Day 3

I know it will sound funny to those back home, but this is hard work. I've been through two lines completely now and am refining my method. There are a number of stops that I don't need to see, as I've explored them thoroughly in the past. I've also found that it sometimes is quicker to take a bus from location to location. The bus lines often parallel the  metro lines, so they can be quicker to a site I want to see--and also give a break from climbing up and down the stairs of the Metro.

I've found some pretty interesting places, but one of my favorites was at the end of line 1. Chateau Vincennes--and the town of Vincennes--were unexpectedly fun and quaint. The town is just outside of Paris, on the edge of the Bois Vincenees, a huge wooded park. At the top of the blog is the Chateau, and here's the chapel: 

Real Day 2, concluded

Day 2 was Christmas Day. Got up early (5:00) am, and video chatted with the family--they were having Christmas eve. After breakfast (why is yogurt so much better here?), I went out and hit a half dozen metro stations. Easy stuff--still feeling a bit of jet lag. Went to the musee Jacquemart- Andre, a beautifully conserved 19th century mansion, featuring Italian and Dutch art. There was a Van Dyke exhibit going on at the time; I'd never appreciate what a talent he had for capturing faces. Then went to Parc Monceau--more about that and pictures next time. For now, I'll leave you with holiday skating at Hotel de Ville 

Day 1 (and 2) continued at Notre Dame

After a bit, I walked over to Notre Dame. I figured I wouldn't make the midnight mass (and it's too crowded, anyway), so I went to an early evening one. This video shows the priest swinging the incense:

I'm not Catholic, but there's something powerful about seeing Christmas mass in the second most famous cathedral. Lots of rude picture takers with flashes, although that's explicitly forbidden. A little further down from the altar, I found this year's creche. The church lit up scenes from the wood carvings as the priest told the story. Here's a short video: 

Many churches this year seemed to be using technology, often to poor effect. See, for example, this version of Mary with the disco ball at St. Severin:

The simple candles were much more effective and left me wondering how they got them up there.

Ended the night with a cheap but decent meal at a nearby cafe. Had escargot, supposedly duck breast in green pepper sauce (was actually a steak, but who's to quibble as it was good) and creme brulee. Tomorrow will have fewer videos and more pictures

Day 1 (and 2) continued

Just back from the Monoprix. There's a new one just about three minutes from here, across from the Cluny. Below is a quick video of the apartment. I've cleaned up and think I'll go wander over to Notre Dame and then the skating rink at Hotel de Ville to take some shots. The 10 euro prix fixe 3 course menus here look pretty good--might just have a meal tonight.

Day 1 (and 2)

I'm here, in Paris. In my apartment in the 5th arrondisment. Pictures and maps and spelling will come later; right now I'm tired. Left LAX on the 22 and was supposed to connect in Houston, but the LAX flight was three hours late, so I spent the night in a crack hotel in Houston (thanks, Hotwire--never go below four stars when using them). Houston flight was delayed for an hour because of mechanical problems, but I'm here. And the wireless works. I've been in the same clothes for two days, without any toiletries, so my plan is to quickly shower, shave, change, and then head out to the Monoprix on Blvd. St. Michel to stock up on some basics. It's Christmas eve, so I don't want to miss if they close early. Might pick up some quick street food to bring up here. My plan, then, is to take a two hour nap, then get up and go explore and get my bearings. Cheers!