Where do you start on your first morning in Paris? First bridge was Pont Neuf. You could see the Eiffel Tower from there. It was one of those 'is it me?' moments. Jumping up and down with excitement saying Paris! Paris! Paris!.
Coffee, a croissant, a walk to Notre Dame. What an incredibly moving place that is. I mentioned in an earlier post the impact Notre Dame had on me. The weight of history that you feel in a place like Notre Dame is incredible. In 2013, Canberra turns 100. In 2013, Notre Dame turns 850. Rose window, vaulted ceiling, gothic archways, gargoyles, ornate doors, flying buttresses. My year 7 art history text book was coming to life in front of me.
We walked down to the Louvre and the Jardins de Tuileries. Now that is a place I will love for the rest of my life. Chestnuts were falling from the trees, the garden beds were full of bright late summer flowers and the great pond was surrounded by deck chairs, perfect for lounging in.
Back to the apartment for our first real French lunch - cheese and pate and baguette - even just from the supermarket, it was wonderful (what does it say about me that when people asked what I was most looking forward to about Paris, I would say 'the cheese').
Time to get to grips with the Metro. My friend Donna had been in Paris a few weeks, so had found a few hidden secrets. One of these is the hammam at the back of Paris Mosque. Steam rooms of varying temperatures, women of all shapes, sizes and nationalities, the chance to relax on the warm marble floors in the steam and just .... think. It was wonderful. Followed up with a glass of mint tea under the fig tree in the courtyard (only a little bit like drinking warm toothpaste), it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
Another walk back down to the Louvre, dinner at a cafe, home to the apartment. My friends, it is love.
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