Summer came to Paris today, in the form of 30 degrees - nice. We left the jumpers at home and completed our final obligatory touristy thing - visited the Louvre. After an hour or so in the Italian Paintings, wondering what all the fuss is about (the Mona Lisa) - enjoying Da Vinci and friends, we had had enough of madding crowds and the demonic oppressiveness of the place. It IS impressive, I guess I just prefer David Hadley's stuff.
We decided to escape to the outer areas of the city and try to find where the Parisians go. We got off the metro at no-name places and lunched on the river, walked through some gardens and felt like we discovered the romance of Paris. The flowers, the boats, the river, the cafes, the bicycles, french bread, leafy trees, berets and all the Parisian smokers (the no-smoking message hasn't reached here yet).
The most difficult thing for Aussies to adjust to is the "invasion of your personal space." Tables in cafes are within inches of each other and you touch elbows with a stranger as you eat. It's a case of "you go ahead and I'll take a bite after you." Or, "is that your croissant or mine?"
So, we're off to "old blighty" tomorrow to catch up with Charles and Camilla. After lunch at Windsor we train to Oxford, pick up a hire car and stay for 2 nights at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Hope the weather's good.
2 comments:
Ah... romance Gary - you found it!!! Don't let it rub off though when you touch shoulders with Charles and Camilla.
Looks like you've been having perfect weather. Paris looks wonderful - must be great seeing all the places we've all heard about and seen in the movies. It's good to see you're enjoying your food! I hope you don't have any of the mishaps of Mr Bean! Say hello to the Queen for us.
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