Tuesday Paris

Got up early this morning as on a mission to get to Notre Dame before the crowds. Two changes of Metro and were there by 9 am. No queue so we were able to see the first 30 min without too many tourists. Notre Dame is really amazing, built in the 13th century it has been famous over the centuries for sacred music and worship. The stained glass windows were fantastic, particularly the Rose windows. By the time we had walked around for an hour or so there were thousands there, so did well to miss them. Jan & I lit a candle for the people of Christchurch, Pike river and Norway.

Then had a coffee and comfort stop – not particularly easy as the public toilets are mostly terrible so usually have to go to a café. Coffee usually about 4.50 E each (about $8.50) We then went and bought Sim cards for our phones, not sure if they work really. I rang Karyn and got through okay, but my texts didn’t go through. For all you dedicated blogees (probably about 2 of you) our new French phone number is 0033761162272. Perhaps Sue or Diane or Karyn can text me so that I try to reply!!
On then by foot to Montmartre where we walked up another several hundred steps.

Lots of hawkers selling bags, tacky souvenirs, plaited wrist bands, etc. etc. Lots of Gypsies trying to rip you off by any means. One that we have experienced several times is the dropping of a ‘gold’ ring (man size) then claiming to have found it, but it is too big for them, lets try it on you – then jamb it on finger so it doesn’t come off. Then say ‘your lucky day – you very lucky man’ then chase you down the street for money. Hello, can’t get ring off finger. Lots of abuse, etc. but we too smart from them. Lots of other ploys, one has to be on the alert in all the major tourist spots.
We all had Croc Madame or Croc Monsieur (cheese, ham, egg toasted sandwich – very nice) for lunch at a pavement side café.

We wandered around Montmartre and then down to the stop for the hop and hop off bus. Sat and watched the passing scenery and manic traffic till we got to Opera.
Talk about gob smacking. Opulence gone mad. We weren’t prepared for the sheer drama and opulence of the interior of the building. One can really imagine without too much effort grand opera at its finest. The marble staircase is one of the finest in the world where one can imagine the fashionable society ladies sweeping down the stairs, the chandeliers huge and dramatic, reflected in the many mirrors. All in all well worth the 9 Euro entrance fee.
After this we decided to go to the huge department store opposite (not sure who suggested it – might have been me because I need another battery for my camera – stupid woman). Went up 5 floors in extreme heat with thousands of others only to find that the huge complex did not in fact have a camera store. Back on the street we (Jan and I) bought a bottle of ‘copy’ perfume as we had both run out – actually it is pretty gross in retrospect. Then home on the Metro, stopped at a 2$ type shop to buy some pegs, wine glasses for tomorrows bike ride, then found Kev who had been despatched to buy some wine. Home at last and all sore and tired. Is this fun??? Yes it is, but bloody exhausting at times.
Tomorrow !!! Fat tire bike ride to Giverny to see Monet’ garden etc . We stop at a market to buy our lunch then goodness knows how far we have to bike. My feet are holding out quite well, Paul’s leg is holding out okay, but who knows how our bottoms will fare tomorrow.
More later!!!