Day 5 (Dec 29) - First Day in Paris [ Day 4 | Index | Day 6 ]

Sarah summed it up: "Paris distinctly lacked the naive quality that I love about Amsterdam. The people are more ornery and less - well naîve. It was seedier." It was my second time in Paris, and I still dig it... although I think my fascination with the city is mainly due to its architecture. There's no French equivalent for "I'm sorry" (despite us endlessly prodding this poor waiter only to end up with "pardón"). And the very first thing was saw was a mother supervising her 5-year-old to piss on the street... right next to a public toilet. And the French just cannot make a good cup of coffee. They can't even figure out a "cafe mocha", despite having both "cafe" and "mocha" on the menu. But I digress... the first day we just wandered the city. We swung by Notre Dame, checked out Palais Royal, skipped the ridiculous Louvre line, then hit dinner at L'Epicerie. A nightcap at the overly-smokey Villa Keops (I don't miss cigarettes in bars), and it's bedtime, because tomorrow we hit The Louvre nice and early. Really.

Corner of Reamúr-Sèbastopol and Rue Turbigo (like you care) Random Parisian street Sarah on said random Parisian street French bicycles for sale Sassy Sarah Sees Seine I like the little moped in the corner "Art Nouveau! Art Nouveau!" Makes sense to the French "It's smaller than I imagined it" Inviting doors The dark ages were a happy time Notre Dame (back) Seine, with random buildings, and clouds Try 1 at La Louvre (line to the left) Odd game/puzzle/art/moat at Palais Royal I am French! Look at my shoes! Random Napoleonic arch on Rue Montparnase Drinks at Villa Keops