Monday, September 19

Today, Kathy and I were right back at it - first stop, the Musee de la Marine - which is a wonderful exhibit of France's great - past and current - maritime history.  Of particular note is Louis XIV's great Reale de France - from 1694 - which is spectacular.  Pictured here are some of the stern features (for you non boat people, that's the end or back of the boat)

and also, Napoleon's canot (canoe, I presume although it is something more than any canoe I've ever seen!) which presumably he used to arrive in the grand scale in which he was accustomed!

All of all, a great exhibit - including wonderful models of all the French fleet from the 1600s to the present time.  The only thing I didn't see was any explanation of the many expeditions of the French to the New World - only a brief reference to Champlain and his discovery of Quebec.

In any event, a very nice view of the Eiffel Tower from the west from the Trocadero.

So, we next ventured to la Tour Eiffel only to discover that there were hordes of tourists!!!!  After a (un)fruitful wait at the tower, we bailed and decided that it would be a better bet to be there early - which is a strange thing because it wasn't nearly as busy as this last Wednesday (see my earlier blog).

Next up was the pit stop of the Place de la Concorde - which was the horrendous roundabout that I braved during my first bike venture earlier in the week.  This was originally the Place de la Revolution and the scene of many beheadings under the guillotine.  In modern times it now graces the 3,200 year old obelisk from Luxor (Egypt) and leads to the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.

 

.... and then the Champs Elysees awaited.  And we were certainly hungry by the time we arrived - at which time we immediately ordered some pizza and refreshments.  At the end of the Champs Elysees is of course the Arc de Triomphe - which I visited earlier last week - but this time, we went to the top - which I had never done before.  Well worth it.  A panoramic view of Paris - which is wonderful.

Another day, another museum .....  I could get used to this.  The quality of these museums is truly amazing - and world class to say the least.

Home at last - and then a late dinner at a little bistro on Ile St. Louis - and then a final cocktail at a little Mexican bar.  A good day in all.

Tomorrow, I am off to my first day of cooking classes - Kathy is off to do more sightseeing - including a bus tour and boat cruise.