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Monday morning the three of us boarded a giant, double-decker sightseeing bus to get a closer look at a northern neighborhood we have not yet explored. We started in the Opera Quarter and set out to make a loop largely around the 9th Arrondissement. The two great things about this type of tour? You can get off at any point along the way and when you're ready to get back on, you're never waiting more than a few minutes.
We only stepped of once (and almost a 2nd time when A started to melt down at one point) so that we could better explore the Montmartre Area. From Moulin Rouge to the Sacre Coeur, this area seems to attract a little bit of everything from the artsy types to the religious to the revelers. And of course tourists like us.
First we stopped into Buvette for a quick lunch before we continued on our way. I wanted to check out this restaurant known for their croque monsieurs and other creative takes on French classics. This was our first time eating out with A in the carrier vs the stroller and he completely cooperated. Mom and Dad might start to get overconfident.
Next, we stopped in a little park that pays homage to St. Denis, the martyr who was beheaded by the Romans. This was Andrew's opportunity to have a snack and take a breather which we now know we must build into our long days at least every few hours. I'm not sure Andrew would appreciate the park in a few years once he realizes that the statue looking down at him the whole time was the martyr with his head in his hands. Another reminder why he's so great to travel with now.
The high point (literally) of our stop was making it to the basilica of the Sacre Coeur. Situated at the summit of the Montmartre area, it is known as the highest point in the city. From the top of the stairs and the base of the church you have a pretty vast view of the skyline of Paris EXCEPT for the Eiffel Tower. Still a great view and fun to try to identify the landmarks we have come to know so far.
A little further down the street we found ourselves in a very busy square that was jam packed with men wanting to draw your caricature, a Starbucks and a talented French duo playing an accordion and singing in English to Brittney Spears' "Hit me baby one more time..." It was time to move on.
Back on the bus, we finished the tour and snapped lots of awesome photographs of buildings I didn't know the names of as our audioguide set to GPS couldn't quite make pace with the traffic we were sitting in. All in all, it was a great way to see the beautiful city a little higher up. We were all grateful for the nice weather, the cooperative child and the great company!
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