The Best of Times...the Worst of Times

Well, we are officially Parisian tourists!! While trying to get on a metro train, Larry suffered from an attempted pickpocketing! It was a busy train station and while we were waiting to embark we were surrounded by many other metro travelers...or so we thought...in reality it was a group of young GIRLS with a pick pocket scheme. Luckily Larry noticed that the girl's hand that was in his pants pocket was not mine and almost decked the young girl. This caused quite a stir. And while Larry was trying to decide whether or not to slug her, I dragged him on board the almost-moving train. Although he wanted to avenge this mis-justice, all I could think was, "There goes our vacation! I'll be stuck at the American Embassy (is there really such a thing? perhaps I watch too many movies!) trying to bail my husband out of a French jail!" But good fortune smiled upon us (thank you, God, for answers to prayers for travel protection!!) and we managed to get to our destination with all our travel money intact. (Unfortunately for a couple of women we met on the train, this was not the case with them. When they were arriving in Paris and headed to their hotel, they were pick pocketed and lost 600 euros.)
On the bright side, one of today's highlights was that a French woman, speaking rapid French, asked me for directions while in yet another metro station. I giggled....Oui! I am so French!!
But the greatest highlight of the day was our dinner cruise on the Seine. When I made the reservation for this junket, I figured we were getting totally ripped off. These people must know when they've got the Parisian tourist market cornered. But I was wrong. Yes, it was probably more expensive than it should have been. But, for the amazing views of the City of Lights, the better-than-expected dinner, the champagne and wine, and the dressed up adventure (felt like a prom after 37 years of marriage), it was a great deal and a most memorable evening!! We spent much of out time on the top deck enjoying unbelievable views and unforgettable weather (perfect temp!!).

(Are we perhaps becoming too Parisian??)




We also visited the Musee D'Orsay today where we hung with some of our favorite fellas...Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, etc. etc. It is so amazing to be in the same room with the art work that we've grown up seeing replicated in books. Starry Night, the Woman with an Umbrella, and Le Moulin de la Galette were just a few of the famous pieces of art work that we drooled over.
Between the drooling at the D'Orsay and the romance of dining on the Bateaux Mouches, we managed to visit the Galleries Lafayette. Now this is "just a shopping mall", but in Paris they know how to make shopping an experience. What an amazing building!! And what great shopping!

(Galleries Lafayette...it's just a typical shopping mall!)

(the ceiling of the Galleries Lafayette)




I must also say....the city of Paris really knows how to park! Now, I'm not talking about kissing...although they are really outstanding at that as well...but I'm talking about the gardens/public parks. Gorgeous! The appreciation of beauty abounds in these public arenas.

(Jardin de Luxembourg...it's just another park!)


Question of the day: If the River Seine divides the city of Paris into the Right Bank and Left Bank, how do you know which way to face to decide if you're on the left side or the right side???

("Gasp...gasp...choke...tear...Ahhhh, it's the Eiffel Tower!! A dream comes true!")