Louvre Day

Hanging out on the Siene River

Breakfast in the city

It is so beautiful in Paris today.  It’s about 80 degrees with clear blue skies.  The 25 sweaters and jackets I brought were probably a bit unnecessary.  Today we discovered something we wish we found the first day – a grocery store.  This place was like Disneyland: olive buffet, a bread buffet, self serve spice rack.  I honestly think we spent about an hour in there and probably could have stayed all day but because we got a late start to the day, we were starving (and getting cranky).  We purchased all the necessary groceries to have a picnic and a late breakfast – the best croissant I’ve ever had and  ‘pain au chocolat’ (chocolate bread) for Mike.

Then it was off to the Louvre.  We are starting to get really good at these Metro stops.  While waiting for the Metro it always reminds me of that scene from Paris Je’Taime (my favorite movie) when the couple is sitting across from the man and the boyfriend starts to get jealous.   Anyone?  Okay, nevermind.

The view from our "picnic"

Anyway, we found a spot with a great view on the “Lawn” (which is really an unpaved path) for our picnic.  Mike was really excited about his Dijon mustard medley for our sandwiches and he was sure to sample each one.  It was great to people watch and enjoy our lunches along with many others who were there for all different reasons.

The Louvre is amazing.  It took me about 10 minutes and lots of puppy dog eyes to get Mike to agree to purchase the audio tour but we are so happy we did.  There are so many amazing art pieces.  The captions are in French so it was definitely helpful to have the audio headsets.  As we were getting acquainted with our new learning machines a girl (about 18) tapped Mike on the shoulder and said “I just have to tell you both congratulations.”  We got recognized all the way over here in France!  Crazy.

Audio Tour

Another funny thing about our experience at the Louvre – the bottom of my sandal started to come off.  Each step we took was another inch my sandal was coming apart.  The floors in the Louvre are marble so you can imagine the loud (and embarrassing) flap*flap*flap noise my sandal was making with each step.  We were cracking up and tried to ask a lady at the desk for a paperclip or glue – she didn’t speak English.

For dinner we decided to head back over to the Notre Dame area and eat at Hippopotamus.  Our feast was delicious then we took a nice (and long) stroll over to the Siene River and sat on the ledge pretending to be locals – wine and chocolates and all.  This was probably the most relaxing and rewarding part of our day. It was an amazing last full day in Paris.  We are on to Florence.  In the meantime, here’s a few more photos from the day… Au Revoir!

Finding a picnic spot

Salami Sandwiches

Mike’s very exciting Dijon Spread

The Louvre

The Winged Victory

Mona Lisa

Siene River

Notre Dame

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