September 14, 2014
Some of the photos from Paris were on my camera, instead of my phone. These have now been uploaded.
Mairie of 10th arrondissement, exterior and interior
Statue of Liberty model outside Musee des Artes et Metiers. See some of the exhibits below:
Model of a foundry
Paris Subway – not at rush hour
Funicular to Sacre Coeur
Basilica de Sacre Coeur
Gare de l’Est, visible from Muller’s apartment
Remembrances of World War I, when station was used to ship French troops to the eastern border
September 12, 2014
After a wonderful night’s sleep, we were ready to explore Paris. Our first destination was the Musee des Arts et Metiers, “a store of new and useful inventions”. On the way we stopped in the Mairie de Paris, the borough offices for the 10th arrondissement. Certainly more personality than our township offices. We are seeing several displays commemorating the beginning of World War I.
In front of the Museum is a model of the Statue of Liberty, created by a Frenchman, and given as a gift to the US by France. The displays inside are divided into Scientic Instruments, Materials, Construction, Communications, Energy, Mechanics, and Transport. Lots of photos. Of course, we especially like the display of bicycles. Instead of the planned hour, we spent over two hours in the museum.
Wandered through Notre Dame des Blanc-Manteaux and heard organ music as we sat briefly to rest. Enjoyed lunch at Cafe Leonard, no other English speakers around. (I am trying out my French but have found most Parisians want to speak English – no French rudeness visible.)
We took the subway to Montparnasse area, then the funicular up to the church Basilica Sacre Coeur. View was quite hazy, so no panorama shots. Then another subway back to the apartment for a rest, after wandering 7 hours!
When the after-work traffic calmed down, we rented bikes via Velib’, the Paris Bike Share system. There are separated bike paths, signed bike paths, bikes in bus lanes – we wandered in all, and some heavy traffic as well.
Don was able to find his way back to Berthillon, the famous ice cream shop. We reached Notre Dame just after sunset, continued on past Musee d’Orsay, to the Eiffel Tower. After 2 hours, we parked the bikes and took another subway “home”, a full and fulfilling day.
(Some photos are missing, taken on the camera, and not available for upload.)
September 11, 2014
Today is Thursday, September 11, and we are comfortably settled in Paris. And we have had almost 12 hours of sleep! Anyone who has traveled to Europe knows about losing six or more hours of a day(s).
We had lunch in Fairfax with Ralph, Don’s brother, before heading to the airport. Our check-in went smoothly. The $200 charge to transport the tandem was not a surprise, and, thanks to a new United credit card, our other 3 bags traveled free. We now had 3+ hours to spend in the United lounge, with free snacks and beverages.
The plane was full, not a single seat open, as far as I could tell. I slept briefly, otherwise struggled to find a comfortable position. It did seem the 7+ hours “flew” by. We arrived in Paris just as the sky was lightening up for sunrise.
All the luggage made it!
We had booked a night’s stay at a hotel at the airport, including early check-in. And we had arranged for a rental car, actually a van to hold the tandem. The car rental worked, we are driving a comfortable diesel Volkswagen. The hotel had no rooms for early check-in, indicating availability in an hour. So we strolled in the village of Roissy, buying bread and cheese for nourishment.
The French version of the 24 hour pharmacy.
Two and a half hours later, Don insisted on a refund of our non-cancel reservation and we headed into Paris. I’m glad Don was driving as the tight passes were frightening as a passenger. We arrived at the apartment of our friends Christine and Patrice Muller, and unloaded the van.
After a brief attempt at a nap, we set about to put the tandem together (we will leave the case in the Muller’s garage). Moving slowly, that process took about 2 hours.
The temperature is pleasantly cool, in the 70s. We then walked and wandered in the neighborhood, passing Le Place de la Republique, celebrating freedom from the monarchy.
This is NOT what I will ever look like on a bike! Note the high heels! Bike Share bikes are used by everyone.
By 8 pm Paris time we were in bed, trying to adjust time zones. I am a new woman this morning!
Sunrise over Paris from Muller’s apartment.