Day 7 - Wednesday April 15th, 2009

Woke up with a bit of a sore throat, and a very sore back. Decided to take it easy this morning, but still ended up out of the house around 10:30am, which was earlier than the day before.

Gorgeous and sunny, we had breakfast on the patio of the café across the street. The Café au Lait's here are to die for and I was a happy camper. We ordered ham & cheese omelets. To our surprise the waiter brought these huge plates with French fries, salad AND our omelets. Weren't expecting to receive that big a meal so I couldn't finish it all, despite the tastiness!

Hoped on the Metro and off to see the artwork at Musee d'Orsay, the gallery located in a converted railway station on the Seine. The building itself is a work of art, and it was an experience to view the pieces inside as well. I was glad we purchased a audio tour for 5 Euro - you could punch in the painting number and listen to a commentary and explanation of the piece. It was helpful because although I appreciate good art, I don't know a lot about the methods or artists themselves.

Manaen was feeling a bit off and we got tired of the gallery after a couple hours, so we left to find somewhere to rest our feet and to grab something to eat. After a short walk and some menu perusing, we decided on a "Artisan Boulangerie" that served delicious tarts and desserts.

Walked over the closest bridge to stroll around the grounds of the Louvre. We'll save the inside for a day with poor weather, but wanted to enjoy the sunshine outside today. The statues, trees, hedges, flowers and fountains are so grand and beautiful. People watching is always satisfying too! At the end of the grounds is Musee de l'Orangerie - where some of Monet's most beautiful pieces are located. He donated 8 gigantic canvases to the museum with the requirement that they be displayed in two oval rooms. Also saw some beautiful pieces by Renoir and other artists whose names I forget. Oops =) Like I said, appreciate art but am not an authority on the subject. They had a audio visual room with movies playing on techniques used. We parked our tired butts there for a few minutes and I was so close to falling asleep on Manaen's shoulder. Probably would have had a wonderful, restful sleep there in that dark room and comfy chairs. Better than our bed situation!

Walked back towards the Louvre on the other side of the gardens, under the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and near the glass pyramids. I sat for a few minutes while Manaen walked around them. We then went on a hunt for Susan's chocolates but Angelina didn't have them! However, we hope to go back to enjoy a cup of their hot chocolate, because we heard it's to die for. Also picked up some nice souvenirs along that stretch of road. The weather turned nasty very quickly (a menu flew off a café table and hit over a lady's soft drink onto her husband's lap!) so we made it to the nearest Metro and back to our apartment. Manaen stopped by the neighbourhood super market for some supplies and sauce for ravioli we picked up the other day, well I went home to soak my feet. We enjoyed a meal cooked at home and are now watching Lord of the Rings while getting some well deserved relaxation time. BOY does it feel good. We've been going so hard for so many days I forgot what it was like to rest. In bed by 11 and up earlier tomorrow, refreshed and renewed, minus some back pain =)

Love you all!!

Hugs, Kate and Manaen