Oh those shoes.

I have never seen so many pointy-toe, spike heeled shoes walking around, ever. And walking isn't just on pristine concrete as there are cobble-stones, dirt and narrow-narrow streets/curbs/sidewalks everywhere. Their pointed shoes are so pointed at the toe that a size 5 looks like a 10 (note: not very attractive but admirable). Not walking slow, actually briskly, how do these women do it?? I lasted 8.5 hours in 2-inch, stubby-heeled boots. I was practically crippled after our first day here but didn't actually feel the whole extent of it until we were headed back to the barn. Then I gave out. My family had to to find dinner and bring it back (Cliff navigated his way back successfully!).

We had an excellent few days in Paris. We bought the Paris Museum Pass for 2 days which allowed us unlimited access to the many museums. We went back to the Louvre again to look for the mummies (discovered it was only one mummy and not mummy-cats like the British Museum, oh well). Day 2 involved the Cluny (medieval, unicorn tapestries), Louvre 2 (mummies), Orangerie (grand scale Monet water lillies), Arch de Triumphe (stairs/views), Orsay (Impressionist). Whew, can't believe we did all of that after day 1 (Pantheon/Notre Dame/Louvre).

So tired out, no time/energy for blog-ville. (I still think blogging is strange). Today was supposed to be a bit more low-key. We strolled (I changed shoes) and enjoyed the ambience. We did venture into the big French department store (Bon Marche) and the food court was extensive as was the children's/toy department. Our big event was the Eiffel Tower which we should have bagged since it was evident the weather wasn't great (our first non-sunny day with low clouds/fog) so the view was
very limited. But Alexa found 2 carousels that were still operating nearby which made her day. Then we got on a bus (yeah!) which provided a great scenic ride from the tower, along the Seine, back to Notre Dame. We strolled down a narrow, cobble street filled with lights and people and somehow ended up on the street back to our neighborhood. We had a light meal at a Brassiere, picked up some after dinner pastries are relaxing with some wine. Our little market street is so beautiful now as they just strung a zillion little blue twinkling lights all above the center, looks like a
rippling wave and did all the trees in the main square.

It is the city of light....what a sight!