCnS1F1K5hZ-KCKt6P2PHpIxlHH55nWbjJPL8RF4cS7BXkSrNUOdHY4a5PVkVvWDwahETSzLwbTx4VXmoLwhwMC77oYA8zCUb1m3BH8EtYzae472IxvndJuHgXfGlxVEexoA/s1600/344-CK+at+Notre+Dame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HUb-Z80eCnS1F1K5hZ-KCKt6P2PHpIxlHH55nWbjJPL8RF4cS7BXkSrNUOdHY4a5PVkVvWDwahETSzLwbTx4VXmoLwhwMC77oYA8zCUb1m3BH8EtYzae472IxvndJuHgXfGlxVEexoA/s320/344-CK+at+Notre+Dame.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame and Carolee a l'orange</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00rB_D9DejvsOCE9r_0dI2tpGR_6SLcIKBSsyh_aMU7Ms7UoWVLtI88bYhBcNTtKK7oVv5NTzGWUpKlWsR73vgl_pSq_wH_XwmhQlkkduZnLxYOy2dNWs4dF5EYIQ4lhzLx5GtkYQ8hs/s1600/345-Part+of+Paris+Plage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00rB_D9DejvsOCE9r_0dI2tpGR_6SLcIKBSsyh_aMU7Ms7UoWVLtI88bYhBcNTtKK7oVv5NTzGWUpKlWsR73vgl_pSq_wH_XwmhQlkkduZnLxYOy2dNWs4dF5EYIQ4lhzLx5GtkYQ8hs/s320/345-Part+of+Paris+Plage.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening day of Paris Plage</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Still hoping for an easy day, we took the Metro to the 6th to relax on a Sunday in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_Garden">Luxembourg Garden</a>. We didn't muster up enough energy to cruise down and back the park's beautiful southern extension, the Avenue de l'Observatoire. So we took a picture. Rehydrating with some expensive water, we walked along the eastern part of the Garden, where we caught a fine view of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on,_Paris">Pantheon</a>. Exiting north, we passed by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre_de_l%27Od%C3%A9on">Theatre de l'Odeon</a> on our way to the Metro at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Michel_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Saint Miche</a>l. Here we ran into enormous crowds, and it finally dawned on us that they were assembled to see the end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_de_France">Tour de France</a>. Furthermore, the metro was blocked off (safety reasons, we think) and we quickly realized that there was no way to get across the Seine until the race had passed by. So we relaxed in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_Viviani-Montebello">Square Viviani</a> just across from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre_Dame_de_Paris">Notre Dame</a> and became spectators of the Tour de France. Our timing was lucky, because things were starting to happen. First came many, many support vans carrying bicycles. Official vehicles and police were mixed in. Finally a roar from the crowd told us the main pack of riders were near: 5 seconds and they had already passed by. Then came some of the stragglers, who were met with cries of "Courage, courage." Support vehicles continued to pass by, also more stragglers, and finally ordinary people who were following along on their bicycles. In a minute or two the police removed the metal barricades and we were free to cross. What the hell, we walked home again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luxembourg Garden, sunny</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfjSk3P8nv4tqU2ZWeO0yY0-EcDVvYs30YnK_nkNahneQ2nFn35nPpWkmeFZPmohPTUXxA3gAHbrCTHaQzqfTFQ15e8M4a8F-U19RD-By3x3mGm3U76cdVozuAcCwbdPxx1yJ1SJdpfg/s1600/347-l%2527Observatoire+de+Paris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfjSk3P8nv4tqU2ZWeO0yY0-EcDVvYs30YnK_nkNahneQ2nFn35nPpWkmeFZPmohPTUXxA3gAHbrCTHaQzqfTFQ15e8M4a8F-U19RD-By3x3mGm3U76cdVozuAcCwbdPxx1yJ1SJdpfg/s320/347-l%2527Observatoire+de+Paris.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avenue de l'Observatoire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ozbKI90f2Fa_DBrXJ_fFdqhvh6ZP2YKuZCP09vERrMIDh9OV8Ic-Jpm6pxb4fQm_GC8hk2qGxxfab5qPXJCPszl-QS2Xdq7IfQT1KAFFW8QrMHcN5TsNxUeS-2rLDBkhODUrxXICFA/s1600/350-Sculpture+d%2527un+acteur+et+le+Pantheon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ozbKI90f2Fa_DBrXJ_fFdqhvh6ZP2YKuZCP09vERrMIDh9OV8Ic-Jpm6pxb4fQm_GC8hk2qGxxfab5qPXJCPszl-QS2Xdq7IfQT1KAFFW8QrMHcN5TsNxUeS-2rLDBkhODUrxXICFA/s320/350-Sculpture+d%2527un+acteur+et+le+Pantheon.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon, Statue of Greek actor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWusQbva-f47QYWTn7yLmMjJc6ryRnTFBtfV2O7xM_KXtwV-8MlJXfwUNR5zKFcqwAEWZbyC98zGpIJS86WGdBSDlBVxmLRNwq0JYt-BWCkuIph4yE4_lVMGSxkVmbkEyyOhZsNmkjSw/s1600/353-Theatre+de+l%2527Odeon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWusQbva-f47QYWTn7yLmMjJc6ryRnTFBtfV2O7xM_KXtwV-8MlJXfwUNR5zKFcqwAEWZbyC98zGpIJS86WGdBSDlBVxmLRNwq0JYt-BWCkuIph4yE4_lVMGSxkVmbkEyyOhZsNmkjSw/s320/353-Theatre+de+l%2527Odeon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theatre de l'Odeon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5IfLpUWcj6rueaCb8xMCLcO72frUOMzGEG24zObNPc02-DKRlId91jVe7D0rJGk5njqGF-DgR34o8prouEdazqfz2rMZZZiX7Y3jTRkdINUn9w873fXLqkwAJjPhltSBfTIcgWleSCU/s1600/354-Waiting+for+le+peleton-Tour+de+France.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5IfLpUWcj6rueaCb8xMCLcO72frUOMzGEG24zObNPc02-DKRlId91jVe7D0rJGk5njqGF-DgR34o8prouEdazqfz2rMZZZiX7Y3jTRkdINUn9w873fXLqkwAJjPhltSBfTIcgWleSCU/s320/354-Waiting+for+le+peleton-Tour+de+France.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectators of the Tour de France, final leg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next day I rested, Carolee found, in her exploration, a monument to the establishment of the standard unit of length, the meter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd1lqUFHAB6hiNhxFA45ieZqJA_g3-hsos0DT9QaOMotN0iJGll3Xp9mGKlslHo4nT4ymvzp_PQkVyilkaDnhfUzpzv1SiK8oxzz1_zYli6juEfSxpMA-E4LXU4SIC0it7xga1rCrlP4/s1600/359-Systeme+metrique.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd1lqUFHAB6hiNhxFA45ieZqJA_g3-hsos0DT9QaOMotN0iJGll3Xp9mGKlslHo4nT4ymvzp_PQkVyilkaDnhfUzpzv1SiK8oxzz1_zYli6juEfSxpMA-E4LXU4SIC0it7xga1rCrlP4/s320/359-Systeme+metrique.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque commemorating establishment of the meter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf69MRdCjri5hyphenhyphennEiCsZrDC2JknEjsYX-K0warj-aIO-fgkGt1WnXY5FKIASqyi7Af6g_gJFDj1CBjEKoXT2OTjscgsJI4fr-9Rfwwz48R2uo9i4Nz7qxwmyTd6qDiEeuL9b8MjioHZc/s1600/360-Metre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf69MRdCjri5hyphenhyphennEiCsZrDC2JknEjsYX-K0warj-aIO-fgkGt1WnXY5FKIASqyi7Af6g_gJFDj1CBjEKoXT2OTjscgsJI4fr-9Rfwwz48R2uo9i4Nz7qxwmyTd6qDiEeuL9b8MjioHZc/s320/360-Metre.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meter itself</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next day, still taking it easy, I nevertheless walked along the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_plant%C3%A9e">Promenade Plantee</a> to take a couple of photos of the remarkable cornice of a building. I believe they copied Michelangelo's Slave.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slaves, view from right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2q8Or3V-W8IAdJEy1DwqrocIfZwlPGVWD0Y7BiPkoZa79dBWI9QVAZ7FVwejFbwze7RAlDBX6e33CpC4Scbb_soWOKE0_psD8BAhA0jMrHZ8QERqVZJY0CcRiULsjMoCCliQRMkRD8s/s1600/362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2q8Or3V-W8IAdJEy1DwqrocIfZwlPGVWD0Y7BiPkoZa79dBWI9QVAZ7FVwejFbwze7RAlDBX6e33CpC4Scbb_soWOKE0_psD8BAhA0jMrHZ8QERqVZJY0CcRiULsjMoCCliQRMkRD8s/s320/362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slaves, view from left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-89127816215478280072011-07-27T02:46:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:25:47.111-08:00Week V, celebration & light adventuresOK, This period starts off with Thursday July 14th, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day">Bastille Day</a>. We were a bit disappointed to find that nothing was taking place this day at the Place de la Bastille. Going to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day_Military_Parade">military parade</a> along the Champs Elysee seemed out of the question because of likely crowds and a lot of walking (public transport, as well as roads, is shut off near the parade). So we watched it on television. It went on for a while, with every imaginable military, paramilitary, quasi-military and veterans group present. A reviewing stand had been set up in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde">Place de la Concorde</a>, and we had to admire Sarkozy's fortitude in continuing to look serious, patriotic and interested throughout the long review.<br />
The main evening event was fireworks by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower">Eiffel Tower</a> at 11 pm. Again, we thought it inadvisable to go and watch at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_de_Mars">Champ de Mars</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invalides">Invalides</a>, so we did some scouting and settled on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_de_Sully">Pont de Sully</a>. This spot had a good, if distant, view and was within walking distance from the apartment. We joined a small crowd there just before 11 and got a good view of the show. The tricouleur, blue, white and red, was featured, as might have been expected. I was reminded of watching 4th of July fireworks from our hill in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solana_Beach,_California">Solana Beach</a>, and the heavy crowds there. No pictures this time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7eX0K0NyRORy_enLMM18NDZ5q9I4hNMHK5zAqrAUs7DIZwHrU3xslFuwJHReLC5dBn4s-TY4FHtb1y7ECBlRT-wHOpY0pXrw3CQVr7hDtZ4Qi52nsOmS_ubU-UmSCI1MUnzWiKZLaR0/s1600/295-Musee+d%2527Orsay+as+ad+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7eX0K0NyRORy_enLMM18NDZ5q9I4hNMHK5zAqrAUs7DIZwHrU3xslFuwJHReLC5dBn4s-TY4FHtb1y7ECBlRT-wHOpY0pXrw3CQVr7hDtZ4Qi52nsOmS_ubU-UmSCI1MUnzWiKZLaR0/s320/295-Musee+d%2527Orsay+as+ad+space.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee d'Orsay as ad space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Friday we did our first museum visit, to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_d%27Orsay">Orsay</a>. After making several attempts to get up to the third floor where the good impressionist art is, we finally learned, after a heated complaint, that it was closed for renovation but that much of the good stuff could be seen on the first floor. Well, you can't see it all anyway, so we were happy enough to see our favorite art in the crowded corridor. Carolee braved the long line at the cafe for me so we could rest with coffee and water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuVuo9GQP2hrfZYMDnVjuacXvVdsu2ZRpWHdk7A7hUaEcagwuwqSdq6MNZRpA7o8PVISMLMgH7RtH6UjQaL6kzoYaMVpoHvLEk6XW0b_o3UqdnQeAnIvrceNarX78Nqw6dLvq545Sq8U/s1600/299-Rides+at+Tuileries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuVuo9GQP2hrfZYMDnVjuacXvVdsu2ZRpWHdk7A7hUaEcagwuwqSdq6MNZRpA7o8PVISMLMgH7RtH6UjQaL6kzoYaMVpoHvLEk6XW0b_o3UqdnQeAnIvrceNarX78Nqw6dLvq545Sq8U/s320/299-Rides+at+Tuileries.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuileries with carnival rides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXTg0E-HfIh4NJWRjxWcwU9tnx2irwtT-O7Lx-UaXgXWENzfmwxKJ49fmGxIgBlfLzMNmqrO6R64wulMPJoeNAYVbpk5tfnQdWAUxnKf9YLw_sHDuwXhN-yJ79-TZTbq1J9IRIaH04KY/s1600/301-looking+toward+the+Louvre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXTg0E-HfIh4NJWRjxWcwU9tnx2irwtT-O7Lx-UaXgXWENzfmwxKJ49fmGxIgBlfLzMNmqrO6R64wulMPJoeNAYVbpk5tfnQdWAUxnKf9YLw_sHDuwXhN-yJ79-TZTbq1J9IRIaH04KY/s320/301-looking+toward+the+Louvre.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuileries, looking toward Louvre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once out, we couldn't resist, even with tired legs, crossing over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passerelle_L%C3%A9opold-S%C3%A9dar-Senghor">Solferino pedestrian bridge</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuileries_Garden">Tuileries Garden</a>. Our stroll, punctuated by short rests, took us past the main pond, through a traveling carnival, and finally down into the very convenient Tuileries Metro stop to Line 1 and back home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShYH19oCypkIbMPB1MB8E6aybX9pDJLr0g37kJPQ2ZjT3-0mrIGaEV_kVw1LzkIjVqMsxQzqkpnMBcSixamQ9u20ZEgb96mB-S8IL2WGkGYPF_9fL4YpNZNgTbAfJjUZh_E1bRDousb8/s1600/302-La+pluie+18+juillet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShYH19oCypkIbMPB1MB8E6aybX9pDJLr0g37kJPQ2ZjT3-0mrIGaEV_kVw1LzkIjVqMsxQzqkpnMBcSixamQ9u20ZEgb96mB-S8IL2WGkGYPF_9fL4YpNZNgTbAfJjUZh_E1bRDousb8/s320/302-La+pluie+18+juillet.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower, soggy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2Gwzu1io5yZ2LnbZTayF_z02VVF4f1NJMCm5QHciiVTo5CcjA-MchAhYkRHoYJUh_L77xXpVIaHF3FO6gf5waXI0DBwvZNhSyqC8QzHqR0BmHLVNMjCNWa7-rEbzzUv1Hlt5Sn3BbGc/s1600/305-La+tour+Eiffel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2Gwzu1io5yZ2LnbZTayF_z02VVF4f1NJMCm5QHciiVTo5CcjA-MchAhYkRHoYJUh_L77xXpVIaHF3FO6gf5waXI0DBwvZNhSyqC8QzHqR0BmHLVNMjCNWa7-rEbzzUv1Hlt5Sn3BbGc/s320/305-La+tour+Eiffel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower, Palais de Chaillot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the rainy Saturday we opted for an easy outing, so it was to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trocad%C3%A9ro_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Trocadero</a> stop and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_de_Chaillot">Palais de Chaillot</a> for the great view of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower">Eiffel Tower</a>. Easy became hard because of the amount of climbing necessary from the Metro line 8 (deep underground) to line 6 (overhead) at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Motte-Picquet_%E2%80%93_Grenelle_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">La Motte Picquet</a>. But the views of the tower and the Seine were terrific from this elevated line. The Trocadero stop discharged us right at the Palais de Chaillot, and from then on the problem was to negotiate broad, wet steps with no handrails anywhere. It nearly came to disaster when an African souvenir vendor, running from the police, nearly pitched me down a flight of steps. Loved it anyway, and we got our pictures like everybody else. Metro back by a different and much more manageable route.<br />
Sunday, still a bit rainy, we opted for an easy trip to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Op%C3%A9ra_Garnier">Opera Garnier</a>. In our neighborhood Carolee noticed a sushi restaurant with a small army of motor scooters for delivery. The opera house itself was as grand as we expected, and the view down the Avenue de l'Opera was a joy. Coming back Carolee, always noticing things, saw that there was a gym above the neighborhood McDonald's, and that it was full of exercising Parisians. From previous visits one never would have expected this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWv7a08xcgu8-IKRiZdYSxP3BgNBfYpkjh-9MjQHt6qXdJIo_cdBw-_m2Qh1kIrdbThXU2Gxv-I6WQiLNt4NbdTcMRUkBOtrSCWhl7i4XLJ6lcAfW43wMbAMtLHFDOZSGdvfJpZOKutE/s1600/306-Sushi+mobile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWv7a08xcgu8-IKRiZdYSxP3BgNBfYpkjh-9MjQHt6qXdJIo_cdBw-_m2Qh1kIrdbThXU2Gxv-I6WQiLNt4NbdTcMRUkBOtrSCWhl7i4XLJ6lcAfW43wMbAMtLHFDOZSGdvfJpZOKutE/s320/306-Sushi+mobile.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi bikes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImwkslwPPvPzWWqukp31Jck1zmKyH4uodg9liQAwM3Uutda2LbFKhEDXJ7dsJ_IB82l6bStLzRCT6stuwRf1lNtP3bbKiWyjqyMyIwpENybVvSz1mx4pyp_t3kv9RBU7HYZxH1tRmYwc/s1600/309-Grand+foyer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImwkslwPPvPzWWqukp31Jck1zmKyH4uodg9liQAwM3Uutda2LbFKhEDXJ7dsJ_IB82l6bStLzRCT6stuwRf1lNtP3bbKiWyjqyMyIwpENybVvSz1mx4pyp_t3kv9RBU7HYZxH1tRmYwc/s320/309-Grand+foyer.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera Garnier, Grand Foyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYawsu2Umk_p8KHh8dhg00uYFdcryWICO7owToqqnlizp50QEvjJsmdpN3Hft7qlKPL5UohiTD9yM0BK3KE8cKDNoxXOE4K6mwF0hcm2pB1eudyuZAieToyMu1KAZyS2Q4Ccztm8MJZ8/s1600/312-Avenue+de+l%2527Opera.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYawsu2Umk_p8KHh8dhg00uYFdcryWICO7owToqqnlizp50QEvjJsmdpN3Hft7qlKPL5UohiTD9yM0BK3KE8cKDNoxXOE4K6mwF0hcm2pB1eudyuZAieToyMu1KAZyS2Q4Ccztm8MJZ8/s320/312-Avenue+de+l%2527Opera.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avenue de l'Opera</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPwtoJDjOpzuuk1KZ7RJCPDKxskoBoKvBUnEpCgIZjUYdvlClbA0e451D5_aznzXoerZM1Ntsjro0a2-FR5rAlk0s51NDOanzn6KuhFDDpDc-_tDc_qQGJCcVOzdtq9PHmn2d9Og8aU0/s1600/318-who+knew-a+gym+above+McDo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPwtoJDjOpzuuk1KZ7RJCPDKxskoBoKvBUnEpCgIZjUYdvlClbA0e451D5_aznzXoerZM1Ntsjro0a2-FR5rAlk0s51NDOanzn6KuhFDDpDc-_tDc_qQGJCcVOzdtq9PHmn2d9Og8aU0/s320/318-who+knew-a+gym+above+McDo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise traks above McDonald's</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Monday and Tuesday Carolee was off to school, and there are no pictures to remind me of whatever we may have done, other than the usual shopping and housekeeping.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-68073432189538483112011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:30:12.100-08:00Week IV, School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQUMH_C0mSIIIxOLimi8U3DgCv2RUs8UbeeNat3jTWHpdZSqZQ0hW_4viQ_wHMnLC1ouXdYMiXd32jGEmdGovmOejhUHEOQpm9Fm4tXZoVnqYqbzQ8XwKHOiRvKvpukKBbeiuu-ywS8E/s1600/271-They%2527re+here%252C+too.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLAGMsFgv3FvkN-mzOtBNM_l2XKi9Y1Y_9y8z0-Nv0F5oIU9qy10MadOoUY3e7f4hYbWvyuZBInLBLb1AmXXOnD-VRVnQ6RnMXGDvlDOVafVjhkYcSAHhiCPfXZtLIgWRgIZ4aKRlis0/s1600/254-Alliance+Francaise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLAGMsFgv3FvkN-mzOtBNM_l2XKi9Y1Y_9y8z0-Nv0F5oIU9qy10MadOoUY3e7f4hYbWvyuZBInLBLb1AmXXOnD-VRVnQ6RnMXGDvlDOVafVjhkYcSAHhiCPfXZtLIgWRgIZ4aKRlis0/s320/254-Alliance+Francaise.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance, Alliance Francaise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was off in Italy for four of these days, so that's not in the scope of this blog. Carolee settled into studying at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alliance_fran%C3%A7aise">Alliance Francaise</a> in the sixth arrondissement, and decompressed by walking home, about three miles. It became a sort of adventure to wind back along different routes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBA7i9JH3VlVxfG34iebgdRxviBYbCcJgU0M4Awsluo8x4-SZckix-XK95183XS9BfdFfFzazqjmX-WSk4iUDfiBThx3WaUQcyQPdy0QcAwqpLpyljuBM87oSNQrFimWIFSKxoqYe4Z0/s1600/257-the+new+and+popular+Bistro+du+Coin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBA7i9JH3VlVxfG34iebgdRxviBYbCcJgU0M4Awsluo8x4-SZckix-XK95183XS9BfdFfFzazqjmX-WSk4iUDfiBThx3WaUQcyQPdy0QcAwqpLpyljuBM87oSNQrFimWIFSKxoqYe4Z0/s320/257-the+new+and+popular+Bistro+du+Coin.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our local bistro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>About this time our neighborhood Bistro opened. We had watched some amazingly fast renovation at this site, just around the corner from us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN2qFhzxupktU0yD6-nKlwV4IIpc75XCcGkOuoRMvx01i-Yu10bICjjmAdOPR1vHBPR-cjyU3lmcsuDWvuqPqegvIRairW0sEFgoeIrL8y3DY5QMPmWaycv1BxSIOh7mnzz4nvys-CSA/s1600/258-Eglise+St-Sulpice%252C+of+Da+Vinci+Code+fame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN2qFhzxupktU0yD6-nKlwV4IIpc75XCcGkOuoRMvx01i-Yu10bICjjmAdOPR1vHBPR-cjyU3lmcsuDWvuqPqegvIRairW0sEFgoeIrL8y3DY5QMPmWaycv1BxSIOh7mnzz4nvys-CSA/s320/258-Eglise+St-Sulpice%252C+of+Da+Vinci+Code+fame.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sulpice,_Paris">Church of St Sulpice</a> & fountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakefYw2CO1ecpPXrYsBtFIYfNwN4i-SeqoOoipmKaupFs3Eejx4qIeGwprMZ5QK5J5Wm6tUDxLPr7CDb9V6VS9noNYQh5gacljqQ7fPXokVXEn8c6JHDTsN59iq0C_Yb0mwZ-wjFcBks/s1600/259-Dragon+on+rue+de+Rennes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakefYw2CO1ecpPXrYsBtFIYfNwN4i-SeqoOoipmKaupFs3Eejx4qIeGwprMZ5QK5J5Wm6tUDxLPr7CDb9V6VS9noNYQh5gacljqQ7fPXokVXEn8c6JHDTsN59iq0C_Yb0mwZ-wjFcBks/s320/259-Dragon+on+rue+de+Rennes.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Sculpture on Rue de Rennes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLtRc4DtIB74EivC7RECaJ-CJ1x33iIuLdSijRv3JJXOunak6ESO1hRKPv8bEFpbgSSeVRZ1y2q7ZoHlovWl5d4a83AvTGqaBLDeiCod7j7XL5GG5LB_4Q5XEsVbIQcsbDNJeX7HSQVU/s1600/260-bizarro+sculpture+near+St-Germain+des+Pres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLtRc4DtIB74EivC7RECaJ-CJ1x33iIuLdSijRv3JJXOunak6ESO1hRKPv8bEFpbgSSeVRZ1y2q7ZoHlovWl5d4a83AvTGqaBLDeiCod7j7XL5GG5LB_4Q5XEsVbIQcsbDNJeX7HSQVU/s320/260-bizarro+sculpture+near+St-Germain+des+Pres.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bizarre sculpture by Delacroix Museum</td></tr>
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</div>She exploited her ample opportunity to explore the 6th arrondissement, familiarly called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Germain_des_Pr%C3%A9s">St-Germain des Pres</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UveuTCF2ri2L92os43pV8p5yQ-gxYDbhrJRynmUm7DsW_5wo6HpvMBdJbKUUmbqqY52v6igtA1q6plP-rpL_BnIQ7sOg25iA3VRj_N_1F705-SO2ArmxgITwhV-IBkJvvnhxr488OXU/s1600/261-Opera+Garnier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UveuTCF2ri2L92os43pV8p5yQ-gxYDbhrJRynmUm7DsW_5wo6HpvMBdJbKUUmbqqY52v6igtA1q6plP-rpL_BnIQ7sOg25iA3VRj_N_1F705-SO2ArmxgITwhV-IBkJvvnhxr488OXU/s320/261-Opera+Garnier.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facade of Opera Garnier</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJWsgSIZPY-88ArnWCL211gBMedvu4V1j0z7HDCr-9hy33iTckOsDFIlnDfWk4nclgx5CXePC5-rCRNVPcsOeDd1Vc5rHlU4l3vYYbNWiDTBRTTMn4IoZrnuBGzCMVjfxbuzNr2elHJU/s1600/262-More+of+Galleries+Lafayette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJWsgSIZPY-88ArnWCL211gBMedvu4V1j0z7HDCr-9hy33iTckOsDFIlnDfWk4nclgx5CXePC5-rCRNVPcsOeDd1Vc5rHlU4l3vYYbNWiDTBRTTMn4IoZrnuBGzCMVjfxbuzNr2elHJU/s320/262-More+of+Galleries+Lafayette.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass dome of Galeries Lafayette, again</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS40F2SOobYjFZMYF9MgwWWpoxtWCq0aiT3BCDb5tsM75NWEolh6ZeOWbtBmDTw9cBJ0RRAQ-IgymWwdVQuqLPYaDuXhyFZoflYj5GbbBO3XY2ssU4YESGgwjKJpLY8WaFkzPr7fgZwmU/s1600/263-American+flag++bikinis+at+the+Galleries+Lafayette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS40F2SOobYjFZMYF9MgwWWpoxtWCq0aiT3BCDb5tsM75NWEolh6ZeOWbtBmDTw9cBJ0RRAQ-IgymWwdVQuqLPYaDuXhyFZoflYj5GbbBO3XY2ssU4YESGgwjKJpLY8WaFkzPr7fgZwmU/s320/263-American+flag++bikinis+at+the+Galleries+Lafayette.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American flag bikini for sale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The next day it was off to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera_Garnier">Opera</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galeries_Lafayette">Galeries Lafayette</a>, where she found American flag bikinis for sale<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5kqKYAKKYfaiVgUtyce_IEofSdNuOo4iXbE8c4ndhE3pAJJ4sWXU9R2Bzau8_ofiWRwl4n2wEWPy0ky4gSb_KWHry3j54qChdsQ0mkypy-T988wmbRkFWkI4a2E4tFkFnsS06TyjDIE/s1600/270-Promenade+Plantee+split+apts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5kqKYAKKYfaiVgUtyce_IEofSdNuOo4iXbE8c4ndhE3pAJJ4sWXU9R2Bzau8_ofiWRwl4n2wEWPy0ky4gSb_KWHry3j54qChdsQ0mkypy-T988wmbRkFWkI4a2E4tFkFnsS06TyjDIE/s320/270-Promenade+Plantee+split+apts.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQUMH_C0mSIIIxOLimi8U3DgCv2RUs8UbeeNat3jTWHpdZSqZQ0hW_4viQ_wHMnLC1ouXdYMiXd32jGEmdGovmOejhUHEOQpm9Fm4tXZoVnqYqbzQ8XwKHOiRvKvpukKBbeiuu-ywS8E/s1600/271-They%2527re+here%252C+too.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQUMH_C0mSIIIxOLimi8U3DgCv2RUs8UbeeNat3jTWHpdZSqZQ0hW_4viQ_wHMnLC1ouXdYMiXd32jGEmdGovmOejhUHEOQpm9Fm4tXZoVnqYqbzQ8XwKHOiRvKvpukKBbeiuu-ywS8E/s320/271-They%2527re+here%252C+too.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jews for Jesus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPm20ZwdEIrOK-oQa4lU9Dzhy3zpbpo3Wo1xBqKfpnmtbU7hp48tsaB0F66I4i9n63e9pEs0TZlZ2PDJVqRAhLCa-9EHW7sf6FNdPBBekMbAJ_ROiL5QKJB9ckmLpZSpfUDeSif_1zHE/s1600/272-parked+by+hospital+emergency+exit.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPm20ZwdEIrOK-oQa4lU9Dzhy3zpbpo3Wo1xBqKfpnmtbU7hp48tsaB0F66I4i9n63e9pEs0TZlZ2PDJVqRAhLCa-9EHW7sf6FNdPBBekMbAJ_ROiL5QKJB9ckmLpZSpfUDeSif_1zHE/s320/272-parked+by+hospital+emergency+exit.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sideswiped by emergency vehicle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next exploration took her to the eastern end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_Plantee">Promenade Plantee</a>, where she found massive modern apartment blocks, one wrapped interestingly around the Promenade. Returning through the streets she found an interesting office, and viewed the hazards of parking a bicycle next to the ambulance emergency exit of the St-Antoine hospital.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2HYx7Vu6VI-jhHWtUw_ReEQJBwZCoyKWkg6vawZOAHIhk-wAZZU_QxwpxKCSFkNBAYTCScUkrYXSG6rIcd9CpKHfpVA66Y9NaARLudNp8YZmKdb1iVoRFA6nwjHymfCkZ5rcy6pH97A/s1600/274-Plaque-Ile+St-Louis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2HYx7Vu6VI-jhHWtUw_ReEQJBwZCoyKWkg6vawZOAHIhk-wAZZU_QxwpxKCSFkNBAYTCScUkrYXSG6rIcd9CpKHfpVA66Y9NaARLudNp8YZmKdb1iVoRFA6nwjHymfCkZ5rcy6pH97A/s320/274-Plaque-Ile+St-Louis.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studio of Camille Claudel, Rodin's model & mistress</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTqw1OShjc1fW_ZhSwWd-hRckxdZn3Y31SuaiVgBEba8iubp4ywCbWfq3JrHl8rIzkMmsZf4OPULkE5_eHQQDQA3GZnxpRt6YfGSf0yF4XJdnLDfWecebYLWW4X0IzdfKLR5Sqosp220/s1600/276-Hotel+de+Ville.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTqw1OShjc1fW_ZhSwWd-hRckxdZn3Y31SuaiVgBEba8iubp4ywCbWfq3JrHl8rIzkMmsZf4OPULkE5_eHQQDQA3GZnxpRt6YfGSf0yF4XJdnLDfWecebYLWW4X0IzdfKLR5Sqosp220/s320/276-Hotel+de+Ville.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel de Ville</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMnE7xLCg1EdZZbE0ZputddRvqEm6Ot2EW5oCqAxSFNg_EV-pVQ0_Gjclk1BrAgQ1JWsXeBOk2MQ5_dLxf9M6DRZO702HA8utnRRUzSu1qXxVbPqmesrOUtpdGuSJISdYWzoVB8laNWs/s1600/277-Team+Rolleurs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMnE7xLCg1EdZZbE0ZputddRvqEm6Ot2EW5oCqAxSFNg_EV-pVQ0_Gjclk1BrAgQ1JWsXeBOk2MQ5_dLxf9M6DRZO702HA8utnRRUzSu1qXxVbPqmesrOUtpdGuSJISdYWzoVB8laNWs/s320/277-Team+Rolleurs.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roller bladers, some needing exercise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another trip home took her along the north side of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ile_St-Louis">Ile St Louis</a>, where she found a plaque dedicated to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camille_Claudel">Camille Claudel</a>. Past the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_de_Ville,_Paris">Hotel de Ville</a> she encountered, contrary to any expectation, a team of roller bladers. <br />
The following two days were turned into a nervous nightmare when I missed my flight back from Venice and was unable to communicate with Carolee by email thanks to an outrageous dereliction of duty by my provider, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT%26T">AT&T</a>. Yes, we should have had a backup communication plan. The cost of a same day flight being a bit high, $840 for a one-hour flight, I returned by train, arriving Sunday just before midnight. A nightmare for Carolee, and hardly a great experience for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlJvq3vB30BquJJQeO-6pKLX6e6TPAQ4skTFbcDWSTZYr69zMTLhqDDz-BSvTa_Yfy80O9HTQub8XsSuJUnXKHGeejRiRjz85KYLoTjjCSRjrXFpHEFGRb5U4giw23jFic9aMD7UUEKA/s1600/280-French+Legionnaires.+.+..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlJvq3vB30BquJJQeO-6pKLX6e6TPAQ4skTFbcDWSTZYr69zMTLhqDDz-BSvTa_Yfy80O9HTQub8XsSuJUnXKHGeejRiRjz85KYLoTjjCSRjrXFpHEFGRb5U4giw23jFic9aMD7UUEKA/s320/280-French+Legionnaires.+.+..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legionaires at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_du_Luxembourg">Luxembourg Garden</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdBCwFGS0vCx-48hB0klgEtJ19pxV4hUFvMyWL5LYA0wlZiVmmZPduoa09VOsIE0fZnIkQ5kTTJm57od50Rd7ew_rjbfr-OKD6EEF92OjQOvbU_FzajmLYYBz3p-cI55_zG6aBS67VuU/s1600/282-Cafe+de+Flore-6th.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdBCwFGS0vCx-48hB0klgEtJ19pxV4hUFvMyWL5LYA0wlZiVmmZPduoa09VOsIE0fZnIkQ5kTTJm57od50Rd7ew_rjbfr-OKD6EEF92OjQOvbU_FzajmLYYBz3p-cI55_zG6aBS67VuU/s320/282-Cafe+de+Flore-6th.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_de_Flore">Cafe de Flore</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARLbiOPh1ISVZOC8o_KHRUzGhyK_E7oQwxokJg04erDEtauUWkvGeRnliGopNQe7hu7ensPTeU8obyxh0BzZ9VuVvk4zyuC9q5avhwWDC2yPFw9Bdb6yo5k3_KEboNGSG9uFwdx-IlsI/s1600/283-Brasserie+Lipp-6th.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARLbiOPh1ISVZOC8o_KHRUzGhyK_E7oQwxokJg04erDEtauUWkvGeRnliGopNQe7hu7ensPTeU8obyxh0BzZ9VuVvk4zyuC9q5avhwWDC2yPFw9Bdb6yo5k3_KEboNGSG9uFwdx-IlsI/s320/283-Brasserie+Lipp-6th.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brasserie Lipp</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbF-fOoY-pVPi3nLveopA_4rrqcQ7K1dyIMhA3I1ZbJLfhLGm4-S9tWSV_PmvS9HHYzuOmbwZROig_Weg3WIuL2iyrPSDAICoLjREa1j9QFtjt-7oD_qWZG58602PCCHjpfOwerUSUAU/s1600/284-Les+Deux+Magots-6th.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbF-fOoY-pVPi3nLveopA_4rrqcQ7K1dyIMhA3I1ZbJLfhLGm4-S9tWSV_PmvS9HHYzuOmbwZROig_Weg3WIuL2iyrPSDAICoLjREa1j9QFtjt-7oD_qWZG58602PCCHjpfOwerUSUAU/s320/284-Les+Deux+Magots-6th.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Deux_Magots">Les Deux Magots</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Explorations of the sixth resumed. We happened on some costumed dignitaries on their way out from the Luxembourg Gardens. Later we photographed the famous cafes along the Blvd St-Germain, which the existentialists made famous 60 years ago. Fearing the prices, we took our expresso further down the boulevard. We might as well have done it: we learned later that it was a mere $6.40 for a coffee, two dollars less than what we saw charged at the Cafe de le Paix near the Opera Garnier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCYo5WlkkeMooOVReni7InXLxte8MD_6FQpKWh7UYGHIqmWofmmqebbdei5hJMaSPDjpW2ORLZozhyO7fY4u07bkLhDd7bulu0jWDPNRf-XbyTPygUQu8o4gl5G86-xAUpZ-NSD_bNJw/s1600/286-Bonne+Fete.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCYo5WlkkeMooOVReni7InXLxte8MD_6FQpKWh7UYGHIqmWofmmqebbdei5hJMaSPDjpW2ORLZozhyO7fY4u07bkLhDd7bulu0jWDPNRf-XbyTPygUQu8o4gl5G86-xAUpZ-NSD_bNJw/s320/286-Bonne+Fete.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne in the Firemen's courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This week ended on the eve of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day">Bastille Day</a> (actually only called the 14th of July [le quatorze juillet] here), and we checked the papers and went off to the local Fireman's Ball (Bal des Pompiers) with free admission and free music. As we had seen everywhere else, pretty much anyone, young or old, came for the fun. Drinks were sold and we were eventually rewarded with music from a very professional but very loud band. We were out of there before people really started dancing.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-20944436567722722062011-07-12T09:13:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:37:17.577-08:00Week III, Visitors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian and Phil Blanco in Paris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gare de Lyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Phil and Christian came this Wednesday for a whirlwind tour of Paris, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux">Bayeux</a>, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings">Normandy beaches</a>. In going off to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_du_Nord">Gare du Nord</a> to meet them I learned how easy it is to go wrong when entering a bus on a traffic circle like Bastille. It went off in the wrong direction. This wasn't going to be the only time I screwed up connections. The best recovery in this case was to get off at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Lyon">Gare de Lyon</a> and try again, with more options. A lotta walking it was, but the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_metro">Metro</a> got me in good time to the other station, where I waited, drinking a truly bad cup of Haagen-Dasz coffee, for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurostar">Eurostar</a> from London. Meeting up was no problem at all and getting a cab was particularly easy, because my cane got us immediately in front of a long line. The hectic cab ride in early evening traffic was, well, instructive. A quiet time was had by all - settling in was followed by our standard evening meal of roast chicken, potato salad, haricots verts and tomato & mozzarella salad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duane & Phil at front of Hospital des Invalides</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian by Invalides Chapel (Napoleon's Tomb)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian as Atlas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian and Gustave</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Thursday - highlights of Paris for Phil & Christian. But first Carolee took them over the the Aligre market for an earthy touch. The trip began with a Metro ride to the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invalides"> Invalides</a> area, where we entered the Invalides building, now all museum, and simply walked through slowly, stopping only at the gift shop. We passed up Napoleon's Tomb because the admission had gone up to 10 euros.. Not worth it. Then a moderate walk to the far (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89cole_Militaire">Ecole Militaire</a>) end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_de_Mars">Champ de Mars</a> and straight down this to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower">Eiffel Tower</a>. Yes, we joined the other tourists in taking silly photos. At the tower itself we encountered the expected long lines to go up the tower, so I sat it out while Phil and Christian explored. They opted not to go up, but spent some happy time at the base.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip of the Ile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame - Buttresses aflyin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intrepid explorers find Notre Dame</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian, Phil, Seine, Bateau Mouche</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After walking the few hundred yards to the Seine, Phil made the lucky discovery that we could take a hop on & off river ride from there. Hopping on, we cruised as far as Notre Dame. Disembarked, we headed first into the left bank area where we got cheap and delicious lunches at a Lebanese cafe. Then back across the river to Notre Dame, where it looked like the cane wasn't going to give us priority in the long line, so we gawked and clicked like everybody else. From here it was around to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle">Sainte Chapelle</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefecture_of_Police">Prefecture</a>, where we were again deterred by long lines. Crossing back to the left bank we had the basic Parisian experience of strolling past the riverside sellers of books, prints and other chachkes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing to Louvre</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre, Pyramid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuileries pond, rented sailboats</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Back on the boat, we hopped off at the Louvre. Here I nearly got mowed down by rapidly accelerating traffic when I failed to note the unusually short duration of that pedestrian stoplight. But we were rewarded by a stroll through the Louvre courtyards and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Pyramid">pyramid</a>, and crossed over to the Tuileries Garden. Christian was rewarded with another classic Parisian experience: sailing a rented sailboat in the large circular pool. The half hour ended, it was only a couple hundred meters to the nearest Metro stop, where we set off for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe">Arc de Triomphe</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7ONo3TpAT3OrxcpsZrZgHpkFgq0cAxfwCl72aV7dr3scbVcqr7aRmBtKhMsSHipCRVf0hVbvwmkNB9Jo6V7y0OD_q9dt8wXToIswTQIW5nNY8T4fBP24Pb_xZR1i2RmHmKhWmNmzTes/s1600/972_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7ONo3TpAT3OrxcpsZrZgHpkFgq0cAxfwCl72aV7dr3scbVcqr7aRmBtKhMsSHipCRVf0hVbvwmkNB9Jo6V7y0OD_q9dt8wXToIswTQIW5nNY8T4fBP24Pb_xZR1i2RmHmKhWmNmzTes/s320/972_0286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe from Metro exit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVXW14-P3eEVVWdU6hUWyDVezq1jGm8XKmTlHawMjRo6-eQN8-m3kvR5oaCtBeVI-AW9OwYzXqInQ-qFIRfCtZTNN2BnloCFkpbgcsvmXQyZUla7dxExK4h6gjwQgWj5fc_mceWwCcp8/s1600/972_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVXW14-P3eEVVWdU6hUWyDVezq1jGm8XKmTlHawMjRo6-eQN8-m3kvR5oaCtBeVI-AW9OwYzXqInQ-qFIRfCtZTNN2BnloCFkpbgcsvmXQyZUla7dxExK4h6gjwQgWj5fc_mceWwCcp8/s320/972_0292.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champs Elysee from top of Arc de Triomphe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf50md1CFrho-HjTAkr68a_yPa0GCD3oHsUnh7fWQTNvZRgATGg2Odp2iGsVxXFMPLTCUgydLU68hUDZcpUoJ2HyIi-Bumz_boQH1qkZMBv0m1Us1ZBao-sGdOIoQmWV1PT24xe5UzaI/s1600/972_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf50md1CFrho-HjTAkr68a_yPa0GCD3oHsUnh7fWQTNvZRgATGg2Odp2iGsVxXFMPLTCUgydLU68hUDZcpUoJ2HyIi-Bumz_boQH1qkZMBv0m1Us1ZBao-sGdOIoQmWV1PT24xe5UzaI/s320/972_0294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs inside Arc de Triomphe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooDi3ZAaPQ_rak3pW8nQikRD_CZfsvlvAjmYh_4JD4ScBSqU-3iwHRAKH8lqgVlTnutITAZZWrPYpCrIJpC5xDQiTq7vk52xgmM7Fkg-rzPGfEeK0-UlHVGMN3AC11HGjvr6ExVAcd9M/s1600/972_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooDi3ZAaPQ_rak3pW8nQikRD_CZfsvlvAjmYh_4JD4ScBSqU-3iwHRAKH8lqgVlTnutITAZZWrPYpCrIJpC5xDQiTq7vk52xgmM7Fkg-rzPGfEeK0-UlHVGMN3AC11HGjvr6ExVAcd9M/s320/972_0299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceremony for the fallen</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Well, from the Metro you have to come up to ground level and then find the underpass to the center and the arch itself. All stairs. I opted to sit it out while they went up. This was a mistake because my cane would have got us in the elevator. They had a great time up there with splendid views: no regrets about not going up the Eiffel Tower. Serendipitously, we got to watch a lengthy military ceremony honoring the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe#The_Unknown_Soldier">unknown soldiers</a> of the various allies. Eventually having enough, we ducked back into the metro for another classic Parisian experience, being squished in heavy crowds back to the Bastille. Back at 8 pm after having ticked off a fairly short list of major sights. Dinner at the neighborhood pizzeria, whose Italian authenticity was attested by the frequent misspellings of the menu dishes.<br />
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<b>Trip to Normandy</b><br />
<b> </b>Phil, a WWII buff, had arranged for a rental car for a day trip to Normandy and the D-Day beaches. After an easy walk to the Gare de Lyon we found rental office in an adjacent tower and began the hour-long process of waiting and plowing through the paperwork. A fine introduction to French bureaucracy. The promised GPS wasn't provided, but Phil had a backup on his laptop. Despite the navigational aids we fouled up on the spaghetti roads that led the short distance to the Peripherique. Eventually we got back and into the traffic jams. Once we found the minimally marked A13 we were pointed away from Paris and coursed through the ring of newer Paris, eventually reaching hilly woodlands with the occasional city or chateau.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXyoLQt3OX_mshPMVzNTvFwiTuqPwp_fWi8g13DHq8-H6kwQPA_V9I8CG5dXn8-1ryOIQdLzWHYH_E2zinoah3NLT13wDIUAjcWm60eXVwfcH3lZNKEcjeoIqHpX8IplTXDyONdnlsKY/s1600/213-Phil+and+Christian+find+Bayeux+cathedral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXyoLQt3OX_mshPMVzNTvFwiTuqPwp_fWi8g13DHq8-H6kwQPA_V9I8CG5dXn8-1ryOIQdLzWHYH_E2zinoah3NLT13wDIUAjcWm60eXVwfcH3lZNKEcjeoIqHpX8IplTXDyONdnlsKY/s320/213-Phil+and+Christian+find+Bayeux+cathedral.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian & Phil in Bayeux</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaOUaI7mi364aj2xY4ulcYFZMw7KmbmxkLy6A6gU0UN1YMACUTQgmtgX1lPowNg7s7XWWG_CHoD40megIx0F8IyGS21PW1AaJwX76I2Aw7jz41tcuHzvViBONBs_2yYAO3ER0OCryVMg/s1600/218-Sibs+in+Bayeux.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaOUaI7mi364aj2xY4ulcYFZMw7KmbmxkLy6A6gU0UN1YMACUTQgmtgX1lPowNg7s7XWWG_CHoD40megIx0F8IyGS21PW1AaJwX76I2Aw7jz41tcuHzvViBONBs_2yYAO3ER0OCryVMg/s320/218-Sibs+in+Bayeux.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee & Duane in Bayeux</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJzb6lsr5M_RL33EXWKSa1QDUwokHcu6zfm_ULg1Er0BuAdfo90AEaOA7YsYY57pZiU2gQ_VUcMGGyjDXQZX-W5zy0Uuj4vJmkG8Lc44JoqS09NAxBCwNBdUKRxHk9UtM45IclFDdZ4g/s1600/219-participants+in+medieval+days.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJzb6lsr5M_RL33EXWKSa1QDUwokHcu6zfm_ULg1Er0BuAdfo90AEaOA7YsYY57pZiU2gQ_VUcMGGyjDXQZX-W5zy0Uuj4vJmkG8Lc44JoqS09NAxBCwNBdUKRxHk9UtM45IclFDdZ4g/s320/219-participants+in+medieval+days.JPG" width="320" />'</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Medieval garb in Bayeux </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1aeDkCnT9rMCENMWiFgif6HaQmrmtYVis8WFBHy3VtVZYTMHtM1Pk2NKowBNhhUfGxoITUo39iPvLGfuyD17V1ljQ5uWG-p942ufbueOpCpYSh-ttKldcNoaMe-XRptE3XtW4BCMll0/s1600/974_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1aeDkCnT9rMCENMWiFgif6HaQmrmtYVis8WFBHy3VtVZYTMHtM1Pk2NKowBNhhUfGxoITUo39iPvLGfuyD17V1ljQ5uWG-p942ufbueOpCpYSh-ttKldcNoaMe-XRptE3XtW4BCMll0/s320/974_0347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial in cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ft7_3Y4UATUa6DDnh-G94E_AKZlOZMOy0oVb052rJvZ-5SuYhaAH65cgPYFfAX1z5ecoB4urTzCSzm717jwbVYN7V8P0oOn6GqdZgC-4fAO4TAhSLYsn5f0eIT5FuAYICj46unmszDs/s1600/974_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ft7_3Y4UATUa6DDnh-G94E_AKZlOZMOy0oVb052rJvZ-5SuYhaAH65cgPYFfAX1z5ecoB4urTzCSzm717jwbVYN7V8P0oOn6GqdZgC-4fAO4TAhSLYsn5f0eIT5FuAYICj46unmszDs/s320/974_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian with replica crossbow</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Upon reaching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux">Bayeux</a> to see the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry">tapestry</a> we were first attracted by preparations for a medieval festival and by the very large (for such a small town) gothic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cath%C3%A9drale_Notre-Dame_de_Bayeux">cathedral</a>. We loved it, inside and out. Phil picked up local info about reaching the beaches. We loved the tapestry (really an embroidery). Phil and I had a lot of fun reading the simple Latin, probably to the annoyance of nearby people who were doing the audio tour. We found the image of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halley%27s_Comet">Halley's comet</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmnEeytd6asYVN07AcAgt4wbzie-jVWtDjIQx3kuNN5OINX2cGyYWNLFNMvCN_4Mq7m8Tfnzt5R2rCEKWIl4A7rILjhsjw2shbihmaDe2dJaVIy6sWT59YThYNsUJu8yn7j60pDPvJCM/s1600/974_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmnEeytd6asYVN07AcAgt4wbzie-jVWtDjIQx3kuNN5OINX2cGyYWNLFNMvCN_4Mq7m8Tfnzt5R2rCEKWIl4A7rILjhsjw2shbihmaDe2dJaVIy6sWT59YThYNsUJu8yn7j60pDPvJCM/s320/974_0369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batteries at Omaha Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2nYISyubhus0gXTJ0rSLCW7oPo1zX69GNXEctmRFPgwQUkxqU6uRqkpFmnigU8AehMiexhQyzPatLxK4VkAttjwKtYNltok-Xo4tQrJjY1WEg7O1FnBN4ZQIBh5I51RCmtxMVs32mwI/s1600/224-Phil+and+Christian+on+Omaha+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2nYISyubhus0gXTJ0rSLCW7oPo1zX69GNXEctmRFPgwQUkxqU6uRqkpFmnigU8AehMiexhQyzPatLxK4VkAttjwKtYNltok-Xo4tQrJjY1WEg7O1FnBN4ZQIBh5I51RCmtxMVs32mwI/s320/224-Phil+and+Christian+on+Omaha+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil & Christian at Omaha Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Then it was down a country lane to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha_Beach">Omaha Beach</a>, which was about as peaceful as a beach can be. We were surprised, having seen more than a few movies of the invasion, at how wide the beaches were and how gently the bluffs rose behind it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB-75nWABhyLQWuR6z6OvVEVwgATWwtJ6b9j2nblqCQCRFpNI_zE3U0x33jou0AllaQUqQJeSXjUShnGgEgkTMA9TamHiRYXIalxFVdVae6ZgJBYI46NzpJ_0sk1ja_YYyAkzGzb9qsM/s1600/974_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB-75nWABhyLQWuR6z6OvVEVwgATWwtJ6b9j2nblqCQCRFpNI_zE3U0x33jou0AllaQUqQJeSXjUShnGgEgkTMA9TamHiRYXIalxFVdVae6ZgJBYI46NzpJ_0sk1ja_YYyAkzGzb9qsM/s320/974_0377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Cemetery at Collville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo09SAAsb4qC51hHdxz-GT4V4uksRS6maJSrXYcpBOiiqBVMEutatc02TmKgfIm4-519erUC2AUV5nzzwbjo9Pq2dcJn8u2zt0vsTN7Q4a6tHMcODR6yJQ771mYxyO7naR88LbKhFzh0M/s1600/974_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo09SAAsb4qC51hHdxz-GT4V4uksRS6maJSrXYcpBOiiqBVMEutatc02TmKgfIm4-519erUC2AUV5nzzwbjo9Pq2dcJn8u2zt0vsTN7Q4a6tHMcODR6yJQ771mYxyO7naR88LbKhFzh0M/s320/974_0379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian, grave of unknown soldier at American Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table> From there to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_American_Cemetery_and_Memorial">American Cemetery</a> nearby. We saw only a small part of but were impressed with its simple beauty and majesty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtshWEixv1A_dC0Nc5dYB9XH6Xtl689N5SqylOIFDA-XS5wXJsrurgsUu0VFQyOhaydioy9rbqoNM9VTTm4VEKtdyKvZVDt3d5L_IDHFZhUewaH7uT5oeSC_eAtNjSBdcqtRfzTpUOaXY/s1600/974_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtshWEixv1A_dC0Nc5dYB9XH6Xtl689N5SqylOIFDA-XS5wXJsrurgsUu0VFQyOhaydioy9rbqoNM9VTTm4VEKtdyKvZVDt3d5L_IDHFZhUewaH7uT5oeSC_eAtNjSBdcqtRfzTpUOaXY/s320/974_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German bunker, Duane & Phil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5juHaikDBYlUHCDlukPYcE9nkd8FF4e4IyPtRDk4Ib6cquXcVlOZ3s-q9fb2oB7eoIYRXW-phHRyYOePJlyrrQad54mXlmHCA4xioJeCXOU6DKUA0aXywJKu-c7ZPaZjUbN3uaxHcYo/s1600/974_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5juHaikDBYlUHCDlukPYcE9nkd8FF4e4IyPtRDk4Ib6cquXcVlOZ3s-q9fb2oB7eoIYRXW-phHRyYOePJlyrrQad54mXlmHCA4xioJeCXOU6DKUA0aXywJKu-c7ZPaZjUbN3uaxHcYo/s320/974_0393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunker, big gun, Christian</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b> </b>The next stop was to see some old German bunkers with guns. We traipsed around happily and the visit was finished with chocolate crepes for Phil and Christian.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMd2SNEtMJrOQ9NOtZjZawiq613GDKtCoKbEwmJsq9UhLQ2lVB-kdZtIKi7fN3Zq6a-4fgz0_N8DLKT6-mslP9LKLzkz4CZ9W-DR9FDe96R84r0HjXckEutk5cdh5DsWh2Gn_DgVDK1U/s1600/235-Christian+at+Arromanches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMd2SNEtMJrOQ9NOtZjZawiq613GDKtCoKbEwmJsq9UhLQ2lVB-kdZtIKi7fN3Zq6a-4fgz0_N8DLKT6-mslP9LKLzkz4CZ9W-DR9FDe96R84r0HjXckEutk5cdh5DsWh2Gn_DgVDK1U/s320/235-Christian+at+Arromanches.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian at Arromanches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5hXjctCEtPqJ0dNXg6dzQXYgo1pwHh4ajaZruTTyO44GOBPiC4qBMXdRxfZKz8VlScYvE7Iv_bPXJPj-hWxtwiFbXl0NyBbQn-T5_Esy2B50Af4SLuY8XQ9RaXLVZgRGyEWwSMWyG5Q/s1600/974_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5hXjctCEtPqJ0dNXg6dzQXYgo1pwHh4ajaZruTTyO44GOBPiC4qBMXdRxfZKz8VlScYvE7Iv_bPXJPj-hWxtwiFbXl0NyBbQn-T5_Esy2B50Af4SLuY8XQ9RaXLVZgRGyEWwSMWyG5Q/s320/974_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Photo: dead craft at Arromanches</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next and final stop was at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arromanches-les-Bains">Arromanches-les-Bains</a>, where it turned out we were too late (7 pm) to see the diorama, so we contented ourselves with a stop at the beach, which is surrounded with half-sunken WWII craft.<br />
On our was to view <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_beach">Sword Beach</a> we got diverted onto country roads and followed a torturous path back to the A13 autoroute. At this point our Microsoft software was crumbling and it led us immediately off the autoroute and in a wrong direction on slow roads. We had to stop and do a complete reboot, after which it worked OK, but by now it was too late to stop for dinner at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honfleur">Honfleur</a> as we had hoped. A satisfactory dinner was had at roadside. Back in Paris after midnight, and with the car's computer telling us it was overheated (probably wasn't), we got lost again finding the Gare. But it wasn't long before we dropped off the car and keys and walked back to the apartment. Whew!<br />
Saturday, after rising late, the morning was consumed with preparing for departure. At 1 pm I led Phil and Christian over to the neighborhood taxi stand only to find taxis and no drivers. We hustled down to the Gare de Lyon where we were lucky enough to immediately engage a cab, said hurried goodbyes, and they were off to the Gare du Nord and the Eurostar back to London. Carolee and I rested.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5pPp2AjAtHCBN3OsKFQom7fayRANIZfFYLVt5BN_LlEl-IpXy35xqh3cMPGgGcq9rZNuCiJNzACOkqzuKkg_UrdKiRDbVQYsWHEsxRZf7tvLPzHE-ov8pESDKKj0g2YEmORP9rxbVgY/s1600/243-Promenade+plantee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5pPp2AjAtHCBN3OsKFQom7fayRANIZfFYLVt5BN_LlEl-IpXy35xqh3cMPGgGcq9rZNuCiJNzACOkqzuKkg_UrdKiRDbVQYsWHEsxRZf7tvLPzHE-ov8pESDKKj0g2YEmORP9rxbVgY/s320/243-Promenade+plantee.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Promenade Plantee, a linear park</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Sunday was a day for short walks near home. We went up on top of the Viaduc des Arts, which is now a 2.8 mile long 40 feet wide park. We explored a bit and found a true wonder - an elevator - and it worked! Without the elevator it's a bit of a slog for me, maybe 40 feet up. It's called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_plant%C3%A9e">Promenade Plantee</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee in Jardin des Plantes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7K-foYBSvlrA_vbeT75WR14EkK2WHupbgHGfQRGSQTH0AtcjWUEJb6U9Fq-ryhorC772WkbkQECc4FkmytWF1anXXG7GsFn0j9DipBSJqjRpBz3zq8g_Yj1I9j7SuIj4wD7C7bnpIjo/s1600/248-Jardin+des+Plantes+expo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7K-foYBSvlrA_vbeT75WR14EkK2WHupbgHGfQRGSQTH0AtcjWUEJb6U9Fq-ryhorC772WkbkQECc4FkmytWF1anXXG7GsFn0j9DipBSJqjRpBz3zq8g_Yj1I9j7SuIj4wD7C7bnpIjo/s320/248-Jardin+des+Plantes+expo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grande Galerie de l'Evolution</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVLPnCNuPbIqXT_sYmgHuNKhbwrwOyLcsypICikGbiOjNJZ94It5Xm157VS7QKjg3tWUKHbhTukAEVyXrnLB411GhGbu8M3G1Q9iifQ_KIl3-48_b1tZT9Y3XNSrv1EbJgojbi8pSErA/s1600/249-Mosquee+de+Paris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVLPnCNuPbIqXT_sYmgHuNKhbwrwOyLcsypICikGbiOjNJZ94It5Xm157VS7QKjg3tWUKHbhTukAEVyXrnLB411GhGbu8M3G1Q9iifQ_KIl3-48_b1tZT9Y3XNSrv1EbJgojbi8pSErA/s320/249-Mosquee+de+Paris.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosque of Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Eager for more in the afternoon. we walked across the river to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_des_Plantes">Jardin des Plantes</a> for a good stroll among the plantings. At the far end is a natural history museum called <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_galerie_de_l%27%C3%A9volution_du_Mus%C3%A9um_national_d%27histoire_naturelle">La Grande Galerie de l'Evolution</a>. It was too late to get in but I had fun speculating what would happen in the U.S. if a civic natural history museum were to label itself as a gallery of evolution. Stepping outside the park we saw the main mosque of Paris.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th of July</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Monday July 4 - Carolee started school at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alliance_fran%C3%A7aise">Alliance Francaise</a>. Coming back she spied a 4th of July celebration in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_Garden">Luxembourg Garden</a>, complete with a band. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h6SLG5L_1Yn0NkFZXIl45k958x4JUL8JssJVa5AHeu_WHn42Y_ZHtRFwZ-QoowFZh7UhESwcM4DDqmM_Y0Ne2epPrjiO8ymfFyuTaR3nUcxC-1zSALLomFJSNTM7LEe6qz1OpoiO4MU/s1600/255-15th+century+houses+in+Paris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h6SLG5L_1Yn0NkFZXIl45k958x4JUL8JssJVa5AHeu_WHn42Y_ZHtRFwZ-QoowFZh7UhESwcM4DDqmM_Y0Ne2epPrjiO8ymfFyuTaR3nUcxC-1zSALLomFJSNTM7LEe6qz1OpoiO4MU/s320/255-15th+century+houses+in+Paris.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest houses in Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tuesday 5th - Duane left early for a side trip to Italy. Carolee off to school again. On the way back through the center of town (1e) she spotted the oldest houses in Paris.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-9497390427767759352011-07-03T07:59:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:47:32.024-08:00Week II - Solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr5y9YEPZNtERi6LuVULEv4kTu-Q4j3aW454eP2SqnaLwuPhgGffFyjPMUT1lQL0eTneSyKbQdw6sqDv3D3zRnn8XNlPjMLh8US2P8kiK7UccFrkbH8z2i0-rLrrxh-c2TsViftw9U-M/s1600/122-tight+jeans+%2526+mini+%2526+tights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr5y9YEPZNtERi6LuVULEv4kTu-Q4j3aW454eP2SqnaLwuPhgGffFyjPMUT1lQL0eTneSyKbQdw6sqDv3D3zRnn8XNlPjMLh8US2P8kiK7UccFrkbH8z2i0-rLrrxh-c2TsViftw9U-M/s320/122-tight+jeans+%2526+mini+%2526+tights.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place des Vosges</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiRIzNu6fYoaOnExCZiIehy420n8MlN6-na7lVcKpjeN_TS6IRHJgNm9er2ODUXTokwtcbSPmjCEonqqvJx65U-NZmqLxvXfSmDgdVkglV-QcLtbZ1AfJC2NnHCZJHw42e_9H71yQHmA/s1600/126-Hotel+de+Sens+courtyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiRIzNu6fYoaOnExCZiIehy420n8MlN6-na7lVcKpjeN_TS6IRHJgNm9er2ODUXTokwtcbSPmjCEonqqvJx65U-NZmqLxvXfSmDgdVkglV-QcLtbZ1AfJC2NnHCZJHw42e_9H71yQHmA/s320/126-Hotel+de+Sens+courtyard.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard, Hotel de Sens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43aj8ZEBnD4fNGo6mFG6CB5JyGjVbN2MYMcCQLmhEPi9GC_CcnFHVr8EG4LC5sM9ulR4_BjVQBwY0AmFDNx7T5bBTe4Rpi-VGkIoGKwKZaYg8kSD3LyzHgD9jI8FdUTePcthL-TNsUTs/s1600/129-Canal+St.+Martin+in+sunshine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43aj8ZEBnD4fNGo6mFG6CB5JyGjVbN2MYMcCQLmhEPi9GC_CcnFHVr8EG4LC5sM9ulR4_BjVQBwY0AmFDNx7T5bBTe4Rpi-VGkIoGKwKZaYg8kSD3LyzHgD9jI8FdUTePcthL-TNsUTs/s320/129-Canal+St.+Martin+in+sunshine.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina, Canal St-Martin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We started out with another day of keeping it local by heading off to our much-loved <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_des_Vosges">Place des Vosges</a>, where we sat for a while in pleasant sunshine for some people watching. Then Carolee led me through a corner passage from the place and we ambled down to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_de_Sens">Hotel de Sens</a>, which holds a specialized library for textiles and clothing and where Carolee had earlier researched for a term paper. Then along the Seine past the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenal_Library">Arsenal Library</a> (it houses lots of early manuscripts), and over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_Saint-Martin">Canal St-Martin</a> again, and that was it for the day.<br />
The next day it was time to test the bus system, so we chose an easy ride over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_Bank">left bank</a> so that Carolee could register for classes. The bur riding turned out to be as easy as hoped. Descending at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sulpice,_Paris">St Sulpice</a>, we tool a quick look inside the church. Didn't like it - dark and dingy. It has a very famous organ, but we didn't hear it. Then off to the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_Gardens"> Luxembourg Gardens</a>, where I found a seat by the pool and waited while Carolee ran off to do her registration. I noticed quite a few police and Carolee explained that the French Senate meets right there in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_Palace">Luxembourg Palace</a>. We threaded our way back through narrow streets to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Germain_des_Pr%C3%A9s">St-Germain des Pres</a>, where we caught our bus back home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UMlm4wzbnUzKG_ZD4_8JER_wojdZnoOPWk2d-KFfSJdm-UJbYXvdIMibE76bLIKJoBNqLCgjHe0gXcoDZwimzMZD8klyPjiCYVPq8mwhxBjr3lFxGCoUOwlCspuF2HJ61y56UPExB8E/s1600/137-Tombeau+de+Caillebotte.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UMlm4wzbnUzKG_ZD4_8JER_wojdZnoOPWk2d-KFfSJdm-UJbYXvdIMibE76bLIKJoBNqLCgjHe0gXcoDZwimzMZD8klyPjiCYVPq8mwhxBjr3lFxGCoUOwlCspuF2HJ61y56UPExB8E/s320/137-Tombeau+de+Caillebotte.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee, tomb of Gustave Caillebotte</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD8ou2Z4NU8Q8Hp-uFAWMVoBbtzCrDi4hOsTDt2DwCfU4yjJT66Fh575PrnKOOYP80BRV55NBWTWBpbgUbXoI02vfTznQZFSROAmdauaCUw3YZM83ooO9nbeI8FgOxjeRaJ-o9E_swBw/s1600/130-Tombeau+de+Jules+Romains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD8ou2Z4NU8Q8Hp-uFAWMVoBbtzCrDi4hOsTDt2DwCfU4yjJT66Fh575PrnKOOYP80BRV55NBWTWBpbgUbXoI02vfTznQZFSROAmdauaCUw3YZM83ooO9nbeI8FgOxjeRaJ-o9E_swBw/s320/130-Tombeau+de+Jules+Romains.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duane, grave of Jules Romains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_YY3CRYJUSEqR0T4QW3iwaxg1KI5OzEkphYcMJBG_v2_XwJiILGlq2Wuh18aKiDrRPPnMzFbgjHek_n_NXEx58saT7Ea2OzpTAfAm-qvaqyCGc6rDm60wRAJXHY6MdqTkb4iUA2fzJY/s1600/134-Tombeau+de+Heloise+et+Abelard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_YY3CRYJUSEqR0T4QW3iwaxg1KI5OzEkphYcMJBG_v2_XwJiILGlq2Wuh18aKiDrRPPnMzFbgjHek_n_NXEx58saT7Ea2OzpTAfAm-qvaqyCGc6rDm60wRAJXHY6MdqTkb4iUA2fzJY/s320/134-Tombeau+de+Heloise+et+Abelard.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomb of Heloise & Abelard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbFh80Lje3QdKtr_eG9ZXohh3i5G-xXrct6xVcUgCR589cqU6lWDhNa9SnaOLQWQbivx185h4NfAP5_b026lgTVEmYd3-i5X2rLykPDZHYVnHYo28dbyA535crwfRMJTodEZo91zRs6w/s1600/144-Duane+at+rue+Mouffetard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbFh80Lje3QdKtr_eG9ZXohh3i5G-xXrct6xVcUgCR589cqU6lWDhNa9SnaOLQWQbivx185h4NfAP5_b026lgTVEmYd3-i5X2rLykPDZHYVnHYo28dbyA535crwfRMJTodEZo91zRs6w/s320/144-Duane+at+rue+Mouffetard.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue Mouffetard, see?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7s1Vk1qsdqUbn7-Uzx4VM_kLA1obXRzXGHOadxceF-exG9Vwl_YRyyAJS0CA-ApMJuKCFp3hgglhBIvdVZ9fsQVWg1F7KKrtX4SmM3TIZK5I9WDWRX0OMFywCBbt227frZe9KyDFeck/s1600/149-Les+enfants+jouent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7s1Vk1qsdqUbn7-Uzx4VM_kLA1obXRzXGHOadxceF-exG9Vwl_YRyyAJS0CA-ApMJuKCFp3hgglhBIvdVZ9fsQVWg1F7KKrtX4SmM3TIZK5I9WDWRX0OMFywCBbt227frZe9KyDFeck/s320/149-Les+enfants+jouent.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arenes de Lutece, now a playground</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardin des Plantes</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Embolden by success with the bus system and ready to walk more, we went up to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Lachaise_Cemetery">Pere Lachaise Cemetary</a> for an afternoon of finding the tombs of the famous. The number 61 bus dropped us at the main entrance (by now I was not going to go around by metro as a regular thing) and it was slowly up a hill along roads winding among densely-packed tombs. The 19th century tombs tended to be grim little houses like sentry kiosks, and 20th century tombs were mostly variously worked stone slabs on the ground. At my age this should be beyond me, but it was creepy. Many of the older tombs were obviously unmaintained and in some the hinges had rusted through and the doors lay at the bottom. Near the entrance was one of my favorite French authors, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Romains">Jules Romains</a>. Not far from that was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colette">Colette</a>, and the reputed remains of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heloise_and_Abelard">Heloise and Abelard</a>. The heavily-visited tomb of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Morrison">Jim Morrison</a> was a letdown - shoehorned in between others. A guard was posted there to keep people from damaging the nearly tombs. With the help of a guide-sheet we found the tombs of various celebrities, but upon reaching the level area at the top we'd had enough. An expresso at a cafe just outside was memorable, then it was off to find our bus stop in the remarkable evening confusion that is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambetta_%28Paris_M%C3%A9tro%29">Gambetta</a> circle.<br />
The next day's jaunt was back to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_Bank">left bank</a>, where, influenced by guidebooks and a famous photo by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cartier-Bresson">Cartier-Bresson</a>, I wanted to walk along the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_Mouffetard,_Paris">Rue Mouffetard.</a> Our education with the bus system continued when the bus driver dumped his whole load of passengers just past the river and drove off. His break, maybe. The next bus would be along in seven minutes, in any case. But we walked along up the hill, passing a favorite restaurant of Carolee's and turned onto the fabled street. Not worth a special trip was my reaction - only a bit more charm than many streets we'd seen already. Improvising, we opted to walk home past the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ar%C3%A8nes_de_Lut%C3%A8ce">Arenes de Lutece</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_des_Plantes">Jardin des Plantes</a>. The arenes is the site of a roman amphitheater, but it didn't look like any roman ruin I've seen before, it was so heavily rebuilt. But it was a great place for kids to play, and whole classes of schoolkids were being led in and out as we rested a while. Four backpacks on the ground defined two soccer goals. A short distance away we entered at a corner of the immense Jardin des Plantes. This was a discovery: part English Garden, part French, part horticultural display and part museum and menagerie. It was pure delight. After a rest there we crossed a busy circle to the Austerlitz bridge and a longish final lap homewards. Here I had a problem with faintness, but a few minutes of internet doctoring at home indicated that I hadn't been drinking enough water. This was confirmed by the simple experiment of drinking a few glasses of water. We now carry water with us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe life, waiting for gay pride parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiter in traditional costume</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucQYcgXZ_rzLZlQtVdloBu2oXLmVDHby8l9-S2AseCzU3-p5raUJ56OVOEQzH28hcWFs8erSnBmkSH4Fqqb9m6M8m71TWYsO8TgF0P79z4qsNKPF-hm4RNQcYI9s8J31O6gBI90qerJE/s1600/168-la+defile+sans+fin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucQYcgXZ_rzLZlQtVdloBu2oXLmVDHby8l9-S2AseCzU3-p5raUJ56OVOEQzH28hcWFs8erSnBmkSH4Fqqb9m6M8m71TWYsO8TgF0P79z4qsNKPF-hm4RNQcYI9s8J31O6gBI90qerJE/s320/168-la+defile+sans+fin.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parade stretching down Blvd Henri IV</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfCUlnMCwqNJohxueonOr_JnxgR5kZQAXr_seOuwvLLZeGKrHhieDzHdzmSfo7y9LTy7gUox63KNB2pkBzKj80KCUP-a79a9l9VY5tGNnCU7Zvg8bAxVURN2LOaAuoa7dRB2o4FQEVbA/s1600/171-more+spectators.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfCUlnMCwqNJohxueonOr_JnxgR5kZQAXr_seOuwvLLZeGKrHhieDzHdzmSfo7y9LTy7gUox63KNB2pkBzKj80KCUP-a79a9l9VY5tGNnCU7Zvg8bAxVURN2LOaAuoa7dRB2o4FQEVbA/s320/171-more+spectators.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White & Black</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Saturday - Carolee had read of a gay pride parade terminating at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Bastille">Place de la Bastille</a>, so our day's adventure came to us. In the afternoon we strolled over there and made our way through heavy crowds around the circle to a cafe, where we found an open table and sat down to nursing overpriced drinks and waiting. The big surprise was the size and length of the parade: at 6 pm it still appeared to be endless. People brought their children to watch, the little ones on their shoulders. There was nowhere near the freakiness and shock tactics of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade. Getting out from the cafe required some determined but delicate maneuvering through the throng. A good time was had by all. <br />
The next day, Sunday, was quieter, but the temperature was up. From the newspaper we chose to see an ecology exhibit at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_de_Ville,_Paris">Hotel de Ville</a> (City Hall). Bland, it was. As, apparently, was the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_5rgTeX12-c0KJtupj6HxyLDHfE5G6N4U7PdlpVFGMpwbjDvoz9sVp9Pm2YFR3UEBY2N5RS-TDjFJRcPuNubbmaNEcaZL2nIdmBxccGWB5d9SHUTliCNteuXh8tgvBSkWz5TRL96j7c/s1600/176-Tour+St-Jacques.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_5rgTeX12-c0KJtupj6HxyLDHfE5G6N4U7PdlpVFGMpwbjDvoz9sVp9Pm2YFR3UEBY2N5RS-TDjFJRcPuNubbmaNEcaZL2nIdmBxccGWB5d9SHUTliCNteuXh8tgvBSkWz5TRL96j7c/s320/176-Tour+St-Jacques.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour St-Jacques (St James Tower)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeUpLUMsmC-j3VE7h0xaTZ1VkrT8LuPe1mXpn0Mu4k7-UXGgdxrQnNSP8Oc0mmjqLmnonEEMINhtP_QNutL3ywPfES21xg3DkGZt5w279e-EZGLoZefW-LY4ijPgCLtolpsK25Vu2Dyo/s1600/179-Duane+descend+a+Sq.+du+Vert+Galant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeUpLUMsmC-j3VE7h0xaTZ1VkrT8LuPe1mXpn0Mu4k7-UXGgdxrQnNSP8Oc0mmjqLmnonEEMINhtP_QNutL3ywPfES21xg3DkGZt5w279e-EZGLoZefW-LY4ijPgCLtolpsK25Vu2Dyo/s320/179-Duane+descend+a+Sq.+du+Vert+Galant.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No handrail down to Sq du Vert Galant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MmXCeEP5itxtzovF1QjuOyE6qusa5CI5f4ia-__tr5ooKNlncr6og3oP0TzP0Yj05p0PIcAgieU08JgKGDs7sJtD9EP4zflLFv8JS_5G2_7eX7tdUdAK1H7VSm6qQ2km5y-pY5TWGtU/s1600/182-un+flaneur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MmXCeEP5itxtzovF1QjuOyE6qusa5CI5f4ia-__tr5ooKNlncr6og3oP0TzP0Yj05p0PIcAgieU08JgKGDs7sJtD9EP4zflLFv8JS_5G2_7eX7tdUdAK1H7VSm6qQ2km5y-pY5TWGtU/s320/182-un+flaneur.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Square du vert Galant, tip of Ile de la Cite</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Continuing on Monday, another scorcher, in the same area, we left the bus at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_St_Jacques">Tour St-Jacques</a>, a belfrey without a church anymore, where the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela started out. From there we went across to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ile_de_la_cite">Island</a>, where we noted the long lines to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle">Sainte Chapelle</a> and wondered if we'd ever see it this time around. At my request we went to the downstream tip of the island and descended a long flight of stairs to the charming Vert Galant park for a rest. After the arduous climb back up we crossed to the left bank and to a bus stop near St-Germain and home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0qhH2KuQaMsJXUYHepFkDnPaLGEsOO2TcX9ql6JNLBZ504OOIu-OCnMmBGZhJGa941Yapg71sITlBvaG68ACl48rmXti8LgnuqHwm8xya5JopVpAicWjrWiL9BlxOgK_yZP0djx-9Qs/s1600/188-St-Eustache.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0qhH2KuQaMsJXUYHepFkDnPaLGEsOO2TcX9ql6JNLBZ504OOIu-OCnMmBGZhJGa941Yapg71sITlBvaG68ACl48rmXti8LgnuqHwm8xya5JopVpAicWjrWiL9BlxOgK_yZP0djx-9Qs/s320/188-St-Eustache.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St-Eustache church, clean</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JM5QD0sm-f7IsTyYLVk-ZhrLb_hAKUR7sMsIw6RYKfHBmd4ChE-6_LuTrjYLODOg9fubFvZRisjfsXx3gyfM3Fj5_PC3QML589Ozo1SuDll0Jy7mS0WqyGJW75xLYO9aJ_ZJ033LBtM/s1600/195-Boules+at+Palais+Royale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JM5QD0sm-f7IsTyYLVk-ZhrLb_hAKUR7sMsIw6RYKfHBmd4ChE-6_LuTrjYLODOg9fubFvZRisjfsXx3gyfM3Fj5_PC3QML589Ozo1SuDll0Jy7mS0WqyGJW75xLYO9aJ_ZJ033LBtM/s320/195-Boules+at+Palais+Royale.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden of Palais Royale, boules</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulBzm2xyEYPx-PDjPBrRTTl03TfjcKjyoUu-35qyK_lLfnbAJiw7eUyOwhEOh2ZIQO2CthwqZaZIQZcPUrB55B1JwtTSaR5tnrz_tOgpltC7m0bUq8i6GiHa3t-UGN8QXdDHz1XoYtIk/s1600/198-Palais+Royale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulBzm2xyEYPx-PDjPBrRTTl03TfjcKjyoUu-35qyK_lLfnbAJiw7eUyOwhEOh2ZIQO2CthwqZaZIQZcPUrB55B1JwtTSaR5tnrz_tOgpltC7m0bUq8i6GiHa3t-UGN8QXdDHz1XoYtIk/s320/198-Palais+Royale.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden of Palais Royale, spray, sun bathers</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Tuesday we went once again to the center and on to the church St-Eustache, which is highly rated in the guidebooks. The outside was indeed well-cleaned and strikingly beautiful. A helpful Parisian gave us the story. But the interior was another disappointment - soot-stained and generally dismal. It did hold the tomb of Colbert. Only a few blocks away was Dehillerin, Carolee's favorite cookwares store. Absolutely crammed with the best of cooking gear. From there to the Palais Royale for comfortable sitting and gawking in the enormous garden. Deciding it was time to go back, we had trouble finding the bus stop, so Carolee parked me at one of the new fountains in the Louvre courtyard among zillions of tourists while she scouted. It took a while, and we finally set off for home after a long, sweltering wait.<br />
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<b>ESSAY: ON BEING A GIMP IN PARIS </b><br />
The last few years have left me with an ailment of the nerves in the legs which makes the muscles weak and seriously compromises balance, It was a bit of a dare to come here at all, and I wouldn't have attempted it without Carolee. So how'm I doin' with it? Some pleasant surprises here. In San Diego I'm doing well as long as I can still drive. If I lose that, and I could, I'll be stuck at home and dependent on others to drive for me. Here in Paris when I go out I'll see, in a few hours, a couple dozen people getting around with canes. In addition to that, a couple of blind people and occasionally someone in a wheelchair. They're getting by. How? The simple answer is compactness. The apartments and flats are small and numerous. Ours, at 550 square feet, is large. So local business can also be dense. Within 300 yards we have several grocery stores, a department store, any number of cafes, bistros and restaurants, two laundromats, two banks, a post office, a hardware store, pharmacies, bakeries, a hospital, a walk-in medical lab, and even a McDonalds and a Starbucks. If we widen the circle to 600 yards we include another hospital, two major transportation hubs and an opera house! There are plenty of people on the street to offer aid where needed, and they do. All it would take is a small circle of friends and I'd say I'm better off here than in San Diego. Wish I could afford it.<br />
Carolee, not a naysayer, points out that compactness has its downside: noise and odors.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937633759048628091.post-8939711588662854692011-06-25T06:20:00.000-07:002011-11-12T14:54:07.701-08:00First DaysAu Lecteur/to the reader - We're composing this blog with a few purposes - 1) as a journal for ourselves; 2) as a travelogue (or maybe statilogue, because we're hanging out mostly in Paris) for friends who asked for it; and 3) for others who may have reason to be interested. So feel free to peruse as much or as little of it as you wish. The opportunity was provided by Carolee's retirement from the Federal Court, and her sibling Duane glommed onto the opportunity. The chosen duration was 3 months and an apartment was rented through a web agency.<br />
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[Duane] Carolee and I traveled separately with almost identical schedules, both with a transfer at O'Hare. But, as we learned later, both were delayed there and had to scurry for dear life to connect. We both made it but were, of course, worried about the other all the way. Because of my cane they scheduled a wheelchair for me at Paris CDG. I was too proud to be wheeled, but the attendant stuck with me and broze me like lightning through passport control and customs. Out in the hurly-burly of the reception hall I sent the attendant off with what I hoped was an adequate tip and ten seconds later heard Carolee call my name. Whew! Moral: should have traveled together! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the blue gate to the courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door to front apartments</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue gate from street, apartment above</td></tr>
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</a></div> As a luxury, maybe a <i>necessary luxury</i> with my gimpiness, we had hired a car and driver to take us into the city and the apartment. Heavy stop-and-go traffic on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulevard_P%C3%A9riph%C3%A9rique">Peripherique</a> was replaced with heavy stop-and-go on a city street as we entered at the Port de Vincennes. But eventually we turned into our street in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_arrondissement_of_Paris">twelfth arrondissement</a>, and down towards the end found our number. Our landlord called down to us and after a bit of confusion we entered through a handsome arched gateway, a handsome passageway into a handsome court and found the door to our apartment block at the right. Up one flight of fine oak steps we met our landlord and were shown the ropes. Soon enough he was gone and we did some basic setup, made a list, and went into the neighborhood for our first exploration and shopping.<br />
After the naps we had vowed not to take we walked under the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_plant%C3%A9e">viaduc des arts</a> (picture later) and crossed the Canal St-Martin on a footbridge, then up to Place de la Bastille and back home. A good beginning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina, Canal St-Martin, Bastille Column</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aligre Market, covered section</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place des Vosges</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Micky's Deli, Rue des Rosiers</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The second day Carolee introduced me to the Marche d'Aligre, a farmers' market a few blocks away. Plenty of yummy produce and great prices on most of it. The picture shows a shop in the covered portion where they have meats and cheeses - none of them cheap. That afternoon a short excursion was made to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_des_Vosges">Place des Vosges</a> and the Jewish district just west of it. Dinner was at a very French place a few blocks away, Bistro de Paris. Our entree, entrecote, was fairly chewy steak with a very good Bearnaise sauce.<br />
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By the third day we had become well acquainted with the neighborhood shops, knew what we wanted to buy and where, and began a routine of daily shopping and healthy eating at home. Afternoons were for excursions here and there in the city. By now we had bought a packet of tickets good on either metro or buses but hadn't yet braved the metro because of my gimpy legs. So we gave it a shot and took our local line to the Opera, where I had to see, of all things, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galeries_Lafayette">Galeries Lafayette</a>. Why? It has an amazing stained glass dome over the women's building. We were properly amazed by this but also by the endless supply of high-class fashion clothing, accessories and suggestive advertising.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galeries Lafayette cupola, glass & iron</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model strutting in Place Vendome</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Walking back to the opera we got scammed for 5 euros by a girl with an impressive act. No big deal. I wanted to cruise down to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuileries_Garden">Tuileries Gardens</a> so we walked in light rain down the rue de la Paix past fashion house after fashion house and into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_Vend%C3%B4me">Place Vendome</a> (Ritz Hotel), where we were amused to find a fashion model strutting for a gaggle of cameramen. Crossing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_de_Rivoli">Rue de Rivoli</a>, we then descended into the gardens, which we had almost to ourselves because of the rain. A comfortable if wet sit at the central pool was followed by our exit up and out and right down again into the Metro. We got thoroughly bewildered by the change to a different Metro line at the Bastille station (long, poorly marked passages, stairs up and down) and vowed never again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee, Pont de Sully, Quai des Celestines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duane, Square John XXIII</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0aglYCqTYiXRzhbUIezheledOW9pM-lQodvc9ZU0Is96fugN0z6d9TSVdctwFEDHarxmgRc3D1Z_wkZjeNklytaiFHQtONMYe3kulifEo3prfZXZuOs0BK3IRKSYG0M8M9IO4uC3sB4/s1600/040-Notre+Dame+entry+line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0aglYCqTYiXRzhbUIezheledOW9pM-lQodvc9ZU0Is96fugN0z6d9TSVdctwFEDHarxmgRc3D1Z_wkZjeNklytaiFHQtONMYe3kulifEo3prfZXZuOs0BK3IRKSYG0M8M9IO4uC3sB4/s320/040-Notre+Dame+entry+line.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line to enter Notre Dame</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Saturday's excursion was from the apartment to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre_Dame_de_Paris">Notre Dame</a> and beyond. So it was over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_Saint-Martin">Canal St-Martin</a> once again and along the length of the Ile St-Louis and onto the main island, where we rested for a while in a charming garden at the apse end of Notre Dame. Then it was along the north side ogling gargoyles and the long lines of tourists waiting to get in. After a short rest, what the hell?, we went for more. So it was across to the left bank to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre">St-Julien le Pauvre</a>, a favorite church of Carolee's, then through some restaurant-filled streets (see roasting piglet) to Boulevard St-Michel and up the quay past numerous book vendors to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_des_Arts">Pont des Arts</a> for a good view of the island. More amazing than the island was the sight of thousands of small padlocks attached to the wire netting at each side. We hear from Gertrude that this is a new fad for lovers On through the Cour Carree of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Palace">Louvre</a> for a view of the pyramid, then we called it a day and dragged ourselves back to the metro and home again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasting chickens and piglets, Cluny area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8kTHQLQyMYq4mDeqTgM61Yr7VRo-y1RUjGvYAyHajbx_939W3lto9-U8huw8ERqc9zC67M4vOXTZUA8FZUUV5KFS63oGtqftttcCSL0m-CNQHMffasShefJyivZ5aQnKSrHPxNIB1X0/s1600/052-Pont+des+Arts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8kTHQLQyMYq4mDeqTgM61Yr7VRo-y1RUjGvYAyHajbx_939W3lto9-U8huw8ERqc9zC67M4vOXTZUA8FZUUV5KFS63oGtqftttcCSL0m-CNQHMffasShefJyivZ5aQnKSrHPxNIB1X0/s320/052-Pont+des+Arts.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Fidelity" padlocks on Pont des Arts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqPjILzzoLvAxLq_xrxOL_CoNsq_aOuEyb4q9q6Q5UflAmreogbXy9XCuOCsRgXbLJC3cQpapYHbXnoYwtNnEXAyLeIQ2NHpmSMkAINrzszC4RCNGH0CPjZDX6shEA6zsi4Xad3Wy06Y/s1600/056-CK+au+Louvre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqPjILzzoLvAxLq_xrxOL_CoNsq_aOuEyb4q9q6Q5UflAmreogbXy9XCuOCsRgXbLJC3cQpapYHbXnoYwtNnEXAyLeIQ2NHpmSMkAINrzszC4RCNGH0CPjZDX6shEA6zsi4Xad3Wy06Y/s320/056-CK+au+Louvre.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee, Louvre Courtyard, Pei Pyramid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next day, Sunday, on our way to the market (very crowded) we heard amplified voices and turned over to the Rue Daumesnil where we found the terminus, we think, of a several kilometer footrace. We helped urge the stragglers on as we walked along beside the Viaduc des Arts. This structure is an abandoned railway viaduct which has been put to good new use with art stores filling the arches below and a park above, good for jogging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnLDvuLUfDUwIl7I4ce3ZIgpp_a_gWn3AIVrFvOvHyE75IlCRIjtoKw5L_FO76wVt1IDCy2GdyTc82IWor1IqnWgdfD5Pa-H5mTvluODHnxALMettUFZWXjpWsf910MKpEgqY79rKcxw/s1600/062-Duane+on+avenue+Daumesnil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnLDvuLUfDUwIl7I4ce3ZIgpp_a_gWn3AIVrFvOvHyE75IlCRIjtoKw5L_FO76wVt1IDCy2GdyTc82IWor1IqnWgdfD5Pa-H5mTvluODHnxALMettUFZWXjpWsf910MKpEgqY79rKcxw/s320/062-Duane+on+avenue+Daumesnil.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darkly, Duane by Viaduc des Arts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOl5HbJQErlyOeSB5T-ShU2IsGsITUpBmc6HNwVfp6NzTcZEZoXb4j7fp7H4KdMpzYUvr7FfqfmKUEJuwmozve-Z2F6iVStMRdwE5WZU0kZ5lSCAP3uiFqGudT7Jk_hbP64ArJIf3f2M/s1600/070-jogger+in+Parc+Monceau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOl5HbJQErlyOeSB5T-ShU2IsGsITUpBmc6HNwVfp6NzTcZEZoXb4j7fp7H4KdMpzYUvr7FfqfmKUEJuwmozve-Z2F6iVStMRdwE5WZU0kZ5lSCAP3uiFqGudT7Jk_hbP64ArJIf3f2M/s320/070-jogger+in+Parc+Monceau.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parc Monceau, jogger, birthday party</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINl-KxpC9-c2G-zf-DSbk3fXfq1HlA7gggQ1z3I50FQti2pT8uIL3rZC67XHOkqGVxOGb5UYdy2SF8usIrFxJ8X0gQArW6GiHUGWpjjD8tbTSLIFb3rrSV8U1Pj_JA7EQ5Yg3UsbosP0/s1600/072-rue+Rembrandt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINl-KxpC9-c2G-zf-DSbk3fXfq1HlA7gggQ1z3I50FQti2pT8uIL3rZC67XHOkqGVxOGb5UYdy2SF8usIrFxJ8X0gQArW6GiHUGWpjjD8tbTSLIFb3rrSV8U1Pj_JA7EQ5Yg3UsbosP0/s320/072-rue+Rembrandt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolee at Rue Rembrandt, bourgeois paradise</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Sunday's excursion, an easy one, was to a favorite spot of Carolee's, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_Monceau">Parc Monceau</a>, near the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_l%27%C3%89toile">Etoile</a>. Sunday afternoon in the park, you can imagine, was the place for joggers, birthday parties for kids, scout outings, and strollers like ourselves. A brief sit, followed by a stroll first down the very ritzy Rue Rembrandt, then back to the Etoile and the metro home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmjqEnLE_IA9l6YnDnMyD5mC6lhBOMVVas-CmPCLo9bRR3vuXySXR4Pt8VTaTF6uOb1DtArsLBqt2doNRi1kgs9B_rgyuH4g3kkMcm78DFijpLCe_Jp63YdPAAkZ0TB0aAAcGSqQgnPY/s1600/094-Duane+and+Segway+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmjqEnLE_IA9l6YnDnMyD5mC6lhBOMVVas-CmPCLo9bRR3vuXySXR4Pt8VTaTF6uOb1DtArsLBqt2doNRi1kgs9B_rgyuH4g3kkMcm78DFijpLCe_Jp63YdPAAkZ0TB0aAAcGSqQgnPY/s320/094-Duane+and+Segway+group.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duane by Seine near Grand Palais, segway enthusiasts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tak_bOaZhkM3_w11Jo-Gvg0LCHSOih8bFL9YosfXrF2xR_6pj53GzvkWh9CZHaenm6_GEUMzumy8tg-WmVK6K46eWpMZHj1M28kjrqsFkVNparFw8qn31_xWGPYjRBgf6zR-M5tQxok/s1600/096-Pont+Alexandre+III.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tak_bOaZhkM3_w11Jo-Gvg0LCHSOih8bFL9YosfXrF2xR_6pj53GzvkWh9CZHaenm6_GEUMzumy8tg-WmVK6K46eWpMZHj1M28kjrqsFkVNparFw8qn31_xWGPYjRBgf6zR-M5tQxok/s320/096-Pont+Alexandre+III.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pont Alexandre III, freshly gilded</td></tr>
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Monday, museums are closed, so we tried a big church, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89glise_de_la_Madeleine">Madeleine</a>, which lay conveniently on Metro line 8. A tiresome climb up broad steps for me, which rewarded us with an enormous but dingy space inside. But we lucked into a performance of music by a high school choir from Santa Barbara. We noticed the parents and sibs of the choir sitting near us. But the powerful reverberation in the church led us to move forward to actually hear the words of the pieces. Following this, and wanting a little more from the trip, it was down the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_Royale">Rue Royale</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde">Place de la Concorde</a>, from which, dodging taxis, we descended to a small hidden garden by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palais">Grand Palais</a>. Hidden it was: a small. leafy concrete grotto with flowing water and stony walls simulated in concrete. Good for a short rest, anyway. Once up a set of dangerous rustic steps we opted for a bit more and walked along the Seine, where we were met by a file of segways, Then over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_Alexandre_III">Pont Alexandre III</a> to the huge expanse of lawn in front of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Invalides">Invalides</a>, down, down, down into the Metro and home,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrdyASMNuvXvgOfj1Heu3dD6q8Js5u_BFPLZ231nmOMz_JNNSTOpjky3b6vdqxgsf-YKFghAmU6X6yAXxhP6HHWNPWMu1t21NAPk59H0ERKU4j6pGnh1VIvfMexVlykt3oboTitlJdqI/s1600/110-Quebec+prend+la+Bastille.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrdyASMNuvXvgOfj1Heu3dD6q8Js5u_BFPLZ231nmOMz_JNNSTOpjky3b6vdqxgsf-YKFghAmU6X6yAXxhP6HHWNPWMu1t21NAPk59H0ERKU4j6pGnh1VIvfMexVlykt3oboTitlJdqI/s320/110-Quebec+prend+la+Bastille.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music fans at Solsticial celebration, Bastille</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMegG8wusHtyM1silT5-H_v5cfEejqwyAU_UubBSE1k_J1MVB_zaz_fCrV7nBJq8Ydp4tepGunLUPlnQd0XfwEKV9vpAR9BrlcpU5W9nFtVi1KlhIFuG4UZtvo2Ls0x_QZYM2alfGEqoI/s1600/109-merguez+anyone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMegG8wusHtyM1silT5-H_v5cfEejqwyAU_UubBSE1k_J1MVB_zaz_fCrV7nBJq8Ydp4tepGunLUPlnQd0XfwEKV9vpAR9BrlcpU5W9nFtVi1KlhIFuG4UZtvo2Ls0x_QZYM2alfGEqoI/s320/109-merguez+anyone.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merguez sausage grilling</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Tuesday, vowing once again to take it easy, but never succeeding, we learned of a concert at the nearly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Bastille">Place de la Bastille</a>, so trooped down there in the afternoon. The band was from Quebec, and we heard much of Franco-Quebecois amity - between the loud songs, that is. Vendors of grilled merguez sausages aplenty.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde"> </a>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378685696622050041noreply@blogger.com0