Freebies in Paris

Not much in Paris is free. Exceptions are the City of Paris museum in two town houses in the Marais and the Sunday organ concerts at ST Eustache, our parish church.  This week we took advantage of both - see pix.

Paris firemen

When you live here and are on the street early in the morning as we are, going to school, you see something we have never seen before - here or anywhere else: the firemen out running.  They always are in a group, usually young guys led by an older guy. Always in bright blue and red running togs. Maybe it's just the newbie probationary firemen but its great PR!!

Sunday excursion

Met friends for church and lunch at La Madeline followed by famous Paris ice cream on the Ile de la Cite - that's Notre Dame in the background.  

Watch out for the Pickpockets

I've been pickpocketed twice, both times in Rome, once on the subway. Today it almost happened again on the metro with a mom-daughter team. Girl pushed by me to board the car and I think the mom tried to make the dip into my side pocket. I got lucky and realized something was amiss and stuck my hand in my pocket by which time the mom was yelling at the girl to divert attention.  Way too close a call!!

Weekend in the City

Lazy weekend for us.  Downtown to the WH Smith English bookstore to buy some study materials in English.  Went by Place Vendome which is where Love in the Afternoon (a favorite Paris movie) is set at the Ritz. Sunday at Musee Rodin with a nap in the little hidden Park next to the Invalides. Got to mass at St Eustace this evening with its lovely liturgical music.

Tomorrow we start a slower class schedule with 3 hr class, 3 days a week and 3 hr conversation classes twice a week.  Should give us a little more time to enjoy the city vice the pretty tough class pace of the Intensive course we have been in.

The city that works

Another reason we like Paris ... The city works.  Trash gets picked up. People are out early delivering supplies to the stores and restaurants that line rue Montorgueil and we see them every morning on our way to school.  Folks here work hard.  Even the beggars work hard.  

Sunday at the Beach ... In Paris

It's hot in Paris... Really hot.  So if you can't go to the beach, Paris brings the beach to you!!