I do remember a lovely walk to the neighborhood grocery store. Breakfast was only 2 euros this morning - yogurt and bananas. I somehow think he undercharged me. Mary, Mary, Pat and Terry (hereinafter MMPT) heded for the HOHO boat tour. While taxis can be a little frantic and frightening, I found the river trip quite calming. Occassionally a handsome boat steward would try to tell us about the sites, but I'm already on overload. Interesting to see the same monuments, bridges, museums from a different vantagepoint.
MMPT walked down an exquisite tree lined boulevard to Princess Di's memorial which turns out to have been hijacked. It wasn't built for her but it has been taken over. Flowers, pictures, graphitti now decorate a gold flame built for another purpose. MM tell me that the tunnel beneath that spot is where the fatal accident occurred.
Another delightful sidewalk cafe, another beautiful day, another fresh salad and an almost full cup of coffee. What they call a Big Coffee is espresso with hot milk in what we call a normal size cup. I'll take it.
I've noticed that I don't get caffeine headaches over here, even though I'm drinking a lot less than my normal quota of coffee - 3 cups before I leave the house, a Venti Starbucks and 3 at night. Seems like at home if I miss any of that, it's an instant headache. Not here.
MM went back to their hotel to get ready for the night. I was determined to see Sainte Chapelle, much to Terry's dismay. It is a small gothic chapel recommended by a friend. Limited on time we caught a taxi, which is definitely an experience not to be missed, even though it's terrifying. Although I have yet to see an accident, I don't know why. Except that maybe they have perfected driving as an art. Narrowly missing each other, honking, great sense of spatial perception, or maybe no insurance, these guys manage to navigate crowded narrow streets without running into each other. It's a miracle.
Whether our taxi driver didn't know where Sainte-Chappelle was or had more important things to do, he stopped at Notre Dame. We rode in the back of buggy powered by a student driver - age 22 - to The Chapel described as a glass and stone jewel case. We climbed the narrow spiral staircase to the upper level to gaze at unparalleled beauty. I only wish we could have spent more time there.
By this time totally confused about where the hotel might be, we caught a taxi back to the hotel to get ready for our sunset river cruise complete with 5 star food followed by a show at the Moulin Rouge. It was much more varied than I thought it would be. I expected the barely dressed beautiful girls (and guys). But in addition we got acrobats, dancers, singers, comedians, dare devil roller skaters. My favorite would have to be the skaters who did ridiculous things while spinning in circles. It was better than America"s Got Talent. In fact several times I thought these people should apply.
Good that we caught the early show. There was a line down the street for the late show. The ride home was fairly uneventful on deserted Parisian streets. We arrived in time for our last Eiffel Tower Light Show.
My only regret is that we don't have more time here. Tomorrow we will be catching the train to London. Am I too old to be an exchange student?
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