Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Paris, France, 6-8 Sep 2007: Three Days In Paris
City Sights In Black & White
Day 1. 5pm. Musee d'Orsay. From Tuileries metro, walked through the gardens, crossed River Seine on the lovely slender Solferrino bridge. Long queue at the museum discouraged entry. Pity. 6pm. Went to Montmartre. Stopped at Abbesses metro. Did not take the elevator. Instead scaled the spiral staircase decorated with colourful murals of Parisien scenes. Crowds gathered to enjoy the panoramic view of Paris from the steps leading up to Sacre Coeur cathedral at the peak of Butte Montmartre. 10pm. Strolled along the banks, and enjoyed the quiet of, St Martin's canal in the untouristy 10th Arrondissement. Stood in the middle of one of the canal's many bridges as a cool refreshing breeze wafted over gently. Day 2. 10am. Friday street market metres away from the apartment building in the 11th Arrondissement. Quick look at the stalls. 11am. Marais walk. Along rue de Turenne to Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, perfectly symmetrical and stately. Nearly noon. Back to apartment for lunch. 1pm. Latin quarters. Visited Luxembourg gardens. Weather was excellent, people lounged around, soaking up the sun. 3pm. Walked to St Sulpice cathedral (of Da Vinci's Code fame). Almost empty, north tower under restoration. Short visit to St Germain des Pres. 4pm. Walked through the grounds of the huge Louvre Museum, to the Palais Royale. Time stood still as gentlemen engaged in the silent game of petanque. 5pm. Walked to Notre Dame. Toured the gothic interiors. Then ... Berthillon ice-cream (chocolate, strawberry, praline with orange, raspberry) at No.31, Ile St Louis. Absolutely yummy. 6pm. Beauborg walk. Saw Georges Pompidou Centre. Enough. 7pm. To Eiffel Tower. The best approach ever was from Trocadero metro. Come out of the station, turn left and suddenly the tower plopped right into the field of view. Unrivalled vista. 8pm. Montparnasse. Met some new friends for dinner of moules et frites. 10pm. Streets of Paris filled with rollerbladers. Cars had to wait for more than 10 minutes for the whole train to pass. Incredible. Day 3. Am. Meeting at KNOE, Kremlin Biscetre. Fruitful discussions. Lunch of excellent Pho at Pho 14. Avenue de Choisy, near Tolbiac metro. Pm. Shopping at Galerie Lafayette. 8pm. To airport. |
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These are the 30 countries that I have ever set foot on. Airport stopovers don't count!
