Another Great Museum and Some Observations, Part Three of Our Paris/London Vacation

That's me getting some thinking done.

Saturday to the Montmartre section of Paris. I loved it. The views were spectacular. The cobbled stoned streets, shops and cafes charming. We dined at a highly-recommended restaurant that specializes in crepes. The praise was richly deserved.

Sunday there was something new: sun. The rain has stopped and is not forecast to return during the rest of our stay. Merci beacoup. It was actually pleasant weather and thus a perfect day to go to the Rodin Museum which is as notable to me for it’s long, lush gardens as the interiors. Indeed it is as much a park as a garden. The missus took my photo in front of Rodin’s most famous work, The Thinker. Cliche I know but one simply has to. The museum was filled with amazing sculptures. So many and of such quality as to cause one to wonder how one man could have produced so much in one lifetime. There was more of the great artist’s work scattered about the gardens.

From there we walked to the Eiffel Tower, an obligatory tourist stop. We’d been there on our previous two visits but this time approached it from the “back.” Tourists were everywhere and in great numbers. We then took a boat ride to Notre Dame which was most relaxing and pleasant not to mention scenic. Third time was a charm for visiting Shakespeare Book and Co. Had to wait in line but it was less than fifteen minutes. I made a purchase and we returned from there to the apartment.

A few observations: The Paris Metro is fantastic. You miss a train and another one is coming in a few minutes. It’s easy to get around and there are stops all over the city. Everything is accessible. It’s amazing to me that I’ve heard some of my Parisian students complain about it.

The French generally either stroll leisurely or walk fast and purposefully. In their rush to get places they dispense with niceties. If you’re in their way and they have to brush against you it’s no matter and don’t expect a “pardon moi.” But for the most part they are polite people always giving with the bon jour, merci and au revoir. At the cafe we frequent everyone is not only bi-lingual but speaks nearly perfect English. At all the museums, tourist attractions and popular restaurants, workers speak at least some English. Many menus offer English translations.

It’s a beautiful city, generally clean. While modern conveniences abound the look of the city is quite old and I mean that in the best possible sense. The architecture has been preserved and everywhere you go there are centuries-old buildings that dazzle the eye.

On the downside I find it shocking how many Parisians smoke. Didn’t they get the memo? And it’s not just old geezers from a less enlightened generation. Lots of young people can be found puffing away. Sad.

I have enjoyed how many people are out and about in the evenings enjoying cafes, eateries, bars and each other’s company. There was a saxophonist in a square last night entertaining scores of people who were in surrounding establishments or just standing about. Night life is vibrant. Every place feels safe.

We’re having a fine time.