Monday morning saw Michael and I venturing out for an 'early' walk at 8.30. Daybreak is officially around around 8.40am so even though the roads and pavements were busy, the light was dim and eery, a pre-dawn fog. We found our way to the Champs Élysées and walked towards the Arc de Triomphe. It was about 2 degrees, very bracing, so we wound up at a little cafe just around the corner from the apartment to have coffee and croissant, all the tastier due to the cosiness of the café.
Our day of sightseeing commenced with the Arc de Triomphe. We walked along Rue Victor Hugo to the base, Anne and I making slow progress, so many shop windows to peer through. Due to various knee and ankle ailments, the four of us used the lift to ascend this impressive structure. The views all around are breathtaking and we spent some time gazing out across the landscape of Paris.
Our next stop - Notre Dame. Five years ago, time was limited and the entry queue was incredibly long. This trip however, very little queue and time is on our side. The interior is breathtaking, and although not completely silent as the signs request, the atmosphere within is fairly subdued and respectful. For two euros you can light a candle for loved ones. I had no money on me so I made a bargain to donate four euros to the poor in exchange for two candles. I found a deserted nook and with a statue of Christ overlooking the dubious deed, I lit them, one for Mum, and one for Dad. I'm not sure of the significance of this practice; for me it was a special moment to remember them both.
Monday night - Moulin Rouge. I might add a note here that although we have managed to navigate the Metro in a fair to middling fashion, we decided to take no chances and catch an Uber to the show. Fascinating how you order a car online and within a couple of minutes, it appears at your door. Although the traffic was insane, we arrived intact and in plenty of time. Entertainment during dinner was a couple of singers accompanied by a band. Dinner was lovely, considering the amount of people to be served en masse. The main show commenced after the last plates were cleared. What a spectacular show. Not only are the performers young, fit and pleasing to the eye in their extremely scant costumes, they are incredibly talented. Our boys' eyes were on stalks for a while. The whole performance was mesmerising. Again, no photos were allowed. The waiters were on the alert and swooped on those people caught out.
I've just included a few web pics to give an idea of the grandeur if it all. Although the woman swimming with the snakes was a bit spooky.
After the show, we decided on the Metro for the return journey. Given the volume of traffic, even at 11pm, it seemed the quicker option. When we got back, I found I'd left my glasses at our table. Together with a dropped glove somewhere in the labyrinth of the Metro, a bit of a clumsy day pour moi.
No comments:
Post a Comment