Paris -- Day 2

Thursday 1800

Set off around 900 in our Uber Mercedes van to the area of Musée d’Orsay.  Had breakfast in a cafe across from the Orsay and watched a downpour break out — heavy rain and wind.  After breakfast we stood in line in the rain and wind for our 10 am entry to the museum (thanks for getting the tickets, Lucian!)

The museum is an old train station built between 1898 and 1900.  The building is spectacular; could t build something this beautiful today.  Operated as a train station until trains became too long by 1939.  The building was going to be torn down but was saved in the 1980s and made into the Orsay.

While I am not a lover of Impressionism, the museum is spectacular with amazing collections.

After two hours we headdd outside wehere the weather had improved.  Walked across the Seine and saw a statute of Thomas Jefferson.  We then wandered around into and out of stores.  Such a beautiful city with so many small specialty stores. The city is so clean and the many pedestrians give the outward appearance of being joyful; you don’t see many people you would classify as “grumpy.”  So many people are well dressed — nothing fancy but just as Alissa said “preppy.”

After a stop at a cafe for a round of “day drinking” (I had a glass of Chardonnay) we headed back to Chez Renard. I am writing this from Jardin de Luxenbourg which is very near our Airbnb. The park was laid out in 1610 — that’s not a typo.   Hundreds of people enjoying a sunny spring afternoon.  We enjoyed thirty minutes of hanging out, people watching and discussing the meaning of life.

We hit the sidewalk again and walked to the Little Prince Store where Courtney found herself in heaven.  Afterward, we walked over to Notre Dame.  The area around Notre Dame was insightfully described by Lucian as “Myrtle Beach.”

We turned homeward bound and found ourselves back at Chex Renard after a roughly 15 minute walk.

My dogs and legs are tired.  We have seen a lot in the 30 hours we have been here — and had fun!  I think my goal tonight is to rest up so we can have a big day tomorrow.

Alissa is a saint.  She’s such a joyful and enthusiastic person and a wonderful addition to our family.  She never shows frustration in dealing with our quirky personalities that we’ve had many more years to adapt to!