Friday: June 13
Now that the general strikes appear to be waning, we took the Metro across town to the Montmartre district for a morning of sightseeing. Our arrival was met by a group of gypsy girls who were determined to pick our pockets until thwarted by Jean-Jacques who flagged down the police. One block later, all eight kids had been apprehended.
Up until this time, we haven't experienced problems despite walking all over town until quite late at night. Nevertheless, the Montmartre area is lovely--artists sketching in the town square, cafes on nearly every corner. We particularly enjoyed the little markets.
Unlike most of our market produce, the fruits here are naturally ripened and quite flavorful. Last night we enjoyed an appetizer of melon with prosciutto before our decadent night at the Moulin Rouge.
We wandered down one lovely cobblestone street after another, seeing old men playing bocci and children in nearly every small park.
We also passed the street where much of the movie "Amelie" was filmed, making us want to immediately view it again once we get home.
This interesting wall was just down the hill from Sacre-Coeur church. It says "I love you" in languages from all over the world.
Sacre-Coeur was quite impressive, perched at the very top of the hill, overlooking all of Montmartre below.
Just outside the church, there were sketch artists and performers, including this imaginative mime who would reach out and attempt to grab passing women.
The street scenes were absolutely incredible--each more beautiful than the next. We've come to the conclusion that Paris must be the most beautiful place on the face of the earth.
This little wine shop contained paintings of little street children, the Paris equivalent of our Salinas "homeys".
We had an opportunity to stroll by the famous Lapin Agile Cabaret where nightly poetry readings and music may be found.
Very few of the original windmills remain. This recent reproduction decorates a small corner cafe.
After a quick lunch of toasted open-faced ham and cheese sandwiches with salad, we hopped on the Metro and headed back to Concorde Square. Here is the obelisk of Luxor that now replaces the guillotine that beheaded Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.
At the Musee d'Orsay, we wandered from gallery to gallery, admiring work by the Impressionists.
It was quite a treat to see a Claude Monet painting that portrayed the water garden at Giverny which we had visited earlier this week.
We also saw paintings by Van Gogh, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Renoir.
The Orsay Museum was once an old train station. Much of the immense, original structure remains with the interior converted to a series of display galleries.
It's difficult to believe we've been here almost a week now. Tomorrow will be our final day to explore. While we miss our friends, family, pomapoos and home, we will also be sad to leave this magical place.