Forgot to mention that we called into one of the big department stores, Galeries Lafayette, to look around. They have the most impressive dome roof and circular galleries below.
Tuesday 30th:
While most of Paris is low rise, there are parts that are “modern” and high. I’m sure they are practical, but from our perspective as tourists, they are ugly. One of these, the Montparnasse Tower, is certainly better looking out than in, particularly on the terrace on the 59th floor. What a view over Paris. The ordered way Paris is laid out is obvious. Although it was hazy (and cooler), we could see most of the main Paris attractions. It was much more spectacular than we expected and we found it difficult to stop gazing and leave.
We then took the Metro to a station, Stalingrad, which was near the Canal St Martin. There are a few canals in Paris and they, as well as the Seine, are still used to transport goods on big barges. We watched a boat go down through a double lock and then headed off along the canal edge towards home (at least that was the intention). The thinking person would figure that water flows down hill and that this canal flows into the Seine, which, 100s of kms away (near Honfleur actually), flows into the sea. The fact that the boat went down through the locks didn’t jog the thought process enough, and we set off heading upstream. After walking for half an hour, it dawned on the person who thought he knew where we were going and we turned around. We did, however, see a bridge that was raised by a big pulley wheel in each corner, built in the 1800s and another section of the Paris Plage, with water activities (pedal boats, dodgem boats, flying fox across the canal etc) for kids. 
For those who don’t need their privacy, relief was at hand.
Wed 31st:
Walked to Place de la Bastille this morning. G had a nails appointment and R walked along the canal (surprised?), to where it meets the Seine, and back again. Some interesting boats and another lock.
Took the Metro to Montmartre and walked up to Sacre Coeur. It’s a modern basilica compared to most of the others we’ve seen, but still impressive because of its domed interior – one big dome with a balcony all the way around inside and one outside. Didn’t climb this one. Seen one seen them all!? Battled very aggressive men trying to put bracelets on wrists and then demanding that you pay for them. Had to be rude to get them away. Saw many young girls give in, then argue. Must have been a bit frightening for them. 
Walked along a couple of metro stops and saw the Moulin Rouge building – looks a bit tired during the day but must look better at night. Bit of a seedy area, lots of sex shops, live shows and x rated films.
Back home with a nice pastry to have with coffee.
Nice relatively cool day today, mid to high 20s. Mid 30s tomorrow and high 30s on Friday.
Looking out the window at the moment. Clear, bright blue sky (8:30pm), clear view to the horizon with no obvious air pollution.
Lafayette is very impressive - at this stage that is the only thing you have done that we have also done in Paris! Someone told us before we went there that there was an outside area at the top so we walked through the shop and eventually found our way out to look over the city - nowhere near as impressive as Montparnasse or the Eiffel Tower though.
ReplyDeleteRegarding those who don't need their privacy - is that sexist or do they cater for ladies to?!!!